Settling In: Chapter 1

Waking up in the still unfamiliar bed, I stretched beneath my thick covering of blankets. My need for several thick blankets was something that amused Danny to no end. Despite that, the heating unit in the old house worked perfectly fine. It was just that Brockton Bay was cold. And, as I had informed Danny, I hated the cold. He understood, or at least, he accepted it enough to buy me three more. He didn't need to, but I appreciated it in the spirit it was meant.

The clock showed it was just before six, which was perfect. Slowly extracting myself from my warm heaven, I quickly put my feet into a pair of fuzzy slippers. As quickly as I could, I threw a hoodie over my shoulders, and headed downstairs to start Danny's coffee. A routine quickly established in the last week as he had to leave for work early. With how busy his work normally kept him, especially after being gone for a week, we didn't have a lot of time together.

This made the whole father daughter dynamic we were working on harder in a lot of ways. Easier in some, as this was all very new to me and the only people I was used to closely associating with on this kind of level was Sam and Penny. A father and daughter relationship was not quite the same thing.

Smiling to myself as the coffee machine started chugging, I opened the cabinet and took down a box of Earl Gray tea for myself. It was generic, but that was fine. We were both still trying to get used to each others quirks. Penny told me it would take some time before we passed through the awkward stage and got used to each other's likes and dislikes.

Sounds of the bathroom door opening upstairs told me Danny had finished his shower. As my water started to boil, I heard him move to his bedroom and close his door. He wouldn't be long now.

Opening the fridge was proving to be a challenge each time I did. Like the cabinets, the contents of Danny's refrigerator highlighted that he had lived alone for some time. Eggs, a half gallon of milk, condiments, more than a few of which might be out of date, and two beers left over from his six pack from last night.

No wonder he was so skinny. I ate better in the Street Rats.

Sighing, I reluctantly took some eggs and the bacon to start breakfast for us. This, among other things would need to change. But I would deal with that later when I checked in. Today was supposed to be the day my contacts finalized all the arrangements for my return.

"You don't have to keep making breakfast for me, Renée," Danny exasperatedly greeted.

"I don't mind," I returned. "Besides, this is what daughters are supposed to do, no?"

"I should be the one making breakfast for you."

"Yes, but then we would be living on cold cereal," I teased.

"What is wrong with corn flakes?"

"That you ask such a question should tell you why you will never be trusted with breakfast."

Shaking his head, Danny pulled the kettle from the stove. While I made sure the bacon didn't burn, he poured himself a cup of coffee and set my tea to seep.

"Well, thank you for breakfast. Have any plans for today?"

"Depends on how things stand," I answered while separating breakfast onto plates. "I can't really risk moving freely until certain goals are established. Well, I could, but it wouldn't be prudent nor beneficial to our long term situation. I'll know more later when my lawyer calls me."

Nodding, Danny thanked me again once I set his plate in front of him. "I think I can understand that. There are a lot of questions you probably don't want to answer about the last two years. At least, to law enforcement."

"Very true, but we have to tell people something. I just can't integrate into Taylor's life after something like this. Which is why it's taking a long time. But, I'm patient and the lawyer I'm using is the best. Not necessarily on this particular topic, but his firm is well connected and he does phenomenal work according to the firm I used in New Orleans."

"This must cost quite a bit," Danny asked worryingly.

"I am more than willing to pay for quality work if it will provide the desired outcome. Besides, professional expertise usually is expensive, Danny. You should know this, you run a union. They operated on a similar philosophy, no? Professional quality?"

"We do," he nodded. A slight smile on his face as he dug into his eggs. "This is very good, thank you."

"You are very welcome," I smiled back, digging into my own food.

The truth was, the breakfast was only fair. I just didn't have everything I wanted to make it good. But he appreciated the effort, and it was little things like that which was making this whole thing work.

Not to say everything was going smoothly. My first night here, I almost killed him. As was usual when sleeping in an unfamiliar place, I left my door trapped. At some point in the night, for some reason, Danny decided to check on me. Fortunately the damage wasn't bad and it didn't take much to repair the door and frame, but Danny took a hard fall that almost sent him over the railing to the living room below.

