A Guardian Angel
Chapter 123
Reunions
( Current Time)
Declan sat at his desk, scrolling through the live camera feeds on his phone. Reaching forward, he took a sip of his coffee. He'd been back to work less than an hour and already he was bored. Leaning back in his chair with a sigh, he swiped through the feed again.
He had clear views of everything in all of the houses. After double checking the mics and cameras this morning, he knew there was nothing to do but wait for them to come home.
Exiting the app, Declan pushed himself up from the desk. He'd been about to pace the room, when the desk phone began ringing. He reached for it with a quickness.
"Head of security."
"Meet me in my office in five minutes to go over the security briefing." Lich said hanging up.
Walking to the elevator he let his mind wander. The administrative staff and the band had been booked on separate flights, and theirs had been last night. Stepping out of the elevator Declan walked past the empty secretary desk, and into Lich's office.
Lich as usual was sitting behind his desk on a phone call, but seeing Declan he motioned him in.
"What I'm looking for is an exterminator. No, not even for a rat. Just one little mouse getting too bold for her own good." He said listening again. After a few brief words Lich hung up the phone and stood.
"I notice your guard dog's missing."
"That dog is being put down. It's come to my attention that she's playing both sides of the fence. I've no patience for those who stray."
"I'll look into it on my end. I don't trust her not to start sabotaging things. Not when I have investments at stake." Declan said leaning against the window.
"Security meetings a go. New trainees on both ends are being trained, those to work and those to identify and obtain targets." Declan said simply.
"Anything new?"
"The trainees."
"Other than that." Lich snapped.
"Yes. I've decided to collect on the night of the concert." Declan said watching as Lich whipped around towards him.
"You do realize every time you do this you put our entire operation at risk?" Lich asked glowering at him.
"Well, after the next concert it won't happen again." He said with a shrug.
"There won't be another concert after this one." Lich snapped.
"Which is exactly why I intend to collect Anderson. Since this is, as you say, the end of our highly profitable venture with the Scream Kings. Then it makes sense for me to collect my fee." Declan said simply.
"I've nothing else to update you with." Turning he walked from the office. The way Lich was speaking, it didn't sound as if he intended to continue their current arrangement. Now he was questioning whether Lich had the balls to double cross him. He didn't think so, but this was something he wanted to find out himself, before he found out the hard way.
o0o0o
Fionna ran across the airport lobby chasing after Aria. At nearly three years old she'd topped the charts being the fastest toddler alive, at least in Fionna's opinion. Her mother had Melody in the car seat, but for some reason Ari had taken off.
Finally catching her at the baggage claim, Fionna scooped her up heading back in the direction of incoming arrivals.
"Don't you want to see Daddy Silly girl?"
"I find Daddy! Down! I want down!" She screeched kicking her legs.
"Excuse me Booglet, but Daddy's coming home over there." Fionna said carrying the feisty toddler back to her parents. Marshall's plane had just landed, and she knew it would be allowing their passengers to disembark shortly.
Today had been a day two years in the making, and Fionna wanted it to be perfect for everyone. Everyone here, and everyone on the plane. She looked at the group of people around her, every one of them here to welcome the guys home. She watched the gate open, as people slowly trickled out.
"Anything yet?" She asked trying not to bump the woman in the wheel chair as they passed.
Not yet." Marcy said softly.
"We're positive this is the correct arrival gate?" Bubba asked looking towards his step mother.
"You can double check the tickets if you want, but I know how to read an airline itinerary." Dessa said with her hands on her hips. "Now put a smile on your face, and let's welcome Modestus home." She said cupping his cheeks with her hands and smiling at him.
"Did I miss them?" Hannah asked running up.
Ellen turned smiling at her.
"You're right on time as always. Didn't miss a thing."
"Awesome, I swear I was about to have to beat someone with a stick for parking." Hannah said peeking in at Melody.
"Isn't that right pretty girl? Nonie'll beat someone with a stick, yes she will." She said watching as the baby smiled at her, Ellen and Steve laughing.
Fionna scanned the people walking off the plane, and spotting Marshall she pointed him out to Ari watching the excitement on her face grow. She started screeching, and putting her down Fionna watched as she ran to her father.
Marshall scooped their child up in one fell swoop, making his way over to her.
Fionna was in his arms being kissed before she could even blink. She smiled into the kiss listening as Marceline screamed in excitement, bumping into them as she ran by.
"IGGY!"
"MARCY!"
They both laughed as she jumped on her husband, hugging him tightly and kissing him as he spun her around.
"Oh my gosh Iggy I missed you so much!" Marceline said wiping her eyes and smiling at Ignitus who just couldn't stop grinning.
"I missed you too Baby, and I promise I'm not going away like that again."
"Good you'd better not, too much happened while you were away." She said softly giving him another squeeze.
"I know Marcy, and I'm sorry."
"Don't be, I'm just so glad you're home." She said kissing him once again.
0o0
"You need help Love?" Mo asked watching as Kate tugged on her bag trying to pry it from the overhead compartment.
"Yes please." Her bag had been wedged in tighter than she ever imagined it could be.
"Chill at our seats for a sec and we'll get it out." Mo said looking to Ash who nodded.
Kate watched as together they worked the bags loose, until finally her bag was freed.
Mo handed her his backpack hauling her much larger duffle bag over his shoulder.
"Wow, Marsh and Ig wasted no time." She said softly, looking around the mostly empty plane. Every other trip they'd all gotten off the plane together.
"Of course not, they have people waiting for them, parents and family. My mom's too sick to come here, and you know about Mo's parents." Ash said softly.
