ZEDD - NEXT MORNING

I've left Thomas sleeping peacefully, hopefully pleasantly worn out from last night's explorations. I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to learn, well relearn, things about my mate. I'm equally grateful that, as embarrassing as it was for me to admit, he wasn't put off by it. Not only not put off by it, but suggested by him.

I'm not up, showered and dressed all that long before the children emerge from Mara Jane's room, dressed and ready for the day. They both realize that Thomas isn't in the room and speak quietly when they greet me. "Come on. Let's go see if Uncle David and Aunt Stephanie are up yet. We'll let Daddy sleep a while longer while we go have breakfast."

Once outside, the children's voices return to their normal volume. Jacob calls out to some of his playmates here as Mara Jane addresses me. "Are we going to wait for Daddy before we go to Eltar?"

I hold back my answer, instead asking her, "Well, what do you think we should do?"

She thinks for a long minute and sighs. "Daddy keeps pushing us to go, but when we got here, he looked so stressed and unhappy. He seems a little better now. I think he needs us. It gives him something else to focus on besides Grandpa Sam and how much he'll miss him. I know Daddy doesn't like it when we try and take care of him, but I think he's going to make himself really sick if we leave."

The front door of the house is open, indicating that the occupants are indeed awake, but Mara Jane and I sit on the steps for the moment as we wait for Jacob to finish his conversation. "Daddy likes to make sure that his family is taken care of first. He's worried that we'll get bored here waiting for him to get done with what has to be taken care of here."

"But if he's taking care of us all the time, how can we take care of him?"

I pull her close and press a kiss to the top of her head. As much as she takes after me, she does have a good dose of Thomas in her, protecting and caring for those close to her. "I don't know, baby. I just don't know."

From behind us comes David's voice. "Surely between the two of you, you can come up with something. Tommy loves to tell stories about how sneaky you both can be when the situation requires it."

We turn to look at him. "Oh really?"

He grins as Stephanie joins us and comments, "Oh yes. I think one thing he's particularly proud of - even if he won't admit it - is how you are both clever enough to mislead someone without actually lying about it."

I shake my head. "I have no doubt that over the years he's learned what to watch and listen for from us to keep us from doing it to him."

Mara Jane agrees. "Daddy can always seem to tell when I'm not telling him everything."

"And if we are upfront with him about what we're doing and why, he'll insist that it isn't necessary" I add.

"Don't you worry about that" Stephanie answers. "Confront him at a meal and if he tries to deny that he needs care or looking after, I'll step in."

"How will that help, Aunt Stephanie? If he won't listen to Papa and Papa knows him best-"

"Because, darling girl, your daddy is going to think that you are just being overprotective. Compared to his history with all of you, I'm virtually a stranger by comparison. If I can see what he's doing and what's going on, well, that will lend weight to what you're telling him." David nods in agreement.

"Not that Stephanie doesn't know him - just not as well as the rest of us. Although I would like to know why last night was the first time I've heard of his annual habit."

"His annual-? Oh. You'd have to ask him. As I told her, he did it the first year we were here after his initial injuries - before we came to see you and Sam that year. I guess I just assumed you already knew. Also, he doesn't do it anymore so I really didn't see the point in bringing it up until now."

"What annual habit, Papa?"

Cursing myself and David for forgetting that Mara Jane was here, I don't know how to answer her and by the look on the other man's face he is going to be little to no help either. After a minute, I say, "Many years ago, Daddy had a bad habit - a very bad one - that he indulged in after visiting his parents' graves. He doesn't do it anymore, but it worried us at the time because it would end up doing more harm to him than good."

She's quiet for a moment before she shocks me with what she says next. "Oh, you mean the drinking alcohol thing?" At my stunned silence, she looks a little nervous. "I'm sorry."

"No, wait. How did you know about that?" I can barely keep the question from being a demand. "Who told you?" Because whoever it was will pay dearly once I get ahold of them.

"Nobody."

"Mara Jane-"

"Honest, Papa. I- I kind of overheard Uncle Jason and Aunt Hayley talking a few years ago. I think they were trying to convince each other that there wasn't anything to worry about anymore. It wasn't long after we moved here after Jacob was born."