After that, he knocked on every door he thought I might be behind. There was also the fact he worked late most nights, so our evening time chances for talking were random. Which was fine, I understood what it took to run a business and Danny took his work seriously. While inconvenient, it was understandable. However evening talks were usually reserved for him telling me about Taylor and Annette.

It wasn't the same as having lived it, and I was missing a lot, but I would take what I could get gratefully. But those nights were a mixed bag. I could tell it hurt him to talk about those days. Especially about Annette. More than once he would drift off into his own world in the middle of a story. Silent in his remembrance before picking up moments later.

Danny seemed to take these stories as his penance for my disappearance. Tried to keep it to the good stuff most nights. But some stories hit close to home. He'd sigh, lose himself in old memories for a while before he could bring himself out of it. Usually, he did so with a smile, that sometimes seemed fake, and others, genuine. Memories that he'd come to terms with, but still lingered like healed wounds. I suspected my presence alone was making him happier than he'd been in a long time. It was hard to… hard to know I was responsible for something like that.

I blinked out of my reverie, and turned to Danny, seeing his concerned look as I realized I'd missed what he'd been saying. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Are you alright?" he asked concerned.

"Fine," I assured him. "Just a big change for both of us. Still getting used to everything."

"It will get easier once you have normal things to occupy your time. Instead of sitting around here all day looking at old photos and waiting on me to get home."

"There is a lot to learn, and it would disrespect Taylor's memory if I didn't try," I replied, sighing. "I already feel like an intruder in her life."

"Never think that," Danny sternly countered. "I've told you before that no matter what you think, I see more and more of her in you than you can imagine."

Smiling weakly, I nodded.

"We… haven't talked about it yet but, Renée, do you… have any aversion to going to school?"

I blinked. School? Like normal people did? A shudder crept up my arms as I realized that to go to school meant to be registered. Known. Categorized just like everyone else...

"Really? Do you have any idea how hard it's going to be to get established if I devote most of my day to something like that?"

"Really? Renée, I can't imagine how school would keep you from creating a thieves guild. It's the perfect recruitment zone," Danny chuckled. "Think of all the unsuspecting suckers in that kind of environment? But on a more serious note, it would be good for you to be around people your own age. Also, people need tutoring in subjects. You said you did that kind of thing before."

"True," I nodded seriously. After a moment I sighed, "This is a blatant attempt for me to interact with people outside my comfort zone. Isn't it?"

"If you mean to get you to interact with your peers in a normal structured environment and distract you from making enemies of local crime lords – or stealing everything they own – then yes."

"Well… that's no fun." I bit my lip with a frown.

"Renée," Danny growled at my pout. The playful and much too wide grin on his face ruined it.

Rolling my eyes I huffed, "You're entirely too reasonable for your own good. From what I hear, most parents follow the 'Do what I say or else' philosophy. Couldn't you be more like that so I could start my teenage rebellion already? I hear those are supposed to be very dramatic."

"I think creating your own criminal empire is enough rebellion for anyone's teenage years," Danny said, trying to hold in his mirth.

"Empire, please. Empires are for amateurs. Gambit does not work in such mundanes. I created a name brand!" I bragged, then paused. "Don't expect good grades."

"Nah, uh. I draw the line there. No trademarking or criminal unionization if you can't manage to get A's on your math tests."

"Hmm, I think I can work with that," I half joked. Shaking my head, I turned serious. "Alright, I'll give it a try. I'll talk to people and see what needs to be done to make it happen. I guess that is something that would be expected after my return. However, I reserve the right to homeschooling if this turns into more trouble than it's worth. I'm quite used to self study."

"It will be fine, you'll see," Danny said obviously pleased.

"You're not the one who has to wear giant uncomfortable contact lenses and sit in a class listing to someone tell you something you already know, or won't need to know to survive in this world."

"Survive maybe. Thrive? You'll need it. Or did you want to be a thief for the rest of your life?"

Mildly offended, I murmured, "You say that like it's a bad thing…"

"It's only a bad thing if it's not what you truly want. Or if you get caught. I'm...worried. You wouldn't be the first cape to lose themselves in that kind of life and there is so much more to it than you have seen yet."