"Well, we're our family, so we're all already here." Mo said as she smiled.
"BabyCakes that was the sappiest thing I think I've ever heard you say." Kate said hugging him and giving his cheek a kiss.
"We do have to go though, so let's get this show on the road." He said leading the way off the plane.
"Ah shit I think I left my phone on the seat. Go ahead without me I'll be right there." Ash said hurrying back.
Mo took her hand so they could walk out together.
In the bright sunlight of the arrivals lobby, Kate couldn't help but smile. Seeing the boys with their families always made her feel warm and fuzzy. Glancing up at Mo she saw the wistful look on his face as he too smiled, his though seemed sadder.
They'd been walking towards the group when a familiar face caught Kate's eye. Before she could point her out to Mo, Dessa was calling his name, and his face lit up.
Mo turned practically running. Kate stumbled along as he hurried over, hugging his Aunt and cousin.
"What are you guys doing here?" He asked looking back and forth between them.
"Modestus, you've been gone for two years, of course I'm going to be here to welcome you back home Sweetheart." Dessa said squeezing him tightly.
"I really didn't think anyone would come." He said softly. "Thank you guys."
"We wouldn't be anywhere else today." Bubba said with a shrug.
Kate took a step back allowing Mo to be with them. She knew that even if he hadn't mentioned it often, that he'd missed what was left of his family. Taking the time she looked around.
Marshall was holding Melody looking absolutely over the moon as he did.
Ignitus and Marcy were over there with he, Fionna, and her family too.
Turning she spotted Ash walking out from the airplane, and to her surprise she heard someone call his name.
Looking over she saw a woman in a wheel chair in tears and made the connection as Ash ran over hugging her. That had to be his mother.
"Ma what are you doing here?"
"I asked my nurse to bring me. Of course I'd be here to welcome you home baby." She said kissing the top of his head as he just continued holding her tightly.
"I missed you Ma, I really really did."
"I missed you too Ashton."
Kate felt the tears well up, it was beautiful to see everyone coming together. Mo was right, that all the family they needed was each other. But Kate still couldn't help but feel a small tinge of sadness as Ash's mom motioned Mo to come closer, hugging him as well. It would have been nice to have someone here to welcome her home too.
"Kate Sweetie come here, let me see your ring." Dessa said pulling her over.
"Oh honey I'm so excited you said yes! Welcome to the family!" She said smiling as she hugged her tightly.
"Thank you." Kate said smiling at her, Dessa's joy utterly infectious
"Sweetheart you must be Kate." The woman in the chair said motioning her closer, Mo bringing her over. She felt as Bubba's hand rested on her shoulder.
"Welcome back. Congratulations on your engagement, and thank you for taking such good care of my cousin." he said giving her a brief hug before allowing Mo to pull her away.
"Kate, this is my mom Julie." Ash said as she smiled.
"You can call me whatever you like sweetheart, but all the boys just call me Ma." She said with a happy sigh. "You took care of both my boys, and I can't thank you enough." Ash's mom said pulling her into a hug.
"Thank you, but it's really no problem, that's what friends do for each other." Kate said now smiling, feeling the warmth spread through her chest. The longer everyone talked the more everyone moved around to see everyone else.
Marceline had been thrilled to see her, and had thanked her profusely for taking care of Ignitus while she was away. Fionna hugged her tightly saying the same for Marshall, and their parents were all just as warm and appreciative. Thanking her for feeding them, and helping to take care of them, while they all toured the world.
As they all moved towards the exits Kate paused for a moment allowing her emotions to settle. She was so overwhelmed by the love she felt. Honestly it wasn't something she'd have expected to happen.
"Hey, you okay?" Mo asked pausing to hang back with her.
"Yeah, I just...It'll sound silly, but I felt a little jealous of everyone, having someone here for them to welcome them home. I never realized how much I mean to everyone, or how much they appreciate me just feeding you guys. Today I realized that maybe my family's larger than I thought it was, and for that I'm touched. So I just needed a moment is all." She said wiping her eye.
Mo smiled wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Guiding her slowly along they trailed after everyone, leaving the airport and heading home.
o0o0o
Marshall laughed as he chased the girls around the living room, Ari riding on his back like he was a pony. Jake's girls were running around the room all laughing as they played.
Ari scrambled off Marshall's back chasing the trio, giggling the whole while.
Ari had grown leaps and bounds since he'd seen her last, both in her speech and in how she was playing. Her ability to run was now smooth and second nature to her. She was like a tiny little person now, playing make believe.
His thoughts were broken as Ellen called them to dinner. Pushing himself up he scooped Ari into his arms. Bringing her to the bathroom he washed their hands, heading to the dinner table.
Ellen had made a feast rivaling Thanks Giving dinner. A roasted turkey, and a roast beef sat on the table, and around them were dozens of dishes all filled with various sides. Roasted and mashed potatoes, squash and stuffing, roasted carrots, mushrooms, and both turkey and beef gravy.
Sitting beside Fionna, Marshall sat Ari in her high chair where a plate had already been prepared for her. He grabbed the fork prepared to feed her but Ari took the fork from him.
"I do it Daddy." She said taking a bite of her dinner getting most of it in her mouth.
"Don't forget, small bites Ari." Fionna said shredding some of the turkey on her plate up for the baby, Marshall doing the same with his roast as everyone else sat down.
The table was crowded, loud, and full of people.
Ellen, Steve, and Hannah all chatted near the top next to he, Fionna, and their kids on his mom's side.
Jake and Lady had the other end and had sandwiched the three girls in the middle, each of them handling one of the twins.