Frowning, David is clearly not pleased. "I thought you said he stopped once you both moved back to the palace."

"I said as far as I was aware he had. Given the bond, and how I tried to keep a close eye on him during that time of the year from then on, business trips aside, I saw no indication that he had continued doing it or picked it back up. Not to mention I can't see him doing it regardless now that we have the children."

"Then why should they be concerned that long after the fact?"

"I don't know, you know how Jason is, he worries, and with Thomas' track record of falling into depression when things pile up and go wrong it could have been any number of reasons why they were concerned. However given the fact that I-" Suddenly stopping as I recall what my daughter had said about the time frame, I heave a miserable sigh. "- wasn't there."

"What?"

Looking to my daughter, and already knowing the answer, I nevertheless have to ask. "If you, Daddy, and Jacob where here, where was I?"

"You were working away."

"Damn it." Unfortunately recalling the incident now that must have led to their worry, I shake my head as David gives me an impatient look. "We had an argument about a job I'd taken on."

"And?"

"And, if I recall correctly he was not happy about the higher than normal risk factors that came along with that particular job. I however didn't see it the same as I'd dealt with these people before and knew if it came down to it I could kill them before they killed me. Eventually it led to a whole new argument about the children and what if something should happen to one or both of us, who would take care of them, which then led back to his own childhood and the loss of your parents, followed by his adopted parents. In the end we both stormed off from each other as I felt he was questioning my abilities and he felt I wasn't being understanding of his desire for the children to not be orphans."

"Orphans?" Looking disbelieving, Mara Jane has near the same expression I myself wore when he used such a term all those years ago.

Looking at my daughter who frowns in interest, I shake my head. "Mara Jane, your daddy is one of the smartest men I have ever known in my life, but sometimes he can be tad dramatic when trying to make a point to me."

"Well I see the children aren't orphans" David says with a sigh.

"No, but I'd wager our fight combined with me going to do said job and do it right around that time frame did not make him the most reasonable or happy person to be around."

"He was a bit cranky" Mara Jane agrees.

"When you overheard your aunt and uncle talking, did they mention trying to reach me?"

She frowns as she thinks back. "Yeah. Aunt Hayley said something about that and Uncle Jason said that it was a bad idea. He said that you didn't need to be distracted worrying about Daddy when you - should be keeping your mind on keeping your ass safe." Suddenly realizing what she said, her eyes flicker to me worriedly.

"It's fine. Go on. What else?"

"Aunt Hayley said, 'I'll tell you right now, Jason Lee Scott, if Tommy does fall back on his old habit, I will call Zedd and neither of them will ever hear the end of it' and Uncle Jason agreed. By the way, what's an orphan?"

Before I can answer, David does. "An orphan is someone - usually a child - who has lost both parents." He sits down on the steps on her other side. "You see, when your daddy was a baby, he and our parents were away on a trip. I stayed here with Grandpa Sam because I had school. They didn't come home when they were expected. Back then there were no cell phones so we couldn't just call and find out what was going on. Also, law enforcement agencies didn't share information the way they do now. Sam did everything he could but it was more than two months before we found out what happened - or rather what we think happened."

Thomas, Sam and David haven't discussed this with me as far as I can remember, so my curiosity is piqued. "Which was?"

"There was an accident - that wasn't actually an accident - just made to look like one. The perpetrators then pulled them from the car and robbed them. According to the reports, Dad struggled with one of them while Mom ran for the car, we're guessing to protect Tommy. They both were killed. After that it's mostly guesswork. For whatever reason, they didn't hurt Tommy. Instead, they had a woman drop Tommy off at a hospital three towns away. By the time Sam found him, he had already been adopted by the Olivers. He wanted to fight to get Tommy back but - back then - he was told that he'd never get custody and likely not even get to see Tommy when all was said and done. In fact, he was advised not to even contact the Olivers."

I'm shocked that people on this planet would go so far to keep families apart. I hardly notice my daughter's question. "So how did you find each other?"

