Mickey let out a tired sigh as he sank into a chair by the unlit fireplace, massaging his temples as he tried to ease the throbs of a starting headache. As much as he believed in the cause they were fighting for, he wished sometimes that he could leave this leadership business to someone else. As much as Oswald liked to brag that he could handle anything, Mickey knew he couldn't leave all this on his brother's shoulders… he'd had a hard enough time while the mouse was out of commission, even if he insisted it was no trouble at all.

"Mick?"

Mickey's ears twitched at the familiar voice, and he looked up to see Oswald approaching. He smiled, clearly pleased to see the mouse, but Mickey could see the concern behind it.

"You look pretty tuckered out… I said I could a' helped."

Mickey returned his smile and shrugged.

"Yeah, but you've barely been able to see Ortensia and the kids this week. Just wanted t' give ya a break."

Oswald's smile widened as he walked over, giving Mickey's shoulder a light thump with his fist.

"It's okay t' think a' yourself once in while, ya know."

Mickey could tell the rabbit was grateful, but he still caught the slight sternness. No doubt Oswald was subtly reminding him of the promise he made those few months ago.

"I'm not gonna overdo it, Os," he reassured.

Oswald gave a slight nod.

"Glad t' hear it."

Moving to one of the other chairs, he sat down too.

"So everyone's ready, then?"

Mickey's smile faded into a more solemn look.

"Th' guys in Irvine said they'll just be waitin' for an okay. And I met the Cap just before I headed back… he says Modesto confirmed too."

"Well, guess that's good," Oswald said, but he was just as solemn. The two sat in silence for a while, then Mickey let out a soft sigh and looked up.

"Hey, Os… can I ask ya something?"

The rabbit met his gaze, his ears pricking as a slight frown came to his face.

"Sure, what?"

Mickey shifted a little on his seat; he knew his brother wasn't going to want to hear this, but he couldn't face what was coming without an answer to this.

"Well… we're about t' do somethin' real dangerous, and I… well, I just wanna…" He hesitated, then took a deep breath. "If I don't get outta this, please, can ya make sure Minnie's safe?"

Oswald's reaction was about what he expected. The rabbit immediately stiffened, his slight frown turning into a glare.

"Don't ya start with that, mouse. Th' last thing I need is you gettin' an even bigger hero complex."

Mickey met his fierce gaze calmly.

"I don't have any plans t' be a martyr, Os… ya know that. I wouldn't do that to ya. But we're all takin' a risk. I just gotta know all a' ya will be okay."

Oswald held his gaze, and Mickey could see the irritation slowly leaving his look. The mouse was sure he could see moisture in his brother's eyes before he lowered them and sighed.

"We couldn't really be okay without ya, Mick."

"I get that, Oswald," Mickey said, his voice gentle. "Just… don't let it ruin yer lives. Please."

His brother continued to gaze down at his enjoined hands. Finally, he drew in a deep breath and lifted his head.

"I'll promise ya that, but just if you promise me somethin' too."

Mickey nodded, silently urging the rabbit to go on. Oswald looked at him with an intense, almost pleading look.

"Don't do anything outta yer league," he said. "Do whatever ya can t' get outta this okay."

Giving the rabbit a gentle smile, Mickey nodded again.

"I will."

"Promise," Oswald insisted.

"I promise," Mickey said, his voice solemn.

Some of the fear went out of his brother's eyes at those words, and a slight smile tugged at his face.

"An' I do too," he murmured. "I'll keep 'em all safe, I promise."

The mouse's smile widened a little at that, and he put every bit of gratitude he felt into his reply.

"Thanks, Os."

The rabbit returned his smile.

"No need t' thank me, little bro. We're all family, an' family takes care of each other."

Before Mickey could answer, Ortensia's soft voice came from the doorway.

"Oswald, Mickey?"

Both brothers looked up as she entered the room. Her face was solemn and slightly fearful, a folded piece of parchment in her hands. Mickey immediately rose to his feet, stepping forward to meet her as Oswald stood too.

"Is that…"

Ortensia nodded, holding the letter out. Mickey felt his heart speed up as he took it and unfolded it. At the top of the page was a jumble of random words, a pre-arranged code they had devised. Relaxing a little, Mickey read on out loud as Oswald and Ortensia listened.

"My dear friend, I hope this letter finds you and your family well. I'm writing with exciting news… I spoke with my father, and he agreed to allowing me come visit. He was reluctant but finally agreed when I pointed out that I would likely be safer outside of the city and away from the main Resistance activity. I should be able to reach Pomona in a week or so. I won't be coming with any fanfare… my father said it wouldn't draw attention that way. I'm very much looking forward to meeting your family and catching up on everything. All my best, Minnie."

When he stopped reading, the three stood in silence for a while. Then Ortensia pressed her lips together and sighed.

"Well, I suppose that's that. We'd best start getting ready."

Oswald placed an arm around her and drew her close, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"It'll be okay, hon," he murmured. Mickey smiled sadly as Ortensia nestled against her husband; they all knew there was no guarantee of that, but the mouse knew what Oswald meant… that they would do all they could to get through this and come home safe. High, excited voices broke the silence.

"Mama! Daddy!"

The bunny children came rushing in, their eyes bright but with obvious nervousness.

"Daddy, Mama said we got a letter!" said one of them.

"Is Unca Mickey's girlfriend comin'?" piped the youngest, her ears pricked and expression eager. The elder ones immediately shushed her.

"Don' call her that, silly!" said one of her brothers. "We gotta be 'spectful!" Mickey, meanwhile, felt his face heat a little and cleared his throat, hearing Oswald's amused snort and Ortensia stifle a giggle. The bunny clapped her hands over her mouth, then spoke in an anxious voice.

"Sorry, Unca Mickey! I won' call her that, p'mise!"

"It's okay," the mouse said. "But yeah, she's gonna come visit in 'bout a week."

The bunnies began hopping up and down with excited exclamations, making Mickey smile, but then he gave them all a more serious look.

"So I'm countin' on ya t' be real polite t' her."

Each of the kids immediately nodded, their faces pictures of resolve.

"We will, Unca Mickey!" said the oldest. "We'll be real good, promise!"

Each of the others squeaked their own acknowledgements, and Mickey's smile returned. He knew the kids were aware of what Minnie coming meant, and that they were worried about him and Oswald. But it was heartening to see them still showing their regular enthusiasm. Whatever the situation, he had always hoped that his nieces and nephews would keep their happy childhood, and that remained one of his dearest hopes.

He tried not to think of it, but another hope tugged at his mind as well: that maybe, just maybe, him and Minnie might have a future together. Her immediate concern had to be for the kingdom, he knew. Still, he was unable to let go of that possibility. It gave him an uplifted heart and made him feel braver about what was to come.

But if Minnie was happy, he was happy, whether she found it with him or not. What was best for her was all that mattered.