They talked about the concert, and the tour around the world. They filled Marshall in on everything he'd missed, and what had been going on. They laughed, and joked, and told stories, and Marshall knew that no matter where he went in life, that this would always be home to him.
0o0
Once dinner had ended Steve herded the children into the living room with the promise of a movie. Fionna went with him helping to get the kids settled. When she returned Jake, Lady, and Marshall were discussing children.
"Nah, I was an only child so I'd love my kids to have siblings." Marshall said slipping his arm around Fionna's waist as she returned to the room.
"What're we talking about?" She asked sitting back down at the table.
"Whether you guys will be having more babies." Lady said with a smile.
"I'd want tons if it was something that was doable." Marshall said shrugging.
Fionna simply nodded with a smile, not saying much as they all chatted. While she knew Marshall was more than on board with the idea of having more children, Fionna still felt like she didn't want to go through pregnancy again. With how both her pregnancies ended, the thought of carrying another baby was something that genuinely scared her. It was not something she wanted to do again, and Fionna felt like this was something she needed to let Marshall know sooner rather than later.
Lady went to the living room with Steve and Ellen, Jake following shortly after. Taking this moment to them selves to her advantage Fionna decided to speak up.
"Marshall? I'm sorry but I don't want to get pregnant again." Fionna said in a small voice watching his face for a reaction. "I wish more than anything I could have given you a son, but I genuinely don't think I'm okay to go through another pregnancy." She said softly.
To her surprise though he smiled.
"Fionna, your health is more important than a child that doesn't even exist yet. We don't need a son for our family to be complete. I'm over the moon, and more than satisfied being a father of two, to our beautiful little girls. You don't need to feel guilt for doing what's best for you. If you feel done having kids then we're done." He said simply taking her hand and kissing it. "I'm more than happy with the family we have right now."
Leaning forward Fionna brushed her lips against his.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me, I should be thanking you. You gave me two beautiful children Fi. If we want anymore kids in the future, we can adopt. If you don't want to adopt, we can wait till the girls are older, and we're more established, and we can foster." He said simply. Hearing this Fionna hugged him tightly kissing him again.
"You're absolutely incredible."
"I'm nothing more than a devoted man in love with his muse." He said smiling as she kissed him again.
o0o0o
Mei crept around the house removing the cameras she knew were there, and the microphones as well. She'd only been working the outside of Marshall and Fionna's house for a few minutes when movement on the inside made her pause.
She watched as Declan walked down from the second floor. From the looks of things, he was in the process of setting up new wires and maybe cameras as well. Mei watched as he made his way out of the house and decided to follow him.
His next stop had been Mo and Kate's house. After watching him circle the house and vanish, Mei decided to sneak closer for a better look. She did a quick loop of the house just to be sure he had gone inside. Rounding the corner to the back, Mei sidled towards the sliding door trying to peek in.
She'd had only a moment before she was grabbed, and pulled into the house. She was tripped and slammed face down on he kitchen counter, gasping in pain as he pinned her down with her arms behind her back.
"Looks like Lich was right little mouse. You did make the mistake of bonding with your prey. I knew you couldn't be trusted anymore." He said smirking at Mei. Leaning down he whispered in her ear.
"Lich had a lot to say this morning." Declan smirked at her attempt to escape him. "Honestly, I'd be worried if I were you. He was a bit more aggravated than usual. He seemed more than eager to have someone to take it out on. And I can't say I disagree." Declan said brushing her hair out from her eyes, adding pressure listening as she grunted in pain.
"So what were you following me for?"
"I wanted to check my cameras!" Mei yelped as he wrenched her arm.
"I just don't think you're being truthful with me." He said kicking her legs apart and patting her down.
"Maybe you're afraid I'll take your spot as Lich's pet." He said sliding his hand down her thighs and over her hips.
"Maybe your goal is to kill me. The world may never know." He said now sliding his hand up her stomach.
"Right goal, wrong person." Mei said feeling Declan's hand stop. "Lich has been working with Feuer, and they talk about you a lot, like a lot a lot. He doesn't like you. Maybe we should both be worried."
This made him pause. While he didn't think Lich had the balls to double cross him with Feuer, he was certain Feuer would have the balls to use Lich to get to him. After a moment he released her, shoving Mei into the counter as he slipped through the sliding glass door.
"You're so lucky this numbers in reserve for someone else." He said leaving her there.
Mei sat there listening as he walked away. She could hear the crunch of the grass, and the pounding of her heart in her chest. She could hear a car start after a moment, and only then did she feel comfortable to leave the house.
Checking around again, Mei made her way back to her car. This was bad, this was supremely bad. If Declan, the black sheep of the business, had Lich's favor like this...
'I'm screwed. I'm beyond all reason screwed.'
Heading to her place, Mei checked the mirrors for Declan constantly. She hadn't even been home yet, she'd gone right to work just as Lich told her to. Grabbing her bag she made her way into the apartment.
It was empty and exactly as she left it.
Not knowing what else to do she dialed Lucas listening to the phone ring. Someone promised and owed her a couch to sleep on. Even now after clearing each room, Mei didn't feel comfortable here, and she couldn't see Lucas turning her away.
The line answered, and before he could speak Mei did.
"Lucas I need your help."
"Hey Mei, what's going on?"
Mei told him everything, what Lich had told her to do, and what happened with Declan earlier, what he'd said and done.
"Honey, that's wild. Do you want me to come and get you?"
"Could you please? Honestly I feel weird by myself and I'm getting a headache. Can I stay with you for a bit? Please?"
"Of course you can, I told you you could months ago."
"Thank you."
"Not a problem at all, send me your address and I'll be on the way."