David proceeds to tell her what he knows about the search for the Zeo crystals, the arrowhead that Thomas often wears and how their reunion came about. I can't help but wonder how much of all this Thomas knows and, indeed, how much I knew before my memory loss.

He's just finishing his tale when Jacob runs up to us. "Papa, after breakfast, can I go play?"

The question is automatic. "With children or animals?"

David chuckles as Jacob says, "Both. Bobby Two Feathers has some baby goats that need bottles and he says that I can help if it's okay. One of them isn't eating well and I want to help it."

Somehow, I'm not all that surprised. I look over to where the boy in question is waiting by the street for an answer. He's much closer to Mara Jane's age than to Jacob's and I can't help but wonder if his intention is to get close to my daughter through her brother. And I'm guessing yes by the way his gaze keeps falling on her before skittering away again.

Softly, Mara Jane says, "Don't worry, Papa. I'm not interested in him. He's too full of himself." Startled, I look at her and she smirks at me. "You're growling under your breath."

I sigh. "All right, Jacob. You can help with the creatures - AFTER breakfast."

We all head in as Jacob calls out the information to the other boy. Thanks to the children's naturally cheerful natures, the meal passes happily. About the time we're done, I sense Thomas waking up, albeit unhappily. I'm not sure what the source of his discontent is, however. Because I'm not there? Something he dreamed about? Or something else?

Jacob shoots out the door, calling back his thanks for the meal. Mara Jane starts clearing the dishes. "Papa, why don't you go check on Daddy while I help Aunt Stephanie with the dishes?"

A quick glance at David and Stephanie, who both nod, and I stand to head out. "Don't drive them crazy" I tease my daughter. "I'll be back with Daddy shortly, I'm sure."

"Take your time" the elder female says easily. "The boys don't have to start dealing with things the minute they get up."

I head back to the cabin, concerned about my mate. I find him sitting up in bed, knees drawn up to his chest and forehead resting on them. "Thomas? Love, are you all right?"

The hollowness has returned to his voice, in spite of the lack last night. "I dreamed of Sam."

I remember something that Sam had told him many years ago after he had been hurt and dreamt about his parents.

"If they do ever speak in your dreams, or anyone else who has passed, pay close attention. They'll be trying to tell you something important, no matter how silly or strange it might seem."

"Did he say anything?"

I cross the room and sit next to him as he nods without raising his head. "He said, 'Remember your priorities, Falcon, and your duties'."

I'm a little puzzled. "What the hell does that mean?"

He sighs. "It means that I have my priorities out of order and I need to fix it - refocus on what's important."

"How are your priorities out of order, Thomas?"

He unfolds himself abruptly. "Zedd, mate, don't worry about it. It's my problem and I'll deal with it." He grabs some clothes and gets dressed swiftly before disappearing into the bathroom. I wait impatiently for his return, certain that whatever he has in mind, will not end well for him if he's thinking what I think he's thinking and I allow him to go forward unchecked.

When he comes back, I ask, "Thomas, love, tell me something. Are you sure that you're interpreting the message correctly?"

"Pretty sure." He heads toward the door, but stops when I take his arm. "Zedd-"

"Thomas, please hear me out." He turns toward me and cocks his head curiously. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but you aren't trained in interpreting this kind of thing, are you?" He shakes his head and I hurry on before he can speak. "Then, please, talk to someone who does know about these things before you assume your answer is right. I'm sure that if Sam didn't teach David, then David will know who can guide you."

He hesitates, showing me that he's at least considering my suggestion. I'm pleasantly surprised when he finally says, "All right, Zedd. If it will make you feel better, then I'll do it. Although, again, I'm pretty sure I'm right."

"If you talk to someone and you are right, then I'll back off and let you do what you have to do."

"Fair enough."

A FEW HOURS LATER

Whatever the boys are working on, is frustrating Thomas to no end. Not to mention I've seen him twitch slightly several times. I don't know what's causing it, but I can feel a - tug - each time he does it and that's not helping his irritation. He's getting shorter and snappier after each occurrence.

