A/N. ...I wonder what's going on with all of you anon. reviewers...0.o Besides, Cat and Warisha, 'course. But...guys -this is only for the ones that haven't reviewed in awhile:

The lack of reviews has left me unmotivated to use this week for my five day updates (thank you Curlscat for helping me put that into words). I have a Duke TIP test on Saturday, and I'm actually using my study time to write and upload these chapters for you. Five days. Five days of updates were supposed to appear this week, but I've decided that this is my last update of the week. Next week will be the real five day update. Sorry. :3 And RockstarGurl4444, this is not your fault.

So, here's the last update of the week. But you know what? That means more chapters next week! Whee! And actually, if I had uploaded the 29th chapter this week, you'd all be stuck on a really, really big cliffy. :) I think this ending is not as cruel as chapter 29's...

In fact, it's sweet. :D Now you have to read the whole thing to know why I say it's sweet! MWAHAH!

And really, all you have to do is say whether you liked it or not. I don't need to really know what you liked or hated! :) So keep that in mind.

But for those of you who did review -thanks so much for taking time to give me feedback! I felt mucho gravy receiving all of them! :)

(Anon. Review Replies are at the bottom A/N.)

Whoa. I have over 1,009 PM messages in my 'FF Messages' folder containing every single PM I've ever got since I got a FF. That's epic. Sorry, I just felt like saying that. XD

I'm also going to start a contest like yellow.r0se does:

Question of the Day: What age would you want to stay at forever, and why? Best review gets a shout-out next chapter -which is dedicated to them! ^^

In enters a slightly OOC Veronica. I felt like she needed to come into the story at least twice or so. Oh, and this is after the war, so she's not as serious and weary. Like…well, you'll see in the chapter.

By the way, I miscalculated something for the story. So, pretend Daphne did not come back from winter vacation at the beginning of this story, but from summer vacation. Thanks.

ENJOY A LONG CHAPTER!

Chapter 27: Moms Embarrass Us Because They Love Us

"Are you hungry?"

I glanced at Sage, who was looking at me from the corner of his eye. I shook my head, shifting in my seat. I stifled a yawn, turning to look out the window again. It was night already, and I could barely make out blurred objects as we drove by them.

"It's hard to believe it's almost October, huh."

"I'll say," I responded. "It feels like a year's gone by in such a short amount of time."

"Well a lot has been going on. Isn't your class trip tomorrow?"

"Oh yeah!" I sat up straighter, shock passing my face. "I haven't even packed or asked my mom for money yet!"

"I wish I could go," Sage said with a sigh. "I want to go to the beach while the weather is still okay…"

"To be honest, I don't know why we are going in October since it's been chilly lately, but it's supposed to be warm tomorrow. Why don't you just come down for fun?" I suggested.

"Can't. I've got to watch my sisters," Sage responded, his eyes on the road.

"You have sisters?"

"Yup."

"How old?"

"I have a thirteen year old sister, and an eight year old sister," he told me, smiling slightly. "They're cute. You'll have to meet them sometime."

"Sure," I responded, smiling too now.

We lapsed back into silence as we entered the downtown area. As we passed the grocery store, I vaguely wondered if Wendell was working. I sighed softly. I wanted a job too.

Sage pulled into my driveway and I unbuckled myself, grabbing my backpack from the floor. He turned to me and smirked slightly.

"Get a wipe out of the glove compartment and wipe your face," he suggested. "It's bloody from where you got cut."

I sucked in a quick breath. Good thing Sage had caught that, because I wouldn't have remembered. I quickly opened the glove compartment fished around until I grabbed a wipe. I tore open the package and pulled down the visor. To my dismay, there was no mirror.

"Let me do it," Sage offered.

I nodded and handed him the wipe. He grabbed my head and turned it towards him, and gently began to wipe of my cheek. I hissed slightly.

"Why does it hurt?"

"It's got disinfectant," he responded, wiping my cheek a little more roughly now. "My sisters fall down a lot, so I have these things handy."

"Oh," I responded, wincing as my cheek throbbed.

When he was done, Sage chucked the dirty wipe into the back seat and turned to me once more. "Well it's been an interesting day," he commented. "Will Matt being hearing about this?"

"No way," I responded quickly, shaking my head. "I think he might kill me if he found out I got involved with gangsters again… especially if it's the leader."

Sage chuckled. "Good point. Have a good night, kiddo. Have fun at the beach tomorrow too."

"I'll try," I responded with a small smile. "Tell your sisters I said hi."

"Sure."

I climbed out of the car and shut the door behind me. I waved to Sage before heading towards the house. I could barely make out anything in front of me due to the darkness. Had Sage and I really been gone that long?

Out of habit, I tested the door handle while reaching for my key with my other hand. I blinked in shock when I found the door open. I pushed it open slowly, frowning. Was my mom home early?

I walked in and the scent of coffee filled the air. I inhaled, following the smell towards the kitchen. Yep, definitely my mom. I yawned, pushing open the kitchen door.

"Mom, why are you home early?"

"Mom?" a masculine voice responded sounding amused.

My eyes snapped open and I came face-to-face with Mr. Firay. He raised an eyebrow as I felt my face begin to heat up. With my eyes wide, I looked past him to see Red and my mom sitting at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee.

Red smiled slightly at me, but I was focused on my mom. She watched me for a moment, and then stood up. I watched her warily as she came to a stop right in front of me. I braced myself, preparing for the worst.

"Welcome home!" she cried, throwing me into a big hug. "How was school? Was everyone nice to you? I hope so! I don't want to have to make any calls to the principal!"

Yep. My mom was a doting mother.