I fidgeted. A large part of me wanted to say that yes, I did. But… stealing was something I'd been forced to do. Something I'd had no choice in. I'd made an art out of it, and actually came to enjoy it. But was that enjoyment real, or just me stubbornly clinging to the only path that had ever been available to me?

…

"I'll… try, Danny."

"Alright," he said returning my nod. "I'll try to be home early tonight and you can tell me what your lawyers have accomplished and what I need to do. Alright?"

"Sounds fine. Have a good day at work, Danny." Standing up with him, I let Danny wrap his arms loosely around me.

Hugs were still very awkward, but as I was learning, kinda nice.

Standing on the porch, I watched him get into his car and leave. Time to start my day.

A quick shower followed by picking out a comfortable outfit to suit my plans, I took my phone and earbud off their respective chargers. Checking the time and finding it acceptable, I dialed.

"Good morning, Ms. Lebeau," the masculine voice on the other end greeted me. "Or perhaps Ms. Hebert would be more appropriate?"

"Bonjour, Mr. Calle. I take it things are right on time?"

"Hmm," he muttered, obviously drinking something. "I received the expected update from Ms. Halleyway in regards to your status. Congratulations, you are currently now legally and officially Renée Hebert."

Nodding as I took a pad of paper and my pen down stairs. "No problems on that end?"

"No. The judge was very sympathetic once we explained your amnesia and how you legally spent the last two years you have been missing under the name Renée."

Several stairs squeaked as I used them. Frowning, I took note of it before heading into the living room. Looking around I figured I would need several different cleaners to properly take care of everything. While Danny wasn't a slob, it was still obvious that he only made the bare minimum effort to keep things nice. I started compiling a list of what I would need.

"Was there any questions on my background I should be aware of?"

"Not from the judge," Calle replied. "Missing Persons had questions but the representative I found and assigned to handle that was able to satisfy them enough to see everything proceed apace once everything was properly researched. Excellent use of witness statements, Ms. Hebert."

Finished, I looked at the basement door shaking my head. That was going to be a chore for another day. I'd been down there once and that was enough. Looking at the walls in the living room and comparing them to those in the kitchen, I decided I was going to need a color swatch before I decided on paints. Noting that, I also added one for looking around to see if it would be better to just hire someone to do it. Then again, it might be a fun activity for Danny and I to do together. Fathers and daughters did that kind of stuff, right?

"I didn't want to leave anything to chance," I replied. "Is it to early to ask for an assessment of where we are at?"

"Of course not, my dear," Calle's smooth voice assured me. "I am always at a client's disposal. Especially for such an interesting client."

"Hush, chérie. Are you trying to make me blush?" I asked playfully while opening all the cabinet doors. There was no help for it. I really needed to go grocery shopping. This was just sad. Picking up my pad and pen, I started making a list of everything we'd need or needed replacing.

Calle chuckled as he reported, "Well, as you probably surmised, we have managed to answer the question of your disappearance. As expected, the fact that we cannot produce a 'how' caused a few red flags."

"I expected it would. That was always going to be the hard part."

"Indeed. The family law firm I subcontracted for you assures me that everything is well settled now. Your case is closed and local PD is well aware that if they have questions they are to contact them instead of you personally for now. They have questions they would like to ask to satisfy their curiosity, but respect your traumatic experience and need to simply readjust back into your old life."

Nodding to myself, I opened the fridge again, then closed it. It would be better just to start from scratch. More additions to my list as I asked, "How much time does this buy me?"

"Perhaps as much as a month? Considerably less if you are indiscreet with your civilian ID. I would recommend as soon as you are comfortable however. It will make the process easier."

Nodding at that expected news, I said, "On a related note, I need to enroll in school."

"Oh?" Calle asked seemingly surprised.

Done with my lists here I started rooting through the drawers. Danny really needed to update his stock. Penny would have cried herself sick if she saw this. I added what I could think of to the list. "Danny requested it and I said I would think about it. It would make more sense than the fact that I didn't enroll."

"That shouldn't be difficult," Calle assured me. "I'll pass it along to Rockwell who is handling your case on the family services side. You will need to take assessment tests, of course. I'll make sure Rockwell is ready to set up everything and figure out which school districts your current residence falls into. Did you have a preference?"

"In choice of school?" I asked slightly confused.