It's almost lunchtime when Jacob bounces in, giving me a quick hug before turning to Thomas. "Daddy, the king bird wants to know why you're ignoring him."

"Daddy's a little busy right now, Jacob, and the bird will just have to wait."

"King bird?" David asks curiously.

"That damn falcon" Thomas growls, not raising his eyes from the work he's doing.

Jacob pipes up again. "He says he really needs to talk to you 'cause it's important and-"

Thomas spins on our son, irritation reaching a new high. "Jacob, you go tell that bird that I'm a little busy right now and he can wait his damn turn!"

"Thomas." His glare snaps to me and I meet it unflinchingly as I tuck Jacob against my side in a reflexive move of protection.

He grits his teeth for a minute before he speaks again in a much calmer tone of voice. "I'm sorry, Jacob. I'm just having a few problems and I'm frustrated. It wasn't fair for me to take it out on you. Just - tell the king bird that I'll deal with him later."

"No" David cuts in. "You go talk to him now."

"David, I'm right in the middle of-"

"I know what you're in the middle of, little brother. It will wait. If your spirit animal is summoning you and it's important enough to get your child to intervene, then you need to go deal with it. Besides, a break from this will do you some good, I think."

Thomas opens his mouth to protest, but stops, taking in the looks from everyone in the room. Grudgingly, he agrees with a curt, "Fine" before stalking out of the room and all but slamming the front door behind him.

I look to my son, who it seems, isn't fazed in the least by Thomas' behavior. But then, he does seem to take most things in stride, very little upsetting him. "Jacob-"

"It's okay, Papa. The bird told me that Daddy's heart is hurting a lot right now but it will get better."

"Do you know what the bird wanted to talk to him about?"

"He said that he had to talk to Daddy himself about it. That I wasn't yet grownup enough for him to have me give Daddy the message."

I sigh, a bit frustrated myself now, not knowing what to expect when my husband does return. I look at David. "Well, if I know Thomas, he's probably going to argue with the creature which will make the discussion take longer. Is there anything I can do to help with whatever he was working on?"

"Lunch first" Stephanie says firmly.

Several hours later, Thomas still hasn't returned. After less than an hour, I understood his frustration, however. Apparently, he was attempting to use his laptop to locate some relatives for whom Sam's contact information was out of date. The machine was running poorly, forcing me to call Dar twice to fix the problem. While Thomas' system is far superior to anything they have on Earth, it was having trouble linking directly into their internet system. At home and on the ships there's a converter and filter system that handles such things, but here it's out of reach. The lack of access was - basically - confusing the machine. A few quick settings changes and switching of programs and everything was good to go.

Stephanie scolds David gently to clear the table of all the papers and such so that it could be set for dinner. As soon as David and I have it clear, Mara Jane begins to set the plates, bowls and glasses in place while Jacob puts out the silverware. In short order, Stephanie sets two baskets of warm bread and a huge kettle of venison stew on the table, the smell causing my mouth to water. It smells like Sam's recipe and truthfully the only native dish that I took to instantly. Many of the others I had to get used to, but this… I swallow hard, hoping that Thomas will return soon so that we can eat.

I've not felt anything through the bond that has concerned me, but in fairness, I haven't felt much of anything from him since not long after he left. Knowing that when he's in the mood he can argue for hours, I debate whether or not we should proceed without him.

"Come on, Zedd. Either he'll be here shortly or he'll be out until dark. Either way, he won't be upset that we've started without him" David assures me.

"But what if-" I stop short, not wanting to worry the children unnecessarily.

"Then you might need the energy. You go through this every time he goes out on his usual pilgrimage. He'll be fine. This is really no different. Besides, I'm sure he'll be back shortly since he didn't eat lunch before he left." I sigh and give in, stomach grumbling at the aroma.

We're about halfway through the meal when the door opens suddenly. Thomas steps into the room but doesn't leave the doormat. He is drenched, covered in mud from head to foot, exhausted and obviously starving by the loud rumble that fills the room.

Stephanie sighs. "Tommy, you're as bad as any of the children I've ever seen. Outside."

