Summary: 'You're the only truth I know, you're the road back home.' After years apart, Andros and Ashley can finally start building their life together with their children. Sequel to Secrets Untold.
Phantom Rogue: Yep, we definitely do! Can't go on with him walking free, now can we?
PrettyDiva: -faints at the thought of both Andros and chocolate in the same sentence-
Zeopurple: Yeah, me too, but yeah, things will be tough on them.
Tay: Don't worry, all of that will be taken care of.
Star Fata: Yeah, but things still won't be easy for them.
Johnny: Andros and Ash know how to deal with the flaring tempers of their children, luckily.
SweetSas: Maybe if desert was an actual food group, he could be… Chris will definitely want to kill names, but only after he's through with him.
Titanium Ranger: Ash is just unsure but even though they're working it out, they'll have some hard times.
Alexandra KHAYMAN: -drools- Go ahead! Because they will! The two are perfect for each other.
Tal: They'll get out of it even stronger and closer than before. Okay, ignoring that rant of yours. Ash will never give up with Andros around, she's a fighter.
Dragoneyes5000: Yeah, harder than you can even imagine.
Mita427: Here's another one! (finally)
Blue-sky-ranger: -blushes- aw, thanks.
Puasluoma: Um… yeah…
The-power-of-love: Here's more!
C.C.C.: Andros is more down to Earth and level-headed than that! He'd never pick a fight with Ash, especially not in that state. Well, here are the twins…
Slytherin-Angel44: Sorry you had to wait. Here's more.
BlackHalliwell: Thanks.
Wolfprincess09: Almost too perfect.. if something like that could exist. He didn't know, or didn't realise it. Here's more.
AA Lover: No, they won't get another shot, sorry, it's up to court now.
Living Truth
Chapter 18: Homecoming
Andros noticed Ashley tense beside him and quickly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side. She relaxed a little as she leaned against him, soothed by his warm and protective touch. As long as he was by her side, she was sure she'd be safe.
Soon enough the bus pulled up and the moment the doors opened, students started piling out in a rush of boisterous noise and laughter. It wasn't long before Ashley spotted her own two stripey kids in the mass. Moments later, while others were desperately scanning the crowd for their parents, Chris and Chyler walked to them.
As soon as they reached the two, the twins dropped their bags and hugged their parents, conveying telepathically just how joyous this reunion was. Chyler happily buried her face against her dad while Chris wrapped Ashley in a protective hug.
"Come on, let's go home. Danne missed you." Andros prompted, picking up Chyler's largest bag and starting towards the car with his family.
Andros noticed Ashley was visibly more relaxed with both him and Chris flanking her sides. The boy was now as tall as his father and despite his loose, casual clothing, the fluid motions of the solid muscles he had build up with karate was still visible. Everyone would think twice before angering the boy.
'Everyone with at least half a brain, that is.' He told himself quietly.
"Chris!" A voice called and a pretty blonde girl came running their way, smiling widely.
"Hey Allison." Chris greeted, seeing the girl look over to her popular cheerleader friends for a moment.
"You look great." She complemented and looked up at him through lowered lashes. "I was wondering if you'd want to go catch a movie sometime – or maybe a bite to eat… like in a date I mean," she added boldly.
Chris rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"No thank you, I don't intent on being a boy-toy for airhead cheerleaders who date guys for their looks. Anyway, I already have a girlfriend." Chris replied coolly, but not unkindly.
Allison blinked and tossed her hair, scowling, before turning and sashaying back to her 'posse'. Chris watched her friends glare at him and he shrugged. He didn't notice the looks his parents were giving him until Chyler's giggle made him turn back to his family.
"What?" He asked a bit confused.
"You're busted." Chyler laughed teasingly.
"I want to hear this story." Andros smirked and Ashley nodded in agreement.
Two hours later
Chris's hands were balled into fists; his knuckles white and his face flushed with anger.
"I'll kill him." He hissed through gritted teeth.
"Hold your horses." Andros told him sternly. "You are not going after him - and anyways, he's already been arrested. The trial will be held next month, but all evidence is pointing against him. It shouldn't take long for him to be found guilty and thrown into prison."
"That doesn't change what he did to us!" Chris shouted fiercely. "What he did to mom."
"Chris." Ashley whispered softly, her voice stilling the room. "I'll… I'll be fine." She assured with a sigh. "It will take some time, but I'll be fine."
"But mom…" Chyler cut in.
"Come here, both of you." Ashley ordered and wrapped her two children into her arms. "I'll be fine, I promise. Don't you worry about me." With a mischievous smile, she added, "Now I believe you, Chris, mentioned a girlfriend earlier."
Chris immediately flushed crimson and Chyler started sniggering.
"Oh, come on, Chris. I can't be that bad." Andros teased.
"Yeah, you're making out in front of her parents already." Chyler taunted with a grin.
Chris glared at her for a moment, before sighing in defeat.
"Her name is Leigh." He explained reluctantly. "She's about three months older then me and Chyler, I guess."
"Leigh…" Andros mused. "That's not a Karovan name."
"Her mom says she's a friend of yours." Chris shrugged.
"Really? Who-" Ashley started.
Just then Noah started crying upstairs. With a sigh Ashley pushed herself up and looked over at her son pointedly.
"I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't you dare tell anything while I'm away! I want to hear this whole story." She informed him, adopting a formal 'mom look', before hurrying off to tend to her other son.
Absently Chris started playing with his locket, sliding it up and down its chain while staring off into space. Andros watched him silently. Suddenly two barking blurs stormed into the room. Chyler quickly intercepted both before they could reach Chris.
"I'll take them for a walk." Chyler offered and quickly got up, luring the two dogs with her to put on their leashes.
Moments later Ranger and Astro were happily pulling on their leaches to get out and onto the beach. Andros smiled and watched her go, telekinetically calling a tennis ball to take with her and play with the two dogs.
"Where's Danne?" Chris asked suddenly.
"Over at a friend's house. She wanted to be here to greet you, but she had to work on a project for school." Andros answered. "She's really sorry."
"No need to be." Chris smiled softly. "She didn't ask for homework."
Andros laughed lightly and ruffled Chris's short striped locks affectionately. They looked up when Ashley entered the room again, Noah perched on her hip, gurgling and giggling happily. She was walking of to his playpen when Chris held out his hands for him.
"I haven't been able to cuddle my baby bro to death yet." He explained as Ashley handed over the little boy.
Noah was all to content to be cuddled up in his big brother's arms. Chris willingly let the boy consume all his attention and he barely caught Ashley's question.
"So, who's Leigh's mother?" Ashley demanded.
"What? Oh, uh… Danne." Chris shrugged sheepishly.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I was stuck. Hope you liked the chapter anyway. I'm not sure when I'll have the next update finished. Review!