Welcome back to the series! I want to thank everyone for being so patient with me while I took some time for myself. This chapter took a little bit as I was struggling with how to go about this interaction between Kayla and Jude not to mention that it's been a couple years since I got to have fun in a costume shop. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and the cuteness that comes with it.

This chapter comes with a slight profanity warning though the moment is brief and it's a really cute moment. (I'm sure somewhere in the multiverse, Tommy is cursing at me for pairing his daughter with the child of his high school rival!) I've grown to love little Jude and I hope you guys will soon if you haven't already. He's such a cutie!

For those who are wondering about how their parents grew into friends, I'll be addressing that soon, most likely in the coming chapters of My Kimberly, My Tommy. In this chapter there's a brief nod to 'The Crow' (Another of my favorite movies. If you haven't watched it, you totally should!)

I guess that's about it for this AN. Read on and see me at the bottom.

(Continued from the last chapter)

The Manor Kitchen

"Just an FYI, my daughter and her husband will be joining in on the fun." Diesel said as Conner headed for the fridge.

He looked up. "Really? That's awesome. I can't wait to meet them!"

"Why didn't they show up when you did?" Kira asked.

"They were on their honeymoon. They had their marriage ceremony after the traditional mourning period. Once I lifted the ban, they went on a road trip for their honeymoon. When Tommy called us in, they were just arriving, so I took a few minutes to check in with them before we loaded up."

"Little Sparrow and Draven got held up." Annabeth said as she wheeled herself into the room. "They'll be meeting up with us at the resturant."

"Draven is a strange name." Conner commented as he put some waffles on Kira's plate. "I was expecting something more…"

"Native?" Annabeth answered with a smirk.

Conner shrugged.

"His native name is Raven, but after losing Wolf-Eyes, he was ready to go full on 'Crow' and avenge the tribe." Diesel answered. "He's an excellent fighter and probably could do it, but letting hatred takeover would have changed him into something he's not. If that had happened, I would have refused to let the bonding ceremony go on."

"What did you do?" asked Conner as he plated his own breakfast.

Diesel gave them both a long look and then exhaled. "Because you are family, I'll tell you, but it's got to be kept a secret for now."

Kira nodded. "You can trust us, I mean, we had to keep our identities a secret for over a year."

"True enough," Diesel answered. "Though you won't have to keep it that long. The League of Warriors is making a comeback to the airwaves."

Conner grinned. "Cool, are you going back to the ring too?"

Diesel huffed. "I wouldn't mind that, but no. My time in the spotlight is over with. A few years ago, before the TSA hit, my old fling, Vixen, told me about an online petition started by some super fans to have the show picked back up. They've got some financial backing now and the new producers started asking around to see if any of the old warriors wanted to come back to the show. I was an original fighter but I'm too old to enter the ring. I'll be there with a few others to give the show our blessing during the opening ceremony, but it's Draven who will be entering the ring as my protégé. They were hoping that Corrine or Sparrow would do it, but neither of them are fighters. Draven is a talented fighter, so, when he went through his grieving phase, signing him up for the show was the best choice."

"Dad and I worked him hard and by the time the medical people came by to give him a physical, he was in top form and had a clear head." David continued. "After Halloween, Dad is supposed to start leaking the news to the fan community."

"Though I'm not in the ring, the fans will want to hear the news from me." Diesel stated. "My throne is being shined and restored to its glory in the workshop and soon the hype will start. The media team is already designing the website and creating official merchandise for the whole show."

"The premier takes place just after the new year." Diesel said with an amused shake of his head. "I didn't think my fanbase would still be here after all this time, but it is. These next couple of weeks really need to count because after Halloween, the hype is starting up again."

"The other part of the hype thing is that a news reporter will be doing a piece on all the former warriors that will be attending the opening ceremonies." Diesel continued after a few moments of silence. "They'll ask about my family and that includes you guys and even my great grand kid. I would love to have you all included, but it's up to you guys. If you guys want to opt out, that's not a problem and it won't hurt my feelings."

"Showbiz can be a bitch." Annabeth finished with a concerned frown. "You should think long and hard about it before you make the decision."

About 30 minutes later

The driveway

Eric tightened the safety belt that secured his son's car seat to the back seat of the extended cab. On the other side, Diesel did the same with Kayla's booster seat. She was just about old enough to graduate out of it, maybe another few months and she'd be sitting in the seat with the rest of the big kids.