"I'll text you now, and I'll see you when you get here okay?" she asked sending the address.
"Sounds good."
"Bye."
"See you in a bit."
Closing her eyes Mei rested her pounding head on the arm of the couch. She wanted nothing more than to take a nap, and sleep this aching in her head away. The thought was so tempting, but she had things to do.
Pushing herself up Mei decided to jump in the shower. She wanted to wash off the feel of Declan's hands against her body. The thought of him touching her made her sick. Throwing her bag on her bed Mei grabbed a change of clothes heading to the shower as her head continued to pound.
o0o0o
"Do you promise you're not peeking?" Marceline asked, her hands covering Ignitus' eyes as she walked him to what used to be the smallest bedroom.
"Well you're intentionally blinding me and doing a good job so..."
"Okay keep your eyes shut." Marcy said now walking around him, opening the door. "Open them!" She said excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Iggy opened his eyes and grinned... The smallest bedroom Marcy had been talking about, had been turned into a music lab and studio.
"Yo, this is awesome! You're literally the best wife ever." He said pulling Marcy over for a kiss as she happily obliged.
Marceline watched as he walked around the room checking out the equipment.
"It's a full recording studio with Dad's "mixology" set up. He made sure it was all set with the most up to date tech so we can make record and edit music from home. Takes working from home and gives it a new meaning huh?" She asked with a laugh. It was so nice having him home, and speaking of home...
"Hey Ig?"
"Yeah Babe?" He asked now giving her his full attention.
"Do you think you could talk to our new neighbors? They moved in a few months ago. So far they've knocked down our fence, which is fine, we were planning on getting a new one." She said watching as he nodded.
"The problem is that they built a gazebo right in the middle of our property lines. I told them that it wouldn't work for us, but they did it anyways." Marcy said with a shrug, watching as Ig made a face walking to the window.
"I mean its a really nice gazebo but they couldn't have done it on their side? What the hell?" Now he turned walking from the room.
"I'll go talk to them now." He said passing her.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, might as well get it over and done with." He said pulling his sneakers on, Marcy following him out the back door.
"Wow, they didn't even try to stay on their property line." He said walking around the gazebo. Now he walked through their back yard, rounding the front. He'd been so focused on the task at hand Marceline noticed, that he hadn't even recognized Ember's car parked in the driveway. She watched as he knocked on the door, Ember answering with a grin.
"What's up neighbor?"
"EMMA!" Ig laughed hugging his sister, more than happy to see her.
"It's about time you came to visit me Iggy, we've been all settled in for months now." Ember said holding the door open for he and Marceline to enter.
"So you're here to bitch about my gazebo huh?" She asked watching her brother scope her new place out.
"Well now that I know it's yours that basically makes it ours." He said walking around the house. "I like the digs, it's still got that freshly moved in smell."
"That'll be the paint... I've cooked everything I can think of, all I can guess is that there's not enough fabric items to make it smell like home." She said with a shrug.
"Where's Finn?"
"Walking Wolfie, they should be back soon." Ember said as a phone began ringing. They both turned towards Marceline who walked from the house answering the call.
"Are you doing okay Emma?" Ignitus asked quietly. "Nothing like that has happened again right?"
"No, and I'm okay. I really am Ig."
"I'm not leaving like that again Em, I promise." He said allowing her to step into his embrace squeezing her tightly. "I'm sorry that you needed me and I wasn't there."
"Please don't say that Iggy."
"Emma, I feel like I failed you." He said squeezing her tighter at this.
"Well you didn't, Papa did. Have you ever been able to get a hold of him?" Ember asked looking up at her brother watching as he shook his head.
"No I haven't, and I'm planning on making an in person visit today as well." Hearing this Ember nodded.
"Have you thought about our last conversation?" Ember asked listening as he sighed now releasing her and stepping back.
"Emma, he shoved a gun under my jaw and pulled the trigger twice. Your engagement party was a one time thing. I love you to pieces, I do. But we, our father and I, are never going to be in the same room again. Not if I have anything to say about it." Ignitus said shaking his head.
"I understand that you want a relationship with our parents, and I would never deny you that, or have you choose between us. But please, don't try to force us together. All that will do is force you and I apart, and I don't want that."
"I don't want that either." Ember said shaking her head. Deciding to move towards a safer topic of conversation, Ember brought their discussion back to their now shared back yard.
"So Marcy and I have been planning on making the two joined back yards a paradise. We were thinking of maybe a pool either on my side or yours. We also want to fence the whole thing in all nice nice. Marcy was talking about how we can put in privacy shrubs and have a garden plot too."
"Now that would be a bomb idea. I'm totally down, are we talking above ground or below ground pool? Because that changes your property values."
"We were thinking below, Marcy was talking about wanting a waterfall and a cave of some sort."
"You sold me officially at waterfall and cave." He said watching as Ember laughed.
"That's where Marcy sold me too." The door opened and Wolfie came bounding in, with Finn and Marceline following closely behind.
"I figured we could have our own welcome home get together and go out for dinner." She said smiling at them.
"I think that'll work." Marceline said watching as Finn nodded.
"I'm down. Ig?"
"Honestly, can we have dinner at home? I've been all around the world, and I just wanna be home."
"How about a cook out?" Ember asked watching as her brother perked up at the idea.
"That would be a great idea. I've got an errand I need to run, so how about we meet back here in an hour?" He asked watching as everyone nodded. Turning he and Marceline walked from the house.
"What errands do you have?" She asked slipping her hand into his.
"It's nothing huge, just something I want to get settled before I forget is all. It'll probably take me about an hour give or take."
