Note: There is supposed to be a picture here at the bottom. Though, don't know if it will be visible (for me, while editing/posting this, I don't see it).


Holding another stack, he lowers them on the table. "Is that it?" "Yes, I do believe so. Thank you, Kingo." Kathleen says patting his arm. "Now where to begin, after all that has happened, I am surprised I managed to get a few parts squeezed in." "I heard about Toby Robson and what transpired with Dane Whitman, how are they doing, him?!"

"Even though, I understand that we are to protect humanity. And support and love him for this, I am glad that it is over. And we quit being neglected in the process, not so much for me. But for our children, and I know the weight of it isn't easy on him. Not after he lost Icarus all those years ago, what it cost him. I know that he fears the same with them if we aren't around…"

The two stay quiet for a moment. "Yes, well now if you could help me pick one. And maybe a part for yourself as well. The two sit down side by side as they begin to leave through the pages in front of them. Which is where, he finds them, "Aikaterine." Raising her head, seeing that sunset is approaching.

Nudging their friend, "was it worth it?" Working the kinks out of her neck, she slowly rises, stretching out everything else. "Ikaris, my love. I hope they didn't give you too much trouble?!" "Dinner is going to be ready soon, while I know how you get in this mindset; I think you two deserved a break." Placing her hand on his arm, she leans up kissing his cheek. "That is my husband, so thoughtful! We will be there shortly. We need to finish and straighten up." Nodding his head, he takes his leave.


"Well, you two certainly have the marriage part down. Never thought, a wanderer like you would ever. And Rachel Summers, Rachel Grey, Jean Grey and Hope Shepard don't count, for none of them were always stationary." "I haven't exactly been either." "That is only due to certain circumstances, otherwise you don't stray far from this place.

As for him, I get after what he lost during his first marriage, he did what he could to prevent it from happening again; while not remaining a saint. And what occurred afterward with his relationships with Sersi and Margo. For a while, we never thought he would return to that part of himself that made him happy. Thank you for that, Kathleen!" "Oh well, the feeling is mutual then. And I didn't do much." "Only exist."

"And what about you, have you never thought about settling down?" She places the last of the scripts back on the table, running her hand down the cover of one. "You found something?!" "Yes, I think I have and you?" "Possibly." "And the answer, what about you finding someone and having roots?" Looking at her, "I have."

"I see." "You have nothing to fear from me, especially after the fiasco Dane Whitman put you two through. Both of you are my friends, and I would never betray his trust in me. But I will never stop admiring you. I see, just like everybody else, sees what he does when it comes to you. He is just the one that got there first, who won your heart. And I know given the caring and compassionate side, he tries to hide, it wasn't difficult for you. Nor long before you feel irrevocably for him?!"

Smiling, she leans into hugging him then kissing his cheek. "You aren't wrong." The two begin walking to the dining hall. "And I am surprised given our life spans and crossing each other sporadically, it didn't happen sooner. But I guess it was more to my avatars at the time, and loving another person. As well as finding and living for myself after finding out what life here was all about; and being able to control the concept of emotions. "Though, I do thank you. And as your friend, I am wishing I could return your feelings. I am just glad this doesn't put a strain on our friendship, nor both of yours."

"And it never shall. I am the one who fell in love with my friend's wife. And I would never do something as dishonorable as try to steal her away." "And I am thankful for that, my friend." Turning at the voice. "IKARIS?!" "They were asking for you. And I didn't want to interrupt this "enlightening" conversation." "Don't worry, Aikaterine. I trust you two. And Kingo is as far from Dane Whitman as one can get. Acting in such a way is far beneath him."

Interlocking their fingers, he moves some hair off her face. "I know watching us isn't always easy on you. Besides, I couldn't really deprive you of her presence and companionship. There is no one like her after all. It would like be trying to steal and horde the sun." Ikaris says. The smile is serene on her face as she lays a deep kiss on him. He wraps his arms around her taking it further. One hand on the back of her head. As her hands tighten on his arms, gripping the sleeves. Their affection second nature at this point; as the world once more fall away at their feet.