Eric stepped down from the truck to see Kailin standing there waiting for him.

"Hey Buddy, you ready to get going?"

Kailin didn't answer but held out his arms so that his dad could lift him into the truck's cab.

Eric held him close and whispered something in their native language and for the first time, Diesel understood what was being said.

"Hey, buddy, what's wrong?"

"I'm scared. Kayla said there were monsters in the store…with knives and claws…she said they were fake, but what if they're not?"

Eric kissed his son's forehead. "Hey, I've had a few Halloweens myself. There's nothing in that store that would hurt you. But if there was, I'd protect you from it." Eric paused and looked at Diesel. And don't forget that your great grandpa is a warrior, he can beat down any monster that comes after you."

Diesel grinned at the pair. "You bet I will. Now, as soon as everyone's here, we can get going. We've got lots of shopping to do today."

It took a few minutes for Annabeth to come down the ramp in her chair and when she got the truck, Diesel was right there to pick her up, bridal style, out of her chair and lift her into the front seat. As soon as his grandson and his wife showed up, they could be on their way.

Conner was once again behind the wheel of the Mustang and Kira sat in the passenger seat. It had been a while since it was just the two of them in the car, and that was what had taken them so long to come out of the garage.

Seeing the pretty red sports car, Kira was taken back to that day not so long ago in the Angel Grove Highschool Parking lot when she'd made out with her fiancé in the front seat. Even though it had been done in order to avoid suspicion, it had been hot and more than once, she'd thought about her promise to fulfill his fantasy.

Hmmm. That sexy corset was still in the Victoria Secret's bag. Maybe she should bring it out soon. If she wanted to make it happen for him before their orca was born, it would have to be soon, it would be hard to make love to him in that position if her belly was in the way.

That thought alone caused her hormones to roar to life and she'd pressed Conner against the side of car and kissed him hotly. He'd groaned softly and gently gripped her hips, surrendering himself to her kiss... if only for a few minutes before he broke the kiss... sweetly reminding her that as much as he really wanted to continue down that path, their family was waiting for them.

She blushed and nodded, and Conner smiled and pressed another kiss to her forehead before opening her door.

Yeah, she'd find a way to get him alone and make that fantasy come true…though it couldn't happen in the garage. She was taking her OBGYN's orders to heart, she'd never do anything that would put their orca's life in danger.

But soon…

Hollow Tree Costume Shop

As the group walked through the spider webbed windows, it was as if they entered into another world. Kailen held tight to his daddy's hand and looked all around him. The music was soft and the lights sparkled all around him.

"See, Buddy, it's not so scary is it?" Eric said as he led his child between a lighted spooky tree. "We're just going to look around and all the fun stuff and we'll find the perfect costume to wear."

Suddenly a banshee scream could be heard from somewhere in the back and a frightened Kailen clung to his father's leg. Eric sighed and picked his son up and held him close.

"Shhh, buddy. It's okay. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"Welcome to the forest, little ones!' Said an older woman in a bright costume. She was old enough to be a grandma and to Eric's eyes, looked like the spooky version of the fairy godmother from that Cinderella film. Her hair was a silvery color and braided to the side. Her crinkly face had plenty of laugh lines and she wore a witchy looking apron with her name tag on it. She paused as she saw the group…especially the little boy shaking in his father's arms.

"Oh dearie, dearie, me! Do we have a first timer here?"

Eric carded his son's hair. "Yeah, this is Kailen and it's his first Halloween. He heard the screams and got scared."

The woman's face softened as she walked up to Eric. "Oh Little One, there's nothing to be scared of. I'm Marian and this is my forest."

Kailen looked at her though he partially hid his face in his dad's chest. "Hi."

The lady held out her hand and Kailen hid his face again.

Eric sighed. "I'm sorry, he's not used to spooky stuff; he's only three. We've never celebrated Halloween before."

Oh dear, I see how spooky this place can be to a little one." Marian said with a frown. A second later, her gaze brightened up as she reached into her striped apron and pulled out a medallion that was glowing a bright green and purple "How about you hold on to this magic pendant and I'll go silence the scary stuff. When I get back, I can assist all of you in finding the perfect costumes!"

