Marvel owns the X-men, no profit is to be made from this work.
Stumbling down the stairs, Jubilee wondered just where all the responsible people were in the house. Glancing at the clock, it wasn't even six yet with shy of a quarter till left. She just wanted her morning cup and the fruit salad Pete had made her the night prior, to cuddle in his arms and wake up just a bit more before they had their shower. Instead someone was knocking at the door, momentarily wondering if Moira didn't have another daughter tucked away somewhere. Ignoring it for a bit longer, this time she wasn't going to face it with her mug in hand.
By the fact that there was a freshly brewed pot meant someone was up and about, peeking in the sink to see the dishes there spying Kitty's mug. Probably down in the gym doing her morning cardio or some masochism she figured, pouring herself a cup before walking back off to the door. Throwing it open, she found a man standing there dressed in business casual and looking taken aback. Couldn't be Remy, he looked too polite to irritate Kitty she mused, sipping her mug and throwing the ball in his court.
"Morning." The man said, looking her up and down once.
"Yup." Jubilee said with a sip.
"Is Miss Rushman available?" The fellow asked, peeking past the door.
"Tasha? Uh, dunno. Like dude, it's not even six. What the bleep to the F is it with people coming at the arse end of the morning?" Jubilee vented, peeking past him to see some luggage sitting there and a pair of garment bags.
"Tasha?" The man asked after his mouth hanging open for a moment.
"Yeah, alias Natalie Rushman? Go to girl of the Pirate Badass?" Jubilee stated, sipping her cup again and seeing the way he smiled at the last little remark.
"...okay. Is she around?" The man questioned again.
"Probably, who are you?" Jubilee inquired, leaning against the doorframe now.
"Barton, Clint Barton." Clint said holding out a hand.
"...do you practice that? Ya know what, forget it. Tasha!" Jubilee yelled, heading back to the kitchen for her fruit salad and leaving whoever the Double O was at the door.
The call was parroted throughout the house as he stood there watching Jubilee wander back up the stairs ignoring him. Stepping in and leaving the door open having not yet been formally invited in yet, Clint fought against smiling as he waited. It was rare to get an honest reaction out of Natasha, but when he'd been called in by the Director himself for this 'mission' he could tell Fury was likely having just as much fun as him. Not that Director Fury had fun, at least nothing like what this 'mission' entailed. Calm and collected ever as she walked down the hall, he caught the hint of her hesitant step as she laid eyes on him.
That she was dressed in pyjamas had him wishing he could have pulled out his phone but he figured that would warrant her vaulting from the second floor and putting him in some painful sort of hold while she destroyed it. They were undoubtedly borrowed, he didn't take Natasha for liking ponies or Fluttershy, but fighting to keep his lips neutral he could see her shock and horror that in most instances involved shots being fired.
"What are you doing here!?" Natasha hissed, racing down the stairs with nary a noise.
"Good to see you too Tasha." Clint greeted, giving her another once over burning the image into his memory.
"Why do you have luggage?" Natasha questioned sharply, peeking past him.
Coughing and trying to find his composure, Clint could see some of the kids peeking down from above the foyer to watch. Witnesses were always handy, especially when they were noncombatants and children. Tasha had a sweet spot for children, she wasn't against using them he knew but she'd never let them be harmed.
"Sorry, ahem. The Director said you were on a mission into dangerous and unfamiliar territory so he asked that I join you as your backup and supply you with the required hardware and tactical support." Clint said as if giving a briefing even if he was biting his tongue watching her dismay.
"Fury sent you?" Natasha questioned archly.
"Yes, I believe he said my codename for this mission would be Plus One." Clint said not caring about his smile anymore.
"He said that?" Natasha inquired.
"Yes." Clint assured.
"This is Paris all over again..." Natasha hissed, turning to stalk off to the stairs with her facade shirked off.
Thinking he remembered Paris different than her, he was sure at least at this wedding they wouldn't be there to capture and interrogate the groom. Heading out for his luggage, Clint flung the two garment bags over his shoulders and welcomed himself in kicking the door shut behind him. As far as missions went, this one was going to be a genuine pleasure for a change and a chance to unwind and try and help Natasha do the same even if it killed him.