"Okay love, you go run your errand and we'll get everything ready okay?"
"Sounds like a plan." He said giving her a kiss and grabbing his keys. "I'll be back soon Baby."
o0o0o
"And Dessa you would not believe the time I caught the pair of these two trying to raise a sick squirrel they'd found in our attic."
"Oh my gawwwdd Maaaa." Ash said burying his face in his hands.
"Don't you take The Lord's name in vain Ashton." She said cutting him a look before turning back to their host. "So Mo and Ash come home from school, and they walk in with a shoe box. I'm over here thinking it's a school project." She said taking a sip from her glass.
"Auntie here's the kicker, it wasn't a school project." Mo said laughing.
"Wait, is this the story about how you had to get a rabies shot!?" Dessa asked looking from Mo to Ash while Julie nodded.
"It indeed is." She said with a laugh. "From what I learned over the years, they opened up that box to check on it, and poor Ashton took a squirrel right to the face. That thing jumped on them and the screams. Oh my gosh Dessa you'd have thought all hell had broken loose in that attic, and let me tell you it did. I had to call a catch and release trapper because I wasn't about to let that poor squirrel pay with it's life for their foolishness." She said watching as Dessa laughed, her husband and Bubba doing the same.
"Why'd you have to get a shot?" Kate asked looking over at Mo.
"Well it jumped from Ash to me, and we were kind of freaking out. We both ended up getting bit. It got my arm a few times, and let's just sat Ash couldn't sit comfortably for a bit."
"It took a chunk right out of my butt, I probably still have the scar." Ash said listening as everyone else laughed.
"Now trust and believe I put up with a crazy amount from these two over the years, but rarely have I had the pleasure of having a young man in my life like your nephew. I had the pleasure of meeting his parents years ago."
"My sister and her husband were wonderful people, and all the did was talk about Modestus and his friends. They absolutely loved your son, and I've nothing but good things to say about him as well. He's been nothing but polite and respectful. I've heard stories about their hijinks for years now." Dessa said laughing.
"Oh my gosh, did Alyssa ever tell you about the sleepover?"
"No, she didn't, what sleep over?"
"For the love of all that's holy Ma, I'm begging you, please don't tell this story." Mo said, his face beet red, Ash on the other hand laughed.
"Come on dude it's funny."
"To you!"
"Oh honey curiosity isn't a sin, ya'll drinking before you were supposed to was what the real problem was." She said shaking her head in amusement.
"What happened?" Kate asked now looking to Mo curiously. His face was still red and he seemed more than embarrassed.
"That'll be a private discussion Kate, I've already said too much." Julie said returning to her dinner.
"Look, nothing will ever be worse than graduation day." Ash said shaking his head.
"I cannot believe out of all of us Ignitus was the only one able to walk to get his diploma." Mo said shaking his head with a laugh.
"You're lucky you're not still grounded for that Modestus."
"Come on Auntie, a little pot never killed anyone." Mo said with a shrug.
"You sold edibles at the school bake sale!"
"Technically it was on a Saturday so it doesn't count, but I mean come on we were completely sold out. All that money went to a good cause."
"One that you damn near got expelled over mister." Dessa said now turning towards Kate. "Honey please tell me that should you two have children, you'll try and keep them out of the ridiculous shenanigans their father and his friends got into?"
"I'll do my best." She said trying to hide her smile.
The time passed as they shared their stories over dinner and dessert. But as all good things do, their time together came to an end.
Dessa walked them to the door thanking everyone as they prepared to leave.
"Thank you so much for having us Dessa, you've been a complete delight."
"Thank you for coming Julie, you have my number now. It was a pleasure having you all. We need to do this again soon, I'd love to have you next Sunday." She said with a smile turning to the boys and Kate.
"Ash sweetheart, as usual it's wonderful to have you. Take good care of your mom and I'll see you next week okay?" She asked giving him a hug. She watched as he and the nurse helped his mother into the van before driving down the driveway. Now Dessa turned to Kate.
"Kate Sweetheart, I don't even know where to begin with you. My nephew could not have picked a more beautiful, and genuine, woman to choose to spend his life with. I'm so excited to have you join our family." Dessa said pulling her into a tight hug, one that reminded her so much of her Grandmama's that she had to blink away tears.
Now Dessa turned to Mo who grinned holding his arms out as she stepped into his embrace.
"Oh honey. If your parents could see you now, I know they would be more proud of you than I am, and to be honest, I'm not sure that's even possible right now. But I'm so proud of you Modestus. I'm proud of you for chasing your dreams and accomplishing them. And I'm so proud of the man you've become. You're a world famous musician, you have an incredible career, and a beautiful loving Fiancee. I told you things would all work themselves out one day." She said squeezing him tightly.
"I missed you so much Auntie."
"And I missed you too sweetheart. I love you, and I'm so glad you're both back home." Dessa said opening her arm welcoming Kate into the hug, until finally she released them both.
"So, gonna go home and settle in?"
"Yeah, I can't wait to go home." Mo said, Kate nodding in agreement.
"I'll let you both go then. Give me a call when you get home so I know you're in safe. And if either of you need anything, you know I'm just a call away." Dessa said waving bye as they walked to Mo's car.
"That was a wonderful visit." Kate said smiling at Mo as he held the car door open for her.
"It was, maybe we can start doing family dinners there once a week or so." Mo said climbing into his car and starting it.
"So now that we're alone..." Kate said trailing off, still curious about Julie's story from earlier.
"Do I have to?" Mo asked sounding more than reluctant.
"Was it really that bad?"