Through the filth, I catch a gleam of mischief in his eyes. His voice has a whine to it as he says, "But Stephanie-"

"Outside! David, get him a towel. Zedd, run back to your cabin and grab him some clothes. Move it! Now!" She herds Thomas out the door. "And you'll be lucky if I don't make you strip all the way down, young man, since I have no doubt you have mud in places I don't want to know about."

I follow her order to the letter, running to the cabin, snatching up fresh clothes for him and racing back. While I know that she's a nurse, I still have no desire to allow her to see my mate in all his glory since there is no real call for it. As I return, I can hear that she's hosing him down, halfheartedly scolding him as she does.

"I mean really, Tommy, did you fall in the creek or decide you needed a mud bath for your skin or what?"

There's laughter in his voice as he answers, "Well, you know - have to do whatever I can to keep my husband interested."

I can practically hear her roll her eyes at that, even as mine do. I step out on the back porch to find that Thomas has indeed stripped to his boxers and is bent over scrubbing his fingers vigorously through his hair as she holds the hose over his head. "When Zedd gets back, I'm going to let him take over. I'm fairly certain that he'd much rather take over and let his dinner get cold than to take a chance that I might see you naked - even if I have seen hundreds of naked males before."

"You would be correct as none of them were my mate."

Much like Hayley, she's not intimidated by my growl. "Well then, come help him finish rinsing off so that he can eat. I'm fairly certain that if he doesn't get dinner soon, he's going to go eat a goat raw."

I take the hose from her and she disappears into the house. Once she's inside, Thomas quickly strips out of his underwear. He yelps briefly as the cold water hits the newly exposed skin before quickly scrubbing his hands over himself to remove the bits of mud still clinging to him. "You know, Thomas, I could have helped you take a shower much easier - and it would have been warmer."

"I had considered going back to the cabin to shower and change clothes before coming here, but as I started to pass by I caught a whiff of Sam's venison stew and my stomach made the decision for me. Okay, you can turn the hose off now."

I do as he says before tossing him the towel David left on the railing. Swiftly, he dries himself, rinsing and drying his feet before he steps on the porch and quickly pulls on the clothes I brought him. In spite of the warm summer weather, he's shivering slightly even once he's dressed. Hot food will help so I guide him inside and to the table, our timing perfect as Stephanie sets a steaming bowl in front of him even as Mara Jane offers him some bread.

The rest of us finish our meals. Thomas finishes three bowls before he sits back with a contented sigh. "Thanks, Stephanie. That was as good as any that Sam ever made."

The woman flushes slightly at the praise. "Glad you liked it. Are you done or are you going to bite me if I try and clear your place?"

He pretends to give this serious consideration. Before he can deliver whatever snappy response he's come up with, however, he yawns hugely. "Now that I'm clean and full, I'm getting tired again" Thomas admits.

"Well, while you were gone, Zedd and I made some serious headway into the contact list" David informs him. "Quite frankly, you should only have to stay a couple more days to finish up."

This seems to wake him up a little. "How? The computer was giving me serious problems. What did you do?"

I shrug. "You know, Thomas, that I'm amazing at whatever I set out to do."

His eyes narrow slightly even as a grin breaks out across his handsome features. "You called Dar or Hayley, didn't you?"

"If I'd remembered that Hayley knew about our more advanced systems, I could have saved myself intergalactic calling charges." Thomas chuckles even as he shakes his head.

David suggests, "It's a bit early yet. If you two don't mind, Zedd and Tommy can head back to the cabin so that Tommy can rest. The kids can stay here with us so we can spend some time with them. In fact, they can just stay here if it's okay."

"That's not necessary, David."

"I know it's not, but before you know it, you guys will be heading off planet for the rest of the summer and then when you get back, they'll be back in school. I'd like to spend a little time with my niece and nephew while I have the opportunity."

Thomas freezes briefly, gears obviously turning swiftly in his head. "I'm so sorry, David. We just got into such a pattern, it never occurred to me that you might want to visit with them more."