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Walking into what she was quickly coming to think of as their room, Marie kicked the door shut and placed the breakfast tray down on the coffee table and waited. He was in the shower humming tunelessly to some song, she waited on the sofa with one of her books for him to finish. There were only a few days left to the wedding and tonight would be the night for the parties in honour of the bride and groom before they became man and wife. Realizing she had been rereading the same page thrice, she tossed it down and waited for her love hearing the quiet that had fallen over the bath.
Leaning against the doorframe staring into the den, Logan stood in just jeans with his bare feet still wet. His hair was slicked back, sporting a fresh shave and a hint of that aftershave she loved that was so spicy and alluring. He looked straight off the cover of another of her books, right down to the come hither look he was working her way. Slipping from the sofa she walked up to him and wrapped her arms about his shoulders, taking in his aroma to smile up at him as he rested his hands on her hips.
"I know bacon when I smell it..." Logan said softly, stealing a kiss.
"And that's bacon, with extra bacon, romaine lettuce...tomatoes...butter...real mayo..." Marie purred in his embrace between kisses.
"Right about now that's some of the dirtiest sweet talkin' I've ever heard..." Logan whispered, snatching her up into his arms as he walked her to the sofa.
Tossed onto the sofa, he curled up on the other end and pulled her legs up onto his chest and massaged all those little places he had found that had her sputtering with laughter and giggles, arching her back in pleasure as he lavished attention to them. A sandwich was offered for his services, the tray resting on her belly for their enjoyment. Breakfast in bed didn't have anything on a foot massage and a fresh from the shower man Marie mused, nibbling on her own and loving the blissful look that befell him savouring his every bite.
"The Rules have been relaxed, bacons back on the table. Drinking is to be kept in moderation otherwise you might just pay for it in the morning like the rest of us. She thinks smoking might well take care of itself and encourages you to light one up just to see what your forever virgin lungs think of it without your usual healing to keep up with it." Marie said softly explaining everything Moira had told her down in the kitchen.
"Any o' this ta do with tonight's festivities?" Logan questioned, finishing his bite to tend to her feet again with fingers trailing up her calves at times.
"She's pleased to announce you're back in the peak of health, that your 'remarkable healing' seems ta be gaining it's momentum slowly but surely." Marie smiled, lolling her head back in pleasure.
"So what yer sayin' is I just might get drunk without havin' ta open and close out the bar." Logan smirked.
"That's the jist of it." Marie nodded.
"So just what are you girls all gonna be up ta tonight then?" Logan asked, toying with her toes.
"That is none...of yer...business buster." Marie said between kicking him with her free foot.
Snatching the pair up, he held them in hand and stared into her eyes and saw the promise of mischief in them, further fanning the flames of his curiosity.
"Why I hear it, boys and I are just headin' down to that boathouse fer some cards and brews. Between Pete bein' Pete and havin' Brother Wagner and ol' Fred there I don't think we'll be gettin' inta too much in the way o' antics." Logan said, leaning back with his arms behind his head.
"Painter, priest and the police. Least I don't have ta worry then." Marie laughed lightly.
"Truth be told, two police. Sean's former Interpol." Logan mused.
"That's one tree I keep forgettin' ta go barkin' up, I always thought she was an orphan and then I hear her dad's teaching here." Marie huffed, flopping her head back.
Hearing the springs of the sofa creak, she looked up to find Logan twisting to prowl over her taking her in with something more than his usual admiration, reaching a hand out he brushed a lock from her face and gently stroked her cheek. With only love in the gesture, he leaned close to kiss her brow once, twice, then trailing down to her cheek.
"What's that for?" Marie asked smiling fondly up at him.
"For bein' concerned about yer friends, heck...maybe ya can go sneak her off tonight for a little time together. I'm just glad I'm proud ta call Irish a friend, Theresa's too much o' a darlin' for some prick comin' back into her life." Logan whispered.
"He does seem nice." Marie confessed, thinking of the friendly Irishman she'd seen in the kitchen often and her office a few times for some chat.
"Well, I know you ladies like ta get dolled up wherever ya go so I'll let ya get to it. Fer that bacon stunt o' yers Abby's got me takin' a whole gang down ta the shop for ice cream. Just what I need, van load o' kiddies on a sugar high I gotta pay for." Logan laughed, giving her one last kiss before finding his way to his feet.