"It didn't take long for the spooky sounds to be turned off, and when there was only silence, Kialen exhaled softly and rested his head on his dad's shoulder.

"There now, no more scary sounds." Marian said as she walked back to them. A moment later, she noticed Kayla and Raine smiling up at her. "Oh my stars and moons! I didn't see you there. Do forgive me for ignoring you!"

"It's ok, we're not scared by the stuff in here." Kayla said with a smile.

"Yes, the bravery I can see in you is amazing! Still, would you girls like a pendant also?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Kayla said with a grin. "Thank you!"

When the girls put on the medallions, the woman stood up straight. "Now, what can I help you find?"

While Kailen was being helped, Kayla began to wander from the toddler section to the older kid's section. She wasn't sure what she wanted to be this year. She'd tried on her old ninja costume and it was a little too short in the legs and she didn't want to be a pink ninja anymore. She needed to wear green this year!

In the far back of the kid's section she saw something familiar hanging around the clearance bin. Biting her lip in a familiar way, she walked towards it and saw it was a replica of her father's dragon dagger...

"Raaaaaa!" Someone yelled from the darkness. Kayla jumped and fell back against the rack as an evil clown stalked towards her. She growled softly as her eyes started to glow. Just as the clown was upon her, a little boy ran towards her and shoved the clown away with all the strength of a 6 and a half year old possessed.

"You leave Kayla alone!"

The clown laughed evilly and pulled off his mask. "Hey, Shrimpy, chill out it was just a joke!"

Kayla looked over at the little boy and realized that Jude Skullovitch was standing there in a protective stance. Her little heart skipped a beat and she couldn't help the smile.

"I don't see her laughing, Asshole!"

"What did you think would happen in a Halloween shop?" The clown said with a frown.

"We're here to buy costumes, you Mass-ajo-nist prick! Kayla said, stumbling over the big word. "Not to beat up stupid clowns!"

"Hey, what's all the shouting about?" Conner said as he came over. he looked over at the clown on the floor.

"That mean clown ran at me, but Jude saved me!" Kayla answered with a grin at her friend.

"It was just a joke. I didn't even touch them!"

"And that's the only reason I'm not kicking you out of the shop!" Said a younger woman wearing an employee nametag. Behind her, was Ariel Skullovitch, Jude's mother.

"Beat it, Bozo," Ariel said. "This circus is over."

The bully rolled his eyes but got up and slunk away.

With the little bit of drama over, Conner looked over at a really cute scene. Jude and Kayla were both looking at the prop dagger and they were both smiling as Jude played with the buttons.

Conner raised his eyebrows as Kayla held up the dagger and demonstrated how to use it. She looked so natural as she did so that he just had to take snapshot of it with his camera phone.

"My goodness, they are so cute together." Diesel commented as he showed up.

"That they do." Ariel said as she looked over at the kids. "He's been different ever since the festival. He talks about her all the time."

When she looked over at Diesel she did a double take. "Wow, I didn't know you were here." She looked just a little star struck.

Conner grinned. "Ariel, this is my grandfather Diesel True-heart." He looked at Diesel. "Grandpa, this is Ariel Skullovitch, Jude's mother. Jude's the little boy who ran over to do battle with the evil clown and to defend your grand daughter's life."

Diesel looked over the little boy and called forth his shaman sight. He raised his eyebrows for a moment and then looked over at the mother.

"Kimberly told me about you guys and how close the kids have gotten. She mentioned the possibility of having a play date for them."

"I think they'd like that. Other than at school, they haven't spent any time together. We've only just moved back to Angel Grove a few months ago."

"Well, we've got till the end of the week before we take a family trip. We're going to Spooky Acres this Saturday. Would you like to join us?"

Ariel nodded. "I need to talk to Eugene and make sure we have the gas for the trip. It's a little far for us."

Diesel nodded his head. "We have a hummer limo that we use for big trips like this. There's enough room in there for everybody and it'll be my treat since your son rescued my granddaughter from that evil clown."

Ariel chuckled. "I'd like that, but I still need to check with Skull, we were thinking of going this year since Jude is old enough now to enjoy the festivities."