"It wasn't anything bad at all. It was just embarrassing as hell for me, but I'll tell you if you want." He said glancing away from the road to Kate who seemed to be thinking about it.
"How about this, if you really are uncomfortable, you don't have to tell me. But know that if you do, I won't judge you for what it is." She said watching as he continued driving, now shifting gears.
"Okay. Well we were at Ash's, the four of us. FP brought over a bottle because as you know dude's got ninja stealth and a never ending access to alcohol. So we're in the attic goofing, off playing cards, and drinking games. At that point everyone was drunk but I was blasted. Like come on, what kind of fifteen year old can hold his liquor right? So around that time I was questioning a lot of things, and I wasn't sure where I sat on the sexuality spectrum. Like I was positive I liked girls, but I had this kind of crush on a guy in my class so I was just hella confused. Like was I straight, was I bi? Did I have to put a label on it if I was? Not to mention I was scared that if I was any of those things the guys would just completely write me off." Mo said pulling onto the on ramp of the highway.
"So all that's in my head, and as you know, what happens when I drink?" Mo asked now looking at Kate.
"No! Word Vomit?"
"Word Vomit. So now I'm freaking out because I was worrying about that, and naturally I blabbed everything." Mo said shaking his head.
"So what happened?"
"Well Ash being Ash figured it was a talkable thing, while Marshall and Ig chose the more direct experimental route."
"Meaning?"
"Ig and Marsh played rock paper scissors, best two out of three. Then I had my first kiss ever, with FP of all people." Mo said waiting for her response.
"Really? I'm kind of surprised to be honest, he doesn't seem the type."
"Yeah I hadn't thought so either. But he's always been comfortable with his own sexuality that he legitimately didn't care. The exact conversation pretty much went: 'Guys, I think I like guys too and I don't know what to do.' They looked at each other, rock, paper, scissored, and Ig goes 'How comfortable would you be kissing a dude?' and I'm like 'well I think I like one so I guess I'd try.' and then he kissed me. Like a straight out, full on, mouth to mouth kiss."
"Then naturally, Ma walks in with a plate of cookies at that exact moment. Stops dead just staring at us, and my dumb ass just goes 'Hey Ma.' Well she just put the cookies down on the floor next to Marshall, shut the door, and left." At this Kate busted out laughing.
"Oh my gosh I can only imagine her face!"
"The funny thing was she didn't care either. After she left the guys asked me how I was feeling about everything. Dont get me wrong, it was a damn good kiss not that I'll ever tell him that, it just wasn't for me, it did nothing for me. Well I told the guys that and the first thing that happened was FP getting 'insulted' that I didn't fall for his "animal magnitism". Mo said now air quoting, Kate laughing again.
"But it was nice to figure out. I can't say kissing your friends is the solution to problems, but it helped me at the time. Turns out I just really wanted to be their friend." He said shrugging. "Now the really embarrassing part was when I came down to use the bathroom. Ma wanted to talk to me about what she walked in on." Mo said with a laugh.
"She wanted to be sure I wasn't pressured into anything. Then she let me know that regardless of my sexuality, she loved me, and that her home would always be open to me."
"Ash's mom is a really nice person."
"She is, Ma's one of the best. She might not have been around like she wanted to because of how she had to work, but she broke her back for Ash and his sister when we were younger." Mo said pulling into the driveway. "It's so good to be home."
o0o0o
Ignitus walked into the pub Ember mentioned to him, looking around for Feuer as he did. Spotting the bar tender he walked over.
"You look like you're lookin' for someone kid."
"I am. You see Feuer Flint recently?" He asked watching as the man looked him up and down.
"What outfit are you with?"
"What? I'm not with anyone. I just need to find him."
"What's your business?"
"He's my blood. That's my business. So do you know where the hell he is, or not?" Ignitus growled leaning towards the man. The bartender reached into his pocket and pulled out a card handing it to him.
"You're his blood alright. This is his current contact information." Taking the card he turned and walked from the bar. Inputting the address into his GPS, he drove to the hotel. Rather than calling the number on the card Ignitus walked right in quickly spotting him in the bar conversing with another man. Everything in him wanted to storm over and flip on Feuer for what happened to Ember, to rake him over the coals for his part in her pain. But Ignitus knew that now more than anything, was a time for subtlety. At least as much subtlety as he was capable of in his present mood.
On his way to the bar Ig rested his hand on Feuer's shoulder leaning towards his ear.
"We need to talk." He said releasing him. Walking over to the bartender he got a glass of water and sat down staring his grandfather down the whole while.
"Excuse me, I've a family matter to settle." Feuer said turning away from the man and walking towards his grandson.
"Welcome back Son-
"You don't get to call me that." Ignitus said cutting him off now glaring at him. "What the hell happened to my sister?"
"At last check she was fine. Moved into a house near yours." He said taking a sip of his drink.
"You know exactly, what I'm talking about. What the hell was that? And don't you dare say it was just business."
"Look kid, you know the way these things work-
"No, I don't. So why don't you enlighten me? Explain to me how letting some asshole try to rape my sister, is business for you!" He snapped now staring his grandfather down. Feuer said nothing, and all it did was further piss him off.
"You endangered my baby sister, you put her at unnecessary risk. She bent backwards to get you home, and you have the audacity to say it was just business? Her life, and her safety, isn't just business. It may be to you, but it's not to me." He growled still glaring at him.
In his eyes, Feuer's silence was speaking volumes right now. Pushing himself to his feet Ignitus began walking away, but paused turning to face his grandfather one more time.
"You're not the man I thought you were. The worst part is that I don't think you ever were." He said walking from the hotel.