"Have fun." Marie said, curling up on the sofa almost wishing she wasn't so busy preparing for tonight so she could join in the mayhem.
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"Ah hell, I mean I've been here before but let me tell you bein' stuck in New York traffic in a stretch limo sure beats some yellow cab." Beth said stepping out with the concierge holding the door.
"Holy hell Betsy, what the heck floor is this pad of yours on?" Jubilee said craning her neck up for a look at the building.
"Penthouse." Betsy smiled, walking with all the grace earned from years on the runway.
Looks were thrown around from those that had been kept in the dark, only Ororo, Betsy and Kitty herself walking on as if it were nothing though Natasha showed her usual cool regard. Marie looked to Layla, her friend giggling with her as they rushed in to catch up realizing they'd been left behind still gawking. Rahne and Theresa walked along arm in arm doing their best to ignore the looks of so many heads turned their way. Making their way up, the party spilled out into the private retreat of Betsy Braddock.
With the Lady of the House walking off to the bar, many of the rest just rushing off to the patio to admire the view that held it's own allure simply from their vantage. The night was falling even as the city blazed to life in the cacophony of radiant lights swept over the concrete canyons. The pop of champagne echoed once, twice, thrice from the bar with Kitty helping to fill the fluted glasses waiting there. Joining the rest on the patio with trays of the sparkling french wine, they were passed around until everyone had theirs.
"To the soon to be Missus Rasputin, your days are numbered." Kitty said in toast raising her glass.
The tinkling of crystal went around as everyone tipped their glasses together to then enjoy a sip. Music joined the night with frosted globes of patio lights twinkling on as they sat down on the comfortable rattan couches to unwind from their drive.
"I like the sound of that." Jubilee smiled sipping her wine.
"What? Missus Rasputin or gettin' ta finally jump Pete." Marie teased.
Most broke out laughing, Jubilee herself the first though from her blush the well-meaning barb had struck true. Looking around to those she knew to be or have been married, Marie wondered just what their weddings must have been like. Throwing an arm over Layla, she pulled her close for a hug.
"Both." Jubilee giggled, putting back the last of her wine.
"Another glass?" Betsy asked.
"Uh, like, ya got any beer?" Jubilee asked in return rather awkwardly.
"Heavens, something so domestic on one of your last days of being an unmarried woman, perish the thought..." Betsy theatrically replied, feigning a classic fainting spell with her hand raised to her brow.
Laughter went around again as Jubilee stalked off, the ladies left waiting until she had vanished in past the door. Leaning in to whisper, Marie wasn't alone in urging Natasha to join the huddle as it were.
"What?" Natasha asked.
"Wait for it..." Kitty whispered, grinning hugely.
The popping sound of a bottle of beer being dropped burst from the kitchen, Betsy's irritation real just then as she thought of her expensive hardwood floors. Silence hung for a long while, Marie looking nervously to Layla just as Rahne and Theresa shared a concerned look. Natasha was already slipping out of her shoes to make it easier should it be needed, her hand slipping into her purse.
"You didn't get a stripper did you?" Marie hissed to Kitty.
"Better." Kitty chuckled.
That Ororo was smiling had Marie thinking whatever the surprise was it must be a pleasant one, yet swearing she could almost hear the sound of smothered cries inside. Betsy though let out a sigh, rising up and beckoning them all in.
"I fear maybe our surprise didn't go quite as planned..." Betsy whispered, walking up to the french doors to peer in.
Jubilee sat on a chesterfield with a fresh beer in hand, Mamma Alexandra hugging her dearly and whispering in Russian with the soothing words saying all that was needed. Wandering in, they joined her with some taking the high backed chairs and other pieces that littered the very Victorian inspired den.
"Bachelorette and wedding shower in one, there's one of your gifts." Kitty said taking her seat beside Jubilee.
"I'm sorry about your floor Betsy..." Jubilee said with a glance to the shattered glass and puddle of beer.
"I got it." Theresa assured, heading off to just where the broom closet was to clean up the mess.
"Is it here?" Marie asked thinking of a lovely moment she had shared.
