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.
Tal: I know that, but I'm still being horrible to you with what happened. Chris and Chyler AREN'T traitors, but if that's how you like to see it, fine. They just want their dad, is that so much to ask for?
Anyabar1987: Glad you liked it.
Phantom Rogue: Yes, all stripeys are very dense, especially the male species. –coughs-Phyromaniac-coughs-
Star Fata: Chyler's a twit. Chris will tease her big time.
Alexandra KHAYMAN: -drools- She doesn't want to admit that. And the 'van der' in my last name is written without capitals. Yeah, I'm evil, it's my middle name, together with insane.
Tay: Just one baby. And I'm definitely not through with Chyler yet.
Puasluoma: Thanks.
Slytherin-Angel44: Yeah, I feel sorry for doing to this Ash too, but well, it helps my story along.
Mita427: Kill the review throttle or whatever it's named! Yeah, well it was kinda obvious she was.
Johnny: You won't find out who the father of the baby is until the epilogue. Chyler's a twit.
The-power-of-love: Glad you like it, here's more.
Zeopurple: Not until the epilogue. And Chyler is denying she likes Nicky just as hard.
Megarider: That's okay. Glad you liked them. Torturing Chyler isn't that wrong at all.
SweetSas: Nope, we'd make sure she wouldn't. So… do you know how to clone him?
PrettyDiva: -passes on the bucket- Well, it's still acting nutty. I'm glad they burned the papers too, but then again, it was either the papers or them :P Chris is just like his dad… and worse :P You'll have to wait for the daddy until the epilogue. Here's more.
Living Truth
Chapter 22: Home Away From Home
Zhane and Karone had come out to greet them. Hugs were exchanged and cries of joy were heard, though Zhane wisely kept a constant distance between him and Ashley. Andros and Karone were the last to see each other and it was obvious by the fierceness of the hug that the siblings had missed each other.
"Mom's waiting at the house." Karone explained. "Dad sends his apologies; he wanted to come, but there were some pressing matters at work. He'll send someone to bring your stuff over to the house, though."
"Any chance there'll be food?" Danne asked playfully, rubbing her stomach.
"Why do you think your grandmother is there?" Karone laughed.
"Come on, kiddos. Let's get you to your new home for now." Zhane laughed, leading the way.
Andros wrapped his arm around Ashley's waist and held her close as they strolled through the streets of KO-35. Karone pried Noah from his mother's arms and perched him on her hip as they walked, cooing softly about how much she missed her most adorable nephew. Ashley shot her a grateful smile and leaned against Andros again.
"It's not very big." Zhane warned as he pushed open the front door. "But it's the best we could do in such short notice."
"It's okay, Zhane." Ashley smiled warmly. "It's better than nothing."
Zhane nodded and stepped aside to let them in. They entered a small hallway. Chris quickly opened the only door in the hall, since they didn't all fit inside. When Andros stepped into the cosy living room he saw his mother hugging the twins happily, with maternal love. He didn't even dare to get his hopes up. After all, Chris and Chyler were heirs to the Power.
His mother released the twin and looked over at Danne who shyly stood a small distance away, used to being ignored on KO-35.
"Well, don't I get a hug?" Lynette asked with a small, almost regretful, smile.
Tentatively Danne walked over, but melted eagerly into the hug as soon as her grandmother's arms surrounded her. Andros smiled and looked around the room. Karone had just set Noah in the playpen and the boy contently curled up and fell asleep.
"Mommy!" A little voice gurgled from the doorway.
Little Aila wobbled out of the kitchen on chubby little legs and held her arms out for Karone as she wobbled on to her mother, making incoherent noises. Instead Zhane scooped the girl up.
"MOMMY!" She shrieked, struggling against Zhane's hold. "Mommy, mommy, MOMMY!"
Karone quickly rescued her daughter from Zhane. The little girl immediately stopped shrieking and clung happily to her mother. Karone glared at Zhane and indicated to the playpen, but Noah didn't seem to be at all bothered by the sounds and slept on like a baby.
"We should be getting back home." Zhane told his brother and sister. "It's high time for Aila's nap."
"Me no sleepy!" The little girl protested yawning from Karone's arms. "No sleepy."
"Food's in the kitchen." Lynette told the three teens with a laugh when Chris's stomach grumbled while saying goodbye to his aunt, uncle and cousin.
The three teens quickly hurried into the kitchen in search of the promised food and Lynette turned to her son and daughter-in-law.
"My dear boy." She sighed happily, pulling Andros into a hug. "It's so good to see you again, though I wish circumstances were different."
Andros gave his mother a sad smile as she pulled back and turned to Ashley. Andros watched her shift uneasily. Most of her encounters with Lynette had been less then pleasant. She was surprised to find the other woman's face graced with a sad smile.
"Ashley." Lynette said. "It's good to see you again too. Have I ever even apologized for all the horrible things I've said to you?" Shaking her head, the older woman continued. "If only I had given Andros a chance to explain, it would have saved you both a lot of misery."
"I… um…" Ashley stuttered, unsure of how to react.
"Don't." Lynette smiled. "You are the only one who has truly made my son happy. I didn't see how miserable he was until you brightened his life again. I owe you so much for that."
To Ashley's surprise Lynette gathered her into a warm and motherly hug – and even more surprised, yet delighted beyond all words, when she found herself relaxing almost instantly.
"Thanks." Ashley muttered softly, tears springing into her eyes.
"Remember, if you ever need anything, don't hesitate in asking." Lynette told her. "I've got a lot to make up for."
A small smile started tugging at the corner of Ashley's lips.
"Don't worry about it… mom." Ashley told her softly and Lynette smiled. "Andros and I would never be this close if it weren't for trial and error. Our years apart only showed us just how precious we are to each other."
"Go eat something." Lynette told them affectionately.
Two hours later
Chyler followed her grandmother upstairs with the rest of her family while Ranger and Astro were racing to and fro between their feet.
"There are only three bedrooms." Lynette explained as they arrived on the landing and pointed out the doors. "Master bedroom, says it all, really. We put a crib for Noah in there, but it can always be moved."
"No, it's okay, I don't mind having my baby boy close." Ashley quickly replied, bouncing her baby a little higher on her hip as he let out an adorable snuffle.
"Yeah and knowing you, the crib is probably placed at the end of the bed, so we don't even have to get out of bed anymore when he wakes up hungry in the middle of the night." Andros put in.
Lynette just nodded and moved on.
"This bedroom is slightly smaller. Zhane put in bunk beds while Karone decorated it so the girls could share, if they want to that is."
"Of course we don't mind!" Chyler declared immediately. "And anyway, Chris snores!"
Danne giggled and nodded furiously.
"Then there's the bathroom and that last door leads to the smallest of the three bedrooms, which evidently will be Chris's."
"Can I dump my stuff now?" Chris whined playfully.
Ashley smiled at her son and nodded. He quickly disappeared into his room and came back out again moments later, his eyes wide.
"That's not a room." He breathed. "IT'S AN OVERSIZED CLOSET!"
A/N: Hope you liked it! Review!