"Yes. If I am not mistaken, I believe there is a decent public school in that area as well as a private school, and then of course there is Arcadia. A sort of premier school for those who can afford it. Not quite a private school, but is has a strict admittance policy. Generally for the more fortunate as it is expensive. My niece goes there actually. Very respectable."

"I don't know," I admitted pausing in my list writing. "I've never actually gone to school before."

"I'll make sure Mr. Rockwell prepares something appropriate for you to look over," Calle said. "Since you don't have any formal schooling you may only have the local public school as a choice. I think your test scores will play a factor either way but Rockford will know more on that."

That sounded close enough to right for me. This was the kind of thing I was paying him for after all. Satisfied with my lists here,I wrapped myself in my jacked walking outside making sure to dodge the third step. Then flipped the page and made that my first note. A short walk to the side of the house allowed me to retrieve a ladder from a disused storage cubby and set it against the house.

"It's not too late for this kind of thing, is it?"

"I wouldn't think so. Granted the school year is in its last stages, but this would give you a chance to get used to the setting. That would be a huge benefit since you have no memories of what to expect. I can see several benefits of pushing forward in this vein."

Letting the subject drop, I said, "That sounds fine and I don't need to make any decisions today. Knowing my options will be good."

The roof wasn't in as bad a shape as I feared judging by how the sides looked. Still, it was tar shingles that looked like they'd been there for sometime. Worse, the gutters didn't look like they had been cleaned in a very long time. I wasn't an expert in this stuff but I was pretty sure that was going to cause problems unless fixed. Notes taken, I put the ladder back adding to my ever growing list as I walked around the house.

It was going to get repainted. At the least.

"Of course," he easily agreed. "Now that we have those issues settled, I am obliged to state that it would be in keeping with the current legal system to register yourself with the local PRT if you plan on being an active cape in Brockton Bay."

"Ah, mon cher, we both know that isn't going to happen," I chuckled.

"You being an active cape, or you registering as one?"

"Yes."

Peach? Hmm, no. I was partial to brick red, but that wouldn't work here. Looking around at the other houses didn't help. Maybe something a bit more fun? I'd ask someone at the hardware store after I took some pictures.

"Need I remind you of a recent incident in New Orleans? Such events tend to make local law enforcement, including the PRT and by extension the Protectorate, nervous. I have found nervous capes tend to make situations...volatile."

"Perhaps," I drawled, not really disagreeing. "But I would like to keep my lives separate. I've never had that option before. Registering is counterproductive to that endeavor."

"You're the client," Calle said.

Finally, I looked over the our depressing lawn. Flowers. Spring was here, kind of, so flowers. Fun ones to suit the local environment. Definitely needed to talk to someone about that. There had to be a florist or something in this city who could advice me. That would work. More notes. Also, something really needed to be done with that poor fence.

"On a similar note, are there any existing links I should be aware of between a certain gambler and Renée?"

"None on our end. However, unless you have a solution to your eyes, it won't be difficult to establish them."

"I have special contacts that mostly conceal them," I informed him. "I use them rarely, but most likely will more going forward."

"Hmm, that should work, I think. I can talk to Michel later and set up a time for you to meet if you like. She has a lot of expertise preparing our clients for their day in court. Appearances mean everything in such situations. She could tell you if there is anything you need that would help."

"I would like that."

"Excellent, then was there anything else I could do for you today, Ms. Hebert?"

"Not that I can think of, Mr. Calle," I answered honestly, looking over Danny's house with a critical eye. "I appreciate all that you have done for me. I know it's not your usual work. However, I don't like the idea of trusting my future to a lesser practitioner, and you were referenced as the best."

"I'm pleased my reputation extends even as far as to our friends in the south," Calle replied smugly. "And it is no trouble. I am enjoying the challenge and change in pace. I shall bid you a good day, Ms. Hebert. Until I learn of something new."

"Goodbye, Mr. Calle."

Giving the area one last look and not seeing anything I might have missed, I walked back inside. Once showered and dressed, I struggled with putting in my contacts, which were always an issue to get just right. Finally, my makeup and I was ready to venture into town.