While all this was going on, Kira had separated from the group to walk back to the adult section. She'd gotten an idea as she'd seen some of the more innocent costumes. She'd known that Leg Avenue existed but had never really given the sexy costumes much thought, but now as she looked at the more revealing costumes, she smirked. If she was going to fulfill her husband's fantasy, she may as well make it over the top. She paused as she saw the perfect costume and took it off the wall and examined it… and then she smiled. This would send Conner over the edge…and it came with a short skirt. She grinned bigger as she looked back up at the rack…

Now to find the right size.

After exchanging numbers, Ariel smiled tenderly at her son and then looked at the men. "You should know that there is something special between them. He's been dressing up...differently from his usual play clothes when he knows we're going somewhere. He told me it 'was just in case he ran into Kayla again.' This morning, he asked to borrow a dab of Skull's cologne."

Connor looked over at the duo and couldn't stop his smile. Little Jude was wearing a black crew neck t-shirt with a black jean vest over it. The vest had silver studs on each shoulder. He wore black jeans that were held up with a silver studded belt...and his hair was styled in a black mohawk. His shoes looked pretty new also.

"Some kids start early. He's a cute kid." Diesel was saying.

"We knew Kimberly and Tommy both in the day, Kayla is the image of her mother."

Conner looked between them and then shook his head. "Are we just going to look over the fact that Kayla may have just said her first curse word in public?"

Ariel sighed ruefully. "So did Jude; I can't claim to be surprised. Though Skull and I do our best to curb profanity in front of the kids, Skull slips up sometimes, especially when he's in the garage and dealing with a customer over the phone. He tries so hard to be polite, but we've found that customer service is best left up to me and not him."

Diesel nodded. "I'll need to have a talk with my granddaughter about using bad language. But in the meantime, we need to get back to the others. My great grandson needs me."

Ariel nodded at the men. "Jude and I need to get back to our Mother/Son day out. I'll call you when I know something."

Kayla looked at Jude and gave him a big smile. "Thanks for helping me!"

Jude blushed and shrugged. "It's okay. You're really pretty." Then he walked away with his hands shoved in his pockets.

Kayla was smiling too; as she turned her head, she was grinning just like Kimberly did.

By the Great Power, she definitely looked like her mother! Kira silently observed from her spot a few feet away from her husband.

"Young Lady, where did hear those words from?" Diesel asked in a serious voice as he regarded his granddaughter.

Kayla shrugged innocently. "From Mommy. That was she called that creepy guy at the car fixing place before she grabbed his privates and made him scream." She paused and gave her grandpa a look. "What's a Mas…soja…nist?"

Diesel and Conner looked at each other not sure what to say; thankfully Kira was there to intervene. "That's a big word, little Ninja. It's what we girls call boys who treat us like we're stupid. But that's not important right now. We should get back to shopping, did you see anything you like?"

Kayla nodded and held out the dagger to Kira. "It looks just like Daddy's!" She whispered.

"Well then, you should have one too. Let's put it in the shopping basket then, right?"

"Can we take a picture and send it to him?"

Kira nodded and pulled out her cellphone. Kira posed with the dagger and smiled at the camera.

Kira snapped the picture and then sent it to Tommy's phone with a brief text and then put the phone back in her purse.

"So, you ready to get back to action?"

Kayla nodded and then walked over to the racks and the two resumed the search for the perfect costume.

Around the time that they were in line at the register Kira's phone buzzed.

~First my hoodie, then my color and now a copy of my dagger. Did you buy her the whole suit and shield?~

Kira laughed and answered. ~No, she's going to be a magic green dragon fairy this year.~

~Fantastic.~

Conner was looking over her shoulder and he laughed at the texts. "I almost feel sorry for him."

"You should." Kira said gently rubbing her stomach, "That could be us in a few short years."

Conner grinned and pecked her lips. "We can handle anything."

Kira laughed and kissed him back. "Famous last words, Jock."

Diesel laughed as he put away his wallet. "I can't wait to see how your kid turns out."

Conner had bought a few extra pieces for his pirate costume, and that's what he paid for as another employee bearing a mischievous smile silently slipped another bag to Kira. She'd already paid for the sexy costume, and that's what was in the bag.

Annabeth smirked at the exchange and gave Kira a raised eyebrow. And Kira winked back at her.

Now to find a way to get Connor alone in their car…

So, how cute was that? I just love chapters like this one! What does everyone think of this chapter? I'd love to know what you guys think!

See you guys next chapter!