0o0
Ignitus slid the key from the lock as he opened the door to his old apartment. From what he could see most of their personal belongings had been removed, probably by Marceline when she'd moved into their house. Walking to the bedroom Ignitus began his search. He checked the closet, the drawers of the old dresser, and even beneath it before moving to the living room doing the same thing.
He checked through drawers in the book case, finding a laminated card inside of one of his grandmother's books and smiled. Glancing over at closet door he paused. Pocketing the card he walked over opening the door.
He began checking the closet going through what was left. Reaching to feel around the upper shelves he found a box. Feeling the weight of it, he knew that what he'd been looking for was inside.
Opening the box he found the gun, and sitting on the couch Ig began working the jammed bullets free. Once he did he cleared the chamber, put it together turning the safety on, and slid it into his waist band.
After one last look around the apartment, he left, heading downstairs. Once he was in the truck, Ignitus pulled the gun from his waistband and put it in the glove box before heading to his next destination.
He arrived quickly enough making his way to a shop. Inside he walked right up to the cashier asking for a box of ammo.
"Can I see your license to carry please?" The woman watched as he reached into his pocket pulling out the card, sliding it over face down.
"Before you ask, no, that's not mine, and yes, she's in the car outside."
The woman looked questioningly from Ignitus to the license in his hand before laughing. Alright 'Blaise' this isn't the first time this has happened, what can I get you?"
"One box of 9 millimeter rounds."
"Going to the range?" She asked while Ignitus paid the money.
"Yeah, she's always been a hell of a shot." He said taking the bag offered to him.
"Oh, remind her to renew her license, it's about to expire."
"Thanks." Ignitus said with a grin. "I'll let her know."
o0o0o
Lucas pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex and stepped out of the car. As silly as it sounded, he was excited. One of his favorite things was to go to someone's house for the first time, it was like getting to know someone all over again.
He headed up the stairs after finding her building, and spotting Mei's apartment number on the door he knocked. He could hear the sounds of movement on the other side of the door, and listened to the sound of a thud and Mei's gasp. After another moment the locks unlocked, and the door opened. Mei stood there almost losing her balance holding tightly to the frame.
"Mei are you okay?"
"No, something's wrong with me." She said stumbling, Lucas grabbing her arm and holding her steady.
"Honey, you seem pretty disoriented, and you're breathing really fast. We need to get you to a hospital." Lucas said leaving no room for negotiation. "Where's your bag?"
"Couch." She said feeling her knees buckle. Lucas walked in, and grabbing the bag walked back over to Mei practically carrying her from the apartment. She was a stumbling mess and this concerned him greatly, especially after he'd sat her in his passengers seat.
In the time it had taken him to get in the drivers seat, and ask if she'd ingested anything that could be causing this, she'd passed out cold.
0o0
"Oh thank heavens you're okay!" Lucas gasped watching as Mei opened her eyes. "Oh Honey!"
"Why are you hugging me? What happened?" She asked pulling Lucas' arms away from her neck.
"Mei, we're at the emergency room. You have carbon monoxide poisoning. If you hadn't called me you would have died." He said seriously watching as Mei frowned.
"Carbon?" She asked blinking blearily around.
"Carbon monoxide sweetie, there was a huge leak at your place. The fire chief said your stove was leaking." Lucas said watching as Mei tried pushing herself up.
"Let me help you." He said adjusting her bed and propping her up with pillows.
"Thank you. It's so nice not to have that headache anymore."
"That's what I told them, I gave them your symptoms and explained that we'd just gotten back from tour. They asked if you had gotten your utilities turned on or off and because we were gone for two years I said yes. That's how they found it." He said watching as Mei looked around the room.
"We're in the emergency room. Because I almost died of Carbon Monoxide poisoning." Mei said, stating not asking.
"Yes."
"This was either Lich or Declan. You know that right?" She asked shakily looking up at him. From the look on his face, the thought hadn't crossed his mind.
"I do now. I'll grab a nurse to check you out." Lucas said walking from the room.
The next few hours passed by quickly, and before she knew it, Mei was being discharged and was on the way to Lucas' place.
He drove while she dozed in the seat beside him, and twice he'd checked on her. The drive was calming and quiet, and before she knew it Mei fell asleep.
"Mei, wake up hun."
Already she could hear the nervousness in his voice, as if he were afraid she wouldn't wake up. Mei opened her eyes and watched as he smiled in relief.
"Oh good. We're here by the way, you can sleep inside okay?"
Nodding, and with Lucas' help Mei climbed from the car rubbing her eyes as she followed after him. The walk to his unit was quick, and she was brought inside. Mei looked around admiring the rich purple and gold that adorned the apartment.
"You can sleep in my room, I'll take the couch, it pulls out into a bed."
"If that's the case just keep your bed if the couch has one." She said sleepily.
"Well you can nap in there for now. I wanted to clean the place anyways, and at least in there I won't bug you as much with the noise." He said pointing to the bedroom across the hall.
"The bathrooms at the end. Make yourself at home okay?" He said leaving her to her own devices as he began cleaning, what in Mei's eyes, was a pristine apartment strewn with various hobbies and work materials.
Walking to the bedroom she climbed on the bed. It was so much softer than the one she had in her apartment. Closing her eyes, Mei was was out like a light.
0o0
She woke hours later to the smell of food cooking, but even then she didn't feel hungry, just tired. Climbing from the bed she peeked out the door. She could see Lucas sitting on the couch with his feet kicked up, scrolling through his phone.
Grabbing a pillow from the bed, Mei walked into the living room watching as Lucas looked up from his phone.