Alexandra nodded, scooping Jubilee up to her feet and rushing her off joined by Marie and Layla. Left alone as it were, Betsy looked to the rest and smiled at Ororo in particular. Kitty was once again grinning in full mischief, counting under her breath.
"What the heck?!" Jubilee shrieked, rushing back out with her entourage.
In her hands was some skimpy ensemble of lace and silk of pastel yellow accented in velvety blue thread. The brassiere had between it a dangling little chain that ended in a sapphire clasped in golden star burst dotted with tiny pink rubies. Stockings and a garter belt completed it along with another garter likely to be cast off at the wedding.
"Something new, you're welcome though I think it's more a gift for Pete." Betsy purred, the rest just whistling and cheering.
"I...whu...huh!" Jubilee sputtered looking at it.
"Come daughter, lets show your friends the dress." Alexandra said taking her under her wing again and leading her off.
Giggling madly Marie stayed this time with Layla, telling just what Jubilee's expression had been on seeing the lingerie laid out on the bed next to the dress. Another round of champagne was poured as they waited, toasting Theresa this time for her generosity at cleaning up the small mess. Alexandra was the first to return, a glass of wine offered as she sat down and waited with the rest who turned to the hallway.
Blushing furiously and looking bashful that was so very different than her usual self, Jubilee stepped out dressed now in silk and lace of ivory. As if waiting for this moment Ororo rose and walked up to her and took her clutched hands in her own smiling fondly at her. Jubilee looked up and met her gaze, amazed to see a single tear rolling down her cheek.
"I have a gift for you too, towards tradition. Looking at you now and thinking of the girl we found that day, thinking of how you have all bloomed into vibrant flowers all your own, I know what it feels to be a mother myself. Though your parents cannot be with you on this most wondrous day to come if you would honour me I would love to walk you down the isle to give you away..." Ororo said softly.
Tears matched her own as Jubilee latched onto Ororo in a long and needed hug, Ororo gently stroking her hair and holding her dear. Backing off, Jubilee clasped her face in her hands and drew a breath, nodding in answer as she couldn't find her voice just then. Gently easing those hands free, Ororo lead her back to the rest in a pantomime of a most pleasing duty just days away.
"Something borrowed." Natasha whispered, looking to the rest as they looked on her in surprise.
"And something blue..." Marie said with a sniffle, caught up in the weight of the moment as she dug for that present she had kept safe in her purse.
Rising from her seat, she couched as best she could in her dress and smiled to her friend holding the blue Tiffany box in her outstretched hands. Jubilee took it up gently in her ivory clad fingers and stroked a thumb over the box. Tomboyish as she might have become, Marie knew Jubilee still had her girly side and recognized the store instantly. Waiting with the rest as it was opened, a hitched breath was heard with lips parted to admire it breathlessly. Taking up the silver heart pendant in hand to show to rest, it hung from trembling fingers.
"Something blue, from Logan and myself. Five sapphires set in silver, for the family you found. I thought of trying to find something for them but realized I was bein' an idjit as you already had it..." Marie said softly, rising up to help unclasp the chain and slip it about her neck.
"What...?" Jubilee asked in little more than a breath.
"Your eyes silly, isn't that where parents always see themselves? In their children...?" Marie whispered, placing a gentle kiss atop her friends head in the nearness of that moment letting the pendant dangle freely.
Arms where thrown about her as Marie hung there, wrapping her own about Jubilee as she joined her on the chesterfield. All around crystal tinkled again in toast, as they broke between sniffles and laughs another glass was offered to both bride and her maid.
"I don't have a gift." Natasha said as the idle chatter picked up again.
Jubilee looked to her and then her friends, once again composed and full of smiles. Rising from her place and taking Marie in hand, she looked to Kitty and with a tilt of her head called her over. The trio walked up to the woman who looked awkward in their presence, holding their hands out to her and helping her to her feet. As one they hugged her, feeling the stiffness in the woman.
"You already gave it Tasha, you helped to give my Petey his Best Man back, my friend her lover back. You helped give him back to all us, that's just awesome. Thank you..." Jubilee whispered, relieved as she felt Natahsa relax and slowly join in the hug.
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A campfire burned in the ring of chairs, a monster of a barbeque set up with the aroma of the steaks grilling along with racks of ribs and some burgers meant as appetizers. A trough meant for horses was filled with ice and littered with beer, torches lining the walk that lead down to the boat house and the dock it sat next to. Music played from a beat up looking boom box by a table that had been lugged down for the cards to be played later.