"Not just them, Tommy. You and Zedd too. I never really said anything because it always seemed like there was plenty of time for such things. But now-" David leaves the thought unfinished, but it's clear enough what he means. "They are the last of the Truehearts, little brother, and since Sam's gone and you haven't had the opportunity to learn all of our history, I want to pass it on to them. If you'll let me."

"That's fine" Thomas agrees quickly. "As long as, for tonight, you only teach them things I already know and then you can teach me too."

"Agreed."

"That's not quite true, you know" Stephanie says softly.

"What's not?" Thomas asks puzzled.

"That they're the last of the Truehearts."

"I meant of our line, my love" David smiles at her. "Since we haven't been able-"

"But we have." Silence falls in the room like a bomb. Even the children remain still and silent as we all turn our attention to her. She smiles nervously at her husband. "I wanted to tell you as soon as I found out, but then Sam passed and it just felt like the wrong time to say anything."

David's eyes are huge. Faintly, he says, "Stephanie-"

He hurries over and takes her in his arms, kissing her soundly. Quietly, we clear our places, giving them a few moments before we intrude on their joy with our own. They're talking quietly in their own little bubble. With a few looks and gestures to me and the children, Thomas directs the clean up around them. It only takes a minute, though, before they return to the room with the rest of us.

"You don't have to do that" Stephanie protests.

"It's all right" Thomas smiles at her. "We didn't want to rob you of your moment. But since it's over - congratulations!"

Hugs circling all around, the room is now filled with noisy chattering. I can't help but wonder - did Thomas and I get this kind of reception when we announced our pregnancies? I can't remember and it irritates me a bit. I resolve to ask Thomas about it later and turn my attention to the growing 'argument'. Apparently, Thomas has 'suggested' that the couple spend the evening alone and the children could stay another night, which they immediately protested. I sigh as the back and forth goes on for another minute. It's interrupted when Mara Jane completely breaks down in giggles. All attention turns to her as she starts hiccupping through her giggles.

"What's so funny, sweetie?" Thomas asks, smiling slightly in confusion.

"Nothing" she hiccups. "Look, Jacob and I are going to go out on the porch while you guys finish arguing over who is getting couples time and who is getting the children."

Quickly, she takes her brother's hand and pulls him out of the room, breaking into giggles again before they clear the living room. The four of us exchange confused looks. "I don't get it" I say.

Thomas shrugs. "I have no-" He stops, apparently remembering something. "Oh no" he groans, chuckling lightly himself. "A few weeks ago, she came home from school confused about something. One of her friend's parents are getting a divorce and she was upset that they were fighting over her. Mara Jane didn't understand why she was upset as she felt that the parents fighting over her meant that they both wanted her. I had to explain to her that the fighting was probably more literal than she realized and, quite often, it can turn quite mean as the children are used as pawns to hurt the other adult and it's not always about them being wanted."

"That makes no sense."

Thomas nods at me. "That's what Mara Jane thought too."

"So, I'm guessing that this was funny to her because this is what she thought the other girl meant - arguing because they ARE actually wanted" David laughs.

"Probably."

"Look, Tommy. You guys will be leaving in a few days and gone for months. Let us have this, please."

"But you guys-"

"I'll still be pregnant when you leave" Stephanie smiles. "Trust me, Tommy, we'll have plenty of time to celebrate then."

Thomas turns to me. "Zedd-"

"Somehow, I get the feeling that this is going to be like arguing with Hayley."

"You've won those before."

"Not all of them. Either way, I understand both sides. David and Stephanie - please don't feel as though you have to follow through on the invitation tonight. We completely understand and we both feel like you should have the opportunity to have some time to enjoy this without interruption. Thomas, if they don't want to have time alone together and want to use the children to avoid each other so they don't have to talk, that's between them."

Thomas drops his face in his hands. "Seriously, Zedd?" he groans. "Could you have been any more transparent?"

"Oh absolutely" I agree. "And having said that, I'm going to go join the children on the porch until you three decide."

I head out of the room. Either way, my plans for the evening remain unchanged. Thomas needs sleep and I'm going to make sure he gets it.