"Hey." He said with a smile. "How're you feeling?"
"Still tired..." Mei said throwing the pillow on his leg before laying down on the couch with her head in his lap. She closed her eyes feeling as he began gently rubbing her head.
"Dinner should be ready soon, I made seafood chowder."
"I'm deathly allergic to seafood."
"Oh my god are you?!" He asked quickly, Mei's laugh earning his scowl. "Those jokes aren't the type to play around with." Lucas said sternly.
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you. Don't worry I put in plenty of Arsenic just for you." He said smirking listening as Mei scoffed.
"Okay Kettle, I see you." She said earning his grin. "Thank you Lucas, for letting me stay."
Again Lucas went back to stroking her head.
"It's never a problem."
o0o0o
Marceline shared a smile with Ember as they got the table ready. Finn was out back grilling the meats.
"Think Iggy'll be back soon?" Ember asked watching as Marceline glanced at the clock.
"It's been just over an hour. I'd say he should be back pretty soon."
No sooner had Marceline said that when the door opened, Ignitus carrying in an ice cream cake.
"I figured if we're going to celebrate we at least need a cake." He said bringing it to the kitchen. Passing Marcy he leaned into her ear whispering, watching as her face tinted pink.
"I grabbed something special for us and left it at home." He said placing a kiss on her neck just below her ear.
"Everyone! Prepare to eat my meat." Finn said carrying in the food from the grill.
"You just had to ruin it Finn, didn't you?" Ember asked giving him a deadpanned look as she shook her head.
"Oh come on that was funny."
"I'm straight ashamed to know you right now." Ember said trying not to let him see her amusement as he placed the assorted grilled meats on the table.
"You love me, and my meat." Finn said with a grin.
"Finnegan Wright I swear to GOD-
"That's not even my name!-
"It is now!" Ember said her face burning in embarrassment as she walked away from him, Finn laughing.
"Let's get dinner going yeah?" Marcy asked as she began loading up her and Ignitus' plates. He walked into the dining room just in time for Marcy to hand him his plate.
"Steak tips, chicken breast, and kielbasa, sides are over there." Marcy said getting a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks Baby."
0o0
The night had been going merrily. Dinner had come and gone, drinks were had, and so was the ice cream cake Ig had brought along with him.
They played games, watched a few movies, and as the evening was winding down they all settled into the living room.
Marceline smiled snuggling next to Ignitus on the couch. His hand gently rubbed the back of her neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. Closing her eyes she allowed her thoughts to settle. It was so nice having everyone home safe. She couldn't wait to go home and curl up with him. It was going to be so nice sleeping in the same bed again.
"Okay now that the movie's over I think I want to call it a night." He said stretching with a yawn.
"Are you sure Iggy?" Ember asked looking over at him from her spot with Finn on the love seat.
"Em I am jetlagged as all get out. I'm positive." He said slipping his hand into Marceline's and standing. Reaching an arm out he hugged Ember, and after a wave to Finn, they left walking through the back yard.
"So, you're jetlagged huh? Even though you didn't change time zones at all?" Marceline asked smirking and catching his eye.
"Hey, if I want to close out my evening with solely my wife, that's my prerogative." He said feeling her arm wrap around his waist.
"And if I have to fib to get that time with you, I see no crime." He said with a shrug bringing his arm around her shoulder.
"So what's the surprise at home?" Marceline asked curiously. She felt a tinge of excitement as he smirked looking over at her.
They walked into the house, he opening the fridge before he spoke.
"The surprise, is you, me, and this can of whipped cream. Completely uninterrupted, for the rest of the night."
He said with a grin watching as Marceline blushed. To his surprise, she grabbed his shirt crashing her lips to his.
"I don't need the whipped cream, I just want you." She said kissing him again, pulling him down the hall towards their bedroom. She wasted no time helping him pull his shirt over his head dropping it to the floor.
Once he'd been freed, Marceline gasped softly feeling her back touch the cool wall of the hallway. He kissed her again with a dizzying intensity, moving his hands from her hips to the back of her thighs lifting her.
Ignitus listened to her giggle as he carried her into the bedroom, kissing every inch of skin he could reach.
"This is how I should have carried you in on our weekend honeymoon." He breathed laying Marcy on the bed, kissing her reverently.
"Marceline I love you so much. And I missed you so much more than I can ever say."
"I love you too Iggy. Do you still love me as much as you did when we got married?" She asked softly, watching as he shifted on to his arm so they were face to face.
"No, I don't love you the same. After everything we've been through, I love you so much more." He said kissing her again feeling as she smiled.
A sudden vibrating caught their attention. Ignitus pulled back watching Marceline take her phone from her pocket, putting it to voicemail. Setting the phone on the night stand she turned back to him guiding his lips to hers.
"It's Daddy, if it's important he'll call back." Marceline said pulling him down for another kiss. They'd had only a moment before the buzzing of the phone met their ears again.
Now Marceline frowned, and reached for the phone answering it.
"Hi Daddy, what's going on? Wait what? What happened!? Ig and I will be there as soon as we can." Marceline said pushing herself upright.
"Thank you for calling me, I'll see you soon." Her voice was shaking, and as she hung up she buried her face into her hands. Immediately Ig knew this wouldn't be good.
"What's going on?" He asked tentatively
"Grandpa's in the hospital."
Enjoy The Chapter!
XOXO
-H09
Thank You all for your reviews, and for your patience.
I don't know how soon this story will end, but I do know that this chapter, will be the start of our dramatic climax to this epic tale.
Thank you : WrittenPerfection, MarCor3, and ApolloChild1512 for reading and reviewing.