My plan was simple. Just pick up a few things to stock the house. Most of my notes were going to require talking to Danny at least, while others would require a professional repairman. Half way into my grocery shopping I decided that in addition. Danny and I made it a week, and aside from a bit of awkwardness here and there, it was actually pretty good. With that in mind, I would get things for a nice dinner tonight.

A quick call to Penny for an ingredient list of what I would need sent me to several different stores looking for them. A trek that took quite a bit of time covering a lot of different stores but would be worth it in the end. Penny kept me company during most of it, asking questions in that way of hers and oohing and awwing about how cute it was to hear about my efforts.

I had to call a cab to get home by the time I found everything. Once home, I set about making everything, once again with Penny talking my ear off as I kind of solo'd my first dinner. Thankfully by the time she had to go she managed to give me all the instructions I would need to finish everything.

By the time five rolled around I was tired, but everything was exactly as she said it would be. More or less. I wasn't Penny, who had an unreal gift in the kitchen, but I wasn't bad and her instructions were very good. I was just closing the oven door when the house phone rang.

"Bonjour," I greeted once I picked up the archaic thing.

"Hello, Renée," Danny returned. "Something came up here. It's going to take a while to straighten out."

"Oh," I said, frowning. "I don't suppose you could get out of it? I made dinner."

"Sorry kiddo," he sighed tiredly. "I know that last few nights have been rough with me coming in late all the time but..."

Not quite willing to admit defeat after all the effort, I explained, "But, I made pot roast...my creoles...and do you have any idea how hard it was to get everything for a real gumbo? It's not going to be as good cold. Maybe you can come home to eat, then head back?"

"I wish I could. I can always microwave it when I get home…"

MICROWAVE!

"Gambit don't make no TV dinner!" I shouted losing what cool I had.

Slamming the receiver back, I huffed, not the least bit sorry. Didn't he know what he was missing? Spooning a bit of gumbo from the pot, I sampled it finding it to be absolutely delicious. Not as good as Penny's, but damn good. It wasn't even as spicy as I liked it out of respect for Danny's constitution.

The house phone rang. I ignored it.

"Microwave," I grumbled. "Like this was McDonald's take out or something. Bah!"

The house phone rang. Again. I ignored it. Again.

Still fuming I unplugged it the third time it tried ringing.

Seeing my phone on the table, I picked it up dialing a number quickly. There was one person in the Bay who would appreciate a good gumbo.

"This had better be fucking good," Jess growled. "I'm watching Assault kick the shit out of Uber and Leet."

"Danny's working late," I sighed. "Again. I made food. Creole, gumbo and pot roast. Hungry?"

"Real food? Like the kind I don't have to order that gets delivered by some pimply shit? That kind of food? It's free right?"

"Yes," I answered rolling my eyes.

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

I chuckled at her quick response, then added, "I don't suppose you know anyone who would be interested in a friendly game? I need something fun to do."

"I might..."

XxXGambitXxX

Not letting the sound of keys rattling in the old lock in the back door, I instead kept my focus on the costumed man across from me. A slight smile on my face as he looked at the pot, then up at me.

"You're bluffing."

"That is the question. Isn't it, mon cher?" I asked.

The man dressed like a bad spy actor, nodded confidently, raising.

Sighing, his friend - who was also dressed in a similar get up - called.

Sitting to my left, Circus leaned back carelessly on the back legs of their chair, throwing in.

"I will see your five hundred," I said, pulling a billfold from my jacket. Counting the money inside, I tossed the bills on the table, "and raise you two thousand."

Behind me, a very large man audibly gulped down what must have been half a makeshift pot roast sandwich.

"Now I know you're bluffing," the sole hero at the table accused me. His red visored mask kept me from seeing his eyes, but not the frown on his mouth. "You're trying to buy your way out of this bet."

"It will cost you two large to know for sure, chérie," I replied smoothly, sitting back into my chair.

Still frowning, Assault counted out his chips, which was most of them, and added them to the considerable pile, which was the scene Danny walked in on once he won his battle with the door.

I needed to add that to the list.

Ignoring his flabbergasted expression as he took in the capes that had taken over his kitchen, I smiled turning my attention to Uber.

"Call," he said confidently, throwing in his own stack. "I'm with Assault, you're bluffing your ass off."

"Not me," Leet said, shaking his head as he put his cards down. "Way too broke for this shit."