"Alright, to Pete and what might as well be his last day as an eligible bachelor so to speak." Bobby said in toast, raising his beer high.
"I'll drink ta that." Logan replied, tapping his bottle to Pete who he sat next to.
"Might have just met you but you throw a hell of a party." Clint said raising his own beer.
"May ye have nicer legs than yuirs under the table before the new spuds are up." Sean said with a laugh.
"To my boy, he makes me and my Alexandra happy only to know she'll asking new questions soon enough." Nikolai chuckled.
The laugh was joined as they all pounded back a swig of their beers, a spray of sparks sent off into the night sky as a log split and fell in the fire. Out along the shore frogs could be heard in their song with an accompaniment of crickets. Sitting on a log near the barbeque Kurt finished his own pilsner and added the bottle to the empties filling the nearby bins. Flipping the burgers and checking on the steaks, he walked off to Pete and clasped a hand on his shoulder.
"To the first wedding I shall officiate over, a union most perfect." Kurt said with a toothy grin, fishing another brew out of the icy water with his tail.
Bottles were raised again with swigs taken, the moment of toasts passed now as the party got under weigh with the usual banter and talking of men alone with another in that friendly fraternity that spanned on through their forefathers.
"Hey Logan, you're looking a little low, want another?" Bobby asked as he climbed to place off his empty and find a full one.
"Why do I think yer just tryin' ta see if ya can't get me drunk Drake?" Logan growled, still taking the offered beer.
"Because I am? Don't think I've forgotten that fun you had with me that time in Montreal helping out that brother and sister." Bobby grinned, flopping down in his chair.
"You sayin' I shouldn't o' told ya the drinkin' age up there was eighteen." Logan chuckled.
"Of course not, but ya didn't have to go buyin' me all those shots." Bobby laughed.
"Hey, you wanted to play with the big dogs. Pete was fine and dandy in the morning." Logan grinned, catching the sheepish look his friend threw his father.
"Piotr?" Nikolai questioned though clearly looking amused.
"You won't tell Mamma?" Pete asked, Nikolai just winking at him.
Flicking his cap into the fire pit, Logan looked off to the boat house and around the camp that had been built up around it. Climbing out of his chair, he wandered off to the dock to stare out at the lake with his mind wandering back to another dock and another night. Sipping his beer, he looked off to the boathouse and thought of all the work it still needed, an inkling of an idea having him smirk as he toyed with it. The sudden swaying of the dock told he wasn't alone, catching the scent on the breeze of the guest as he slowly walked on up.
"Nice night." Clint said, standing off beside Logan.
"Yup." Logan replied, turning to he man as he heard the chuckle.
"Somethin' funny?" Logan asked with a quirked up eyebrow.
"Just reminded me of earlier, was just thinking of Tasha in those silly pyjamas again." Clint added with a laugh.
"Way I hear it, there was a mishap with the laundry and one o' the students ended up shrinkin' a load that happened to have Miss Romanov's eveningwear." Logan said.
"Now that paints a picture." Clint mused, savouring another sip.
"Yup, course I get the feelin' if she were to hear any o' it we just might regret thinkin' it." Logan added, though his mind picturing another lady instead.
"She can be pretty intense." Clint said with his eyes lost in thought.
Looking to him, Logan pounded back his beer and wandered back to the trough this time fishing out two. He found Clint still there at the end of the dock with his beer looking a little low, holding out a chilled bottle to him. Taking it, Clint finished off the one in hand and opened the next. Tipping theirs together, they clinked the long necks and took a thirsty swallow in the quiet.
"Told Tasha I owed the man a drink that did her a real favour, fer cleanin' up a broken promise I made ta a lil girl once." Logan said quietly.
Clint looked to Logan, eyeing him up and down with a smirk before having another sip. Waiting in that companionable quiet, matching another sip for sip, it was a while before he spoke again.
"Thought you'd be shorter, Little Uncle my ass." Clint laughed.
"Not sayin' I remember it all that well, but...the men I was with would make Pete look right dainty." Logan said softly.
