REVIEW!

Suicide Forest-Tell me about it. I assume it's because a lot of people don't really like fanfics that focus primarily on OC's with not much from the actual Guardians. I'm not usually that bothered because I've gotten used to it, but more is always welcome, especially with some actual feedback. Can't always get what we want... Getting plenty of views though, so I know people are reading this, that's all that really matters.

We got halfway down the street before Tara spoke up.

"That was, interesting."

"It could have gone better." I agreed. "At least I saw myself out this time."

"Wait, people have thrown you out?"

"Yep, it's annoying but understandable. Parents get over protective of kids with odd powers, if they don't disown them completely."

"That's horrible!"

"It's who we are."

"How can you be so calm about this?"

"Because I have to be. There are so many sob stories in HOG, you, as bad as this sounds, get used to them."

"All those kids we've missed..."

I stopped in the road and turned to face Tara. "Don't go down that route. You can't be there for every kid, there's six of you, it's almost impossible. Not to mention, Descendant children don't always count. Yes they're children, but they're also Descendants, and you have to learn to take a step back."

"I'm not sure I can."

I sighed. "I'm admittedly the last person to be preaching like this. However, since this is your first Descendant, and your relative, first cousin once removed I think? I don't see why you can't talk to him and teach him once he starts believing."

"You seem very confident that he's going to join you." Tara said as we began walking again.

"I sold it pretty well, and even if he doesn't, I've planted the seed, got him thinking. What if they do exist? That's the first step to believing."

"I can see that."

I reached the Tunnel entrance and turned to Tara.

"Want some ice cream? I've got a tub in the freezer at home."

"Only if it's not too much trouble."

"Of course it isn't! Jamie would love to see you again, and he'll be glad that I'm taking time off. Not to mention Chris, Cass and Mel will be there." As Descendant and immortal relations had improved, I'd found myself becoming friends with Tara. I still tried to keep it work related whenever I saw her, but I saw no harm in doing something like this every now and again. I think Jack was actively encouraging us doing this, which I didn't know whether to be annoyed about or not.

Tara smiled. "You've twisted my arm. Okay, ice cream."

I grinned. "Excellent."

I had intended to spend the evening relaxing, eating ice cream and talking with Tara and Jamie.

I wasn't quite living with Jamie but we'd decided to try again, because with a house full of kids I couldn't keep my work secret, but I came over whenever I could. Not to mention he wanted me to come back here to hear it all gone.

So far it was working, and I think Jamie was just glad to see me actually relaxing instead of constantly fussing over work.

I finished my bowl of ice cream and almost sank into the sofa, Taboo curled on my lap like a house cat.

"I need to do this more often." I said softly.

"You're more of a workaholic than Tooth." Said Tara with a grin.

"I'm not that bad."

"Yes you are." Said Jamie from behind me. I'd already caught him up on tonight's events, and he was willing to let me have the sofa tonight if I needed to.

"Wait until there's another conflict. I don't leave the base."

"I know you don't." Jamie ruffled my hair softly before yawning. "I'm going to bed. You two?"

"I'm staying up for a bit." I decided.

"I might hang around as well." Said Tara, "If that's okay."

"Of course it's okay." Said Jamie. "The Guardians and the Nightmare Hunters are welcome any time. You know that." No kidding, I swear Daniel Moon was in here weekly.

"I know, but..."

"You have to ask anyway." I finished, smiling.

"Well, yeah."

Jamie yawned. "Night you two."

"Night Jamie." I called back, while Tara gave a "Night."

When the bedroom door closed I grinned, having had a silly idea.

"Say Brain, whaddya wanna do tonight?"

Tara got the reference. "The same thing we do every night Pinky." Tara leaned over and picked up the ice cream tub. "Try to eat all the ice cream!"

I laughed and Taboo rumbled on my lap, also amused.

"Pinky and the Brain. It's Pinky and the Brain."

"One is a genius, the other's insane." Sang Tara, then looked at me to continue the song.

"Whoa no. I don't sing."

"Have you ever tried?"

"Yes. It sounded like cats dying."

"Ah come on, please?" Tara started doing the puppy dog look, she'd perfected it as well as Jamie.

"They're laboratory mice. Their genes have been spliced." I said in monotone, determined not to actually sing.

"That wasn't singing!"

"No, it was preferable to me actually singing."

"Come on. For me?"

"No."

"Spoilsport."

"You've heard me sing!"

"I've recovered. Your singing voice could be an effective weapon."

"Oh shut up." I said grumpily while Taboo and Tara laughed.

"Gotta admit, ten years. That's a record in all the time I've been at HOG. The longest peace lasted was seven years."

"And here's to many more." Said Tara, raising her bowl.

I smiled and raised my own bowl. "I can eat to that."

We clinked our bowls and settled back in our very comfortable positions on the sofa.

Almost as if we'd jinxed it my phone started ringing.