Before the clearing of Kingo's throat finally breaks through their bubble before things are taken too far in public. "My friend it's not like this is the first time this hasn't happened. And we haven't taken it further." "Okay, Ikaris, now you are just being cruel. Mental images like that aren't helping. It hasn't been easy at times being around her. Now how am I supposed to look in her the face after this?!" Ikaris merely shrugs his head and shoulder, before leading Kat inside, leaving their friend. "Don't think I didn't hear that conversation, my love, that wasn't very nice. Kingo, come on."


The bed is littered with dresses as he enters their room. His eyebrow arches, "what are you doing?" Sighing, "you clearly forgot." Sitting, grabbing the banister of their bed, looking at her. "I'm sorry." "Careful, there my love, if the others heard your sincerity, they would think you are going soft." "There is no point hiding it, they know how I feel about you. Nor how committed I will be when it comes to my responsibilities, its why they make fun of my rigidness."

"I know. To the point that you will neglect us." "I'm sorry!" "I know." Putting his head down, gripping the banister tighter, thinking of what his duty has cost him in the past. Laying the gown back on the bed, Kathleen sits in his lap, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck. "I'm sorry. That was just meant as reaffirming the fact, not to guilt trip you." "Yet, it's true. How can any of you put up with me? Maybe I should have never started something with you, I have never done anything to deserve you?"

Putting her hand underneath his chin, raising his face. Closing the gap so that their lips are almost touching. "Because we love you. And sure, your obligations may make you seem like you have a stick up your ass. But that is why we love you and you love us in return, being a leader isn't easy I know that. And if you didn't care, well your indifference would be far worse. Nor would you or the others have committed suicide when you had found out your true purpose.

I am just glad all of you rose above this when you returned and did what you wanted, even if that separated us for a time (again). I am proud of you because of it. And the children will too in time. Never regret finding happiness and love after what you have gone through, you have just as much humanity as the next person." He lays his head against her chest, wrapping his arms around her. As she lays her head on his. "The same for you. I know that there are still lingering horrors from the atrocities you committed as your true self." "Thank you. Rachel helped me overcome this for the most part. And I have made peace with my nature the best I have been able. I won't apologize for the purpose of my existence." "I have told you about my past with Margo and Icarus. Tell me about Rachel."

Getting up, "maybe another time. I have to finish getting ready." "So, what is this I forgot again? I'm sorry." "Well now that things have calmed down, I have been able to refocus on my career. It almost became stagnant just as it was taking off with everything that started happening.

See, you aren't the only one giving themselves away for responsibilities and duty, especially after that less than stellar interview. Though, how anyone can tolerate any time in that ignorant woman's company is beyond me?! So again, I have to step back in slowly. Kingo worked his magic again. Though instead of another possible botched interview, I will be working the red carpet instead. And I declined his invitation, when you said you would come with me."

Seeing his expression, "let me guess, you forgot with the Toby business?! And I was surprised when you said you would come, I know you hate social settings like this. That it can disturb even your level of telepathy with all those shallow thoughts. And that you have to wear a tux. I know, I know. How about if something does happen, I can always transmute your clothing?!"

His look of relief tells her enough. "My hero!" She drops her clothes as she reaches for the dress she has picked. "And what about our relationship?! I know that you don't to want to make the same mistakes as before. And so as not to distract from what we do, nor let our enemies use that you have a family, loved ones against you (again). So, if we do this, either we are going to have to tell the truth. Or just have everyone think that my marriage is on the rocks, and you are "my boy toy?!"

Standing behind her, he moves the hair off the nape of her neck. "Or we could skip things entirely?" Moving out of his proximity, "I am sorry. Refusing you may be new to you. But I have to put my foot down this time. I am already running late as it is. So, either you come with me or I go by myself? And I will leave your answer up to you about us when you get there. Hopefully, we will get the chance to go through with it this time, if that is your choice. Not like the other times." Strapping her other shoe on, she begins to leave the room as he follows.