Looking back to the Man of the Hour, Clint shook his head with a grin trying to picture such men, imagining a young Natasha entrusted to them in that time when the world had gone from one era to another. He'd gotten fragments over the years, but never the full story. Somehow it seemed suiting that the man next to him had only straws to clutch at too.
"Looks like the foods ready, what say we go get a bite." Logan said, heading off back down the dock.
"Right behind ya." Clint replied, fetching his empty to cast off with the rest of the so called 'dead soldiers' and thinking he might have to find another moment with the man for another beer and a different toast.
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"Katherine Pryde you are evil with a capital E!" Jubilee shrieked, burying her face in her hands in embarrassment.
"I prefer the term Diabolical, it has a nice ring to it. I just thought Mamma would like to know there will surely be the pitter patter of little feet someday." Kitty teased.
"Is this true Daughter?" Alexandra asked, Jubilee just nodding her head.
Pulled into the matronly woman's strong embrace, the women gathered could see how happy she was and felt a bit of it themselves. Marie though thought back to Logan from a few nights before, wondering just how far that bit of mischief had spread when she caught the feline smile of Betsy.
"Oh god I'm projecting ain't I?" Marie whimpered.
Suddenly the room spun on her, the fact that Jubilee was letting nature taking it's course old news. Trapped between the redheads, Marie looked to Layla for help only to be laughed off as her friend enjoyed her coffee heavy with Irish cream.
"What are you projecting Roguey, it's not too late to get you some fugly dress to wear." Jubilee growled, her embarrassment cast off to grill one of her appointed bridesmaids.
"You...wouldn't...dare..." Marie challenged back, already having the dress safely tucked away with Logan's suit.
"Then spill." Jubilee spat.
"I may have...let it slip to Logan. Who...then said he's going to start a betting pool..." Marie slowly let the word slip.
"I'm gonna kick his ass!" Jubilee shrieked.
"I'm gonna put my money down." Kitty laughed loudly.
"I see the honeymoon has already been taken..." Betsy teased with eyes for Marie.
Jubilee spun in shock to Marie, pointing a finger and sputtering obscenities that never found more than a syllable said as another trampled over the first. Conversation broke out with their own bets weighed and taken just for when, Mamma comforting her 'Little Jubilation' and whispering in her ear words that brought a blush to her cheeks.
"Have you thought of names?" Ororo asked, looking just as pleased as Mamma.
"Ugh, you're all actin' as if I'm already preggers! I need a beer..." Jubilee growled, crossing her arms.
Surprising them all it was Natasha who had so silently slipped off to the kitchen to return with just such an offering, dangling it in front of Jubilee with a primly arched eyebrow. As Jubilee reached for it though, she raised it out of reach only to lower it again in some game or straight up interrogation. Huffing, Jubilee nodded and was rewarded with the beer, sipping it to wet her suddenly dry lips.
"Well, if it's a girl we wanted to call her Hailey..." Jubilee said softly, chewing on her lip.
"If it's a boy?" Theresa asked.
Jubilee looked up to Alexandra, nestling up against her and curling her legs under her making herself small. Wrapped up in her arms, it was so easy to picture them as mother and daughter Marie thought. Wondering just why she was seeming so timid just then, Marie saw the sudden look Alexandra threw down to Jubilee in some understanding that brought tears to her eyes as she planted several kisses.
"Pete told me," Jubilee started with a sniff, "So...if it's a boy, we're going to call him Mikhail, since he never got a chance to know his brother."
Silence fell over the room, everyone looking in question to the two but letting them share the moment as they were. Snatching the bottle out of Jubilee's hand, Alexandra had herself a long drink of it that drained the bottle, placing one last kiss to her hair.
"Mikhail was...my eldest child, but he was born sickly. He saw his first birthday but..." Alexandra said, shaking her head as she couldn't say the rest that needn't be said.
"I think Mikhail is a beautiful name." Ororo said, having to find a tissue.
Agreement was passed all around, and though there wasn't a dry eye among them with even Natasha showing a hint of shared sympathy, the mood was still celebrant and full of the warmth of feeling all the closer as friends and family.
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Author's Note : Next Chapter - Wedding Bells! Thanks to everyone as always, you're all the reason I've been so easily inspired for this tale. More to come soon ;)