Circus smirked, using their feet to slide over the chips with about as much care as they did anything.

With everyone's eyes on me, I started putting down my cards one at a time. Enjoying the groans and curses from the others as they watched. Queens over sevens.

"Puppy's going to kill me," Assault groaned as his head hit the table.

Seeming enjoying his reaction, Circus slow clapped for me, not even bothered by their loss. Behind me, Chubster chuckled while Leet smirked, being the only people who didn't lose to me this round.

"Fuck it," Uber cursed. Sighing, he shook his head. "It's only money, right? And we got a kick ass dinner out of it."

Several people chuckled, which was more funny as Assault was noticeably not one of them. After a moment banging his head against the table, he suddenly bolted upward. "What time is it?"

"Five after midnight," Danny answered chokingly, bringing everyone's attention to him.

Uber turned to me, tilting his head at Danny. I answered the silent question, "The host."

Several nods of understanding greeted my answer as everyone accepted his presence.

"Oh shit. She really is going to kill me. My shift ended hours ago…" Assault palmed his face in worry.

"Did you call in our fight earlier?" Uber asked.

"No, didn't think I needed to since I figured you'd guys would have been long gone before anyone showed up anyway." The poor guy looked really beat up about it.

"Hey," Uber said, turning to Leet. "We still got those kill bots from that skit last month?"

"Three of them," Leet nodded thoughtfully. "Still work too. Well, kind of. I never did get that glitch out of their programming that makes them sing 'I'm so Ronery' whenever they're damaged."

"How long would it take to set up something for Assault to stop?"

"Shit, not long. Five, maybe ten minutes tops," Leet estimated easily. "They're not good for much right now except for a distraction and there's that jewelry store just down the street we could hit."

"You guys would really do that for me?" Assault asked hopefully. "I mean, you know this won't change anything later, right? If I see you guys committing a crime, I'm going to try and stop you."

I looked over to Danny; his entire brain had quite clearly come to a stop, and his jaw was lost somewhere on the floor. His head kept rotating slightly, shifting from villain to hero in an attempt to make sense out of the situation.

"It's all good man," Uber said as Leet nodded. "We know how it goes but we had a blast tonight. It's not often we can just be chill about shit, you know?"

I smiled watching all three get up. Counting the chips they had left, I handed them their take, or lack of one in Assault case.

Once they left making plans about how to save Assault from the wrath of his 'Puppy', I turned to Circus seeing them also getting up.

"Time to cash out."

I nodded, counting out their winnings and handing it over. "Thanks for setting everything up on short notice. It was nice to meet some of the locals."

"No problem," they said. "The food was worth it."

Smiling at the compliment, I turned to my last guest as Circus smirked at a stunned Danny.

"Dinner was wonderful, Gambit," Chubster's deep voice complimented me.

Seeing the look on his face, I offered, "Set aside a bowl for the host, and you can have the rest."

"Really?"

I nodded and he went to work eagerly. "We still on tomorrow at the sandwich shop? I'm looking forward to seeing what New England thinks is a proper po' boy."

"Of course, I eat there every day," he agreed. "Come by, I'll introduce you to the manager."

"Excellent."

Satisfied with his take out, Chubster nodded happily to Danny and squeezed past his unmoving body to leave.

Sighing at such a good evening, I counted out my take and removed several hundred dollar bills.

"Renée?"

"Yes, Danny?"

"Please tell me I just imagined my kitchen was hosting a poker game between four villains, a hero, and my daughter?"

"A successful poker game," I corrected smugly, handing him the small stack I set aside. "Here."

"And what...is that?" Danny asked weakly.

"Your cut," I explained. "The host always gets a cut. It's respect."

"Renée," he sighed tiredly.

"It is very rude to refuse gratuity, Danny," I said, narrowing my eyes as I frowned. "Very...insulting to everyone who had a seat at the table."

Danny seemed to deflate at my tone. Reluctantly, very reluctantly I noted, he took it. Nodding a bit sharply, I started cleaning up.

"Your...leftovers, when you want them, are in the fridge."

"Alright," Danny sighed again. "I'll just...take a quick shower then I'll eat."

"I'll make sure your microwave is ready for you," I replied tartly.