Before she and my dad were kidnapped, she was like this. Back in Ferryport Landing, my mom was pretty serious and I didn't see her smile so much. But now we're back in New York, and you can see where I get my bubbly traits from.

I rolled my eyes, giving my mom a short squeeze before trying to squirm out of her grasp. "Today was great, mom."

"And your date? How come I've never met this man before?" she continued, beginning to frown. "How old is he?"

I shot Mr. Firay a glare. He was biting his lip, trying not to laugh. That only made me more irritated.

"Mom, why is my teacher here?" I asked, trying to change the topic. Red looked at me with a 'you-better-tell-me-about-your-date' look.

Then, she fled the room saying, "Call me for dinner!"

I then turned to my mom, asking the same question. "So...why is he here?"

She grinned, pulling me over to Mr. Firay. By now he had his laughter under control and he was smiling pleasantly at my mom.

"We ran into each other at the grocery store," he explained, a smirk on his face.

"Literally," my mom interjected. "And then I found out he was actually Mustardseed, and that he was your teacher, so I invited him here to have dinner. He gotten so tall and handsome, how come you haven't told me you guys met –let alone be student and teacher, Daphne?"

"She's never mentioned me?" Mr. Firay asked, frowning slightly.

"When we have time together, mom, I'd rather not talk about school," I told her. "Since you're so busy all the time, it just never came up."

My mom nodded. "I see." She turned to Mr. Firay. "Work keeps me busy so I'm almost never home."

Mr. Firay nodded his head understandingly. "I'm sure being a wonderful mother like yourself with a… teenage daughter must be hard."

I scowled at Mr. Firay for a second. I knew he was going to say something offensive about me before he corrected himself. He smirked back. My mom was oblivious to the exchange completely.

"Well, shall I get supper started then?" she asked, looking between Mr. Firay and myself.

"You won't," I told her, an amused smirk slipping on my face. "Face it, mom, you can't cook at all."

My mom blushed, looking down in embarrassment. "I could still try…"

"I can cook something," Matt offered. "Believe it or not, I'm a good cook."

My mom turned to him with a grin on her face. "Really?"

"Really."

"Well, it's settled then. Daphne, would you help him?"

"Uhh…"

"Good!" my mom said with a smile, putting a hand on my back. "With Henry and Basil still in New Jersey, and Sabrina and Puck living together, Mustardseed will make great company! I'm sure the two of you can figure out something good. There are steaks in the fridge. If we don't cook them soon, they might go bad. There's also onions in there too, and some potatoes. It could make a good dinner—"

"Mom," I started, cutting her off, "if you want a steak dinner, you just have to ask."

She blushed again, laughing sheepishly. "Right, sorry."

"No worries, I can make a great steak," Mr. Firay responded, a charming smile on his face.

I rolled my eyes. Was he trying to flirt with my mom? That was gross!

"Great!" my mom responded enthusiastically. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll take this time to make a few business calls…"

My mom smiled at Matt again and ruffled my hair before leaving the room. I frowned, trying to smooth my hair out. Mr. Firay watched me with an amused look. I turned my frown onto him.

"What?"

"I didn't know your mom was a doting parent," he commented.

I shrugged. "That's how she was before she and Dad were kidnapped and all that."

"You can sit in that chair right there," Mr. Firay pointed to one of the kitchen chairs, "and let me do the cooking. It seems like you had a rough day."

"Huh?" I responded, raising an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Mr. Firay gave me a flat look. I returned it with my own confused one. He started walking towards me, and I stood my ground. He stopped about a foot away and raised his hand up to my face.

I jumped slightly when I felt his hand on my cheek. I looked up at him, and his piercing gaze made my face heat up.

"There's a cut on your cheek," he commented, running his thumb over it, sending tingles to my toes. "Your shirt sleeve has a hole in it, and you have bruised knuckles."

I looked down at my hands in surprise. Like Mr. Firay said, on my right hand, my four base knuckles were bruised from when Bryant had stepped on me. I looked back up at Mr. Firay in shock. How had he noticed that?

"Should we talk about this now, or later?" he demanded, his mouthing twisting into a frown.

"There's nothing to talk about," I responded, realizing his hand was still on my face, and pushing it away. "Nothing happened."

He rolled his eyes. "Haven't I told you that you can't lie to me before?"

"I'm not lying," I stated stubbornly.

"Fine," Mr. Firay responded simply, turning around, and walking away from me. "I trust you enough to believe you."

I narrowed my eyes slightly. Was he trying to make me feel guilty? Well, it wouldn't work. I could handle the guilt. After all, I had to handle the guilt of lying to Ariana anyway.

"I'll just beat the truth out of Sage."

I sighed, hanging my head in defeat. "No, don't do that."

"So you'll tell me?"

I bit my lip, staring at the floor. "You won't like it…"

There was a sudden hand on my shoulder and I jumped slightly, unaware that Mr. Firay had come back across the kitchen again. His eyes pierced into mine again, and I had to look away.

"Daphne, I know I won't like it, but it's important that you tell me if something has happened."

"Don't be mad at Sage," I said in a quiet voice.

"Stop worrying about Sage, Daphne!" Mr. Firay demanded, sounding slightly angry. "Worry about yourself!"

I looked at him, a bit taken aback. He gaze was hard and I swallowed nervously.

"Sage, uh…" I struggled to form a coherent thought. With Mr. Firay so close to me, and how nervous I was, it wasn't working so smoothly.

"Sage?" Mr. Firay urged, taking a step away from me.

I immediately relaxed, and looked up at him, frowning. "Sage took me to your old gang hideout…"

Mr. Firay tensed, but didn't say anything, so I continued.

"And after awhile this guy from the gang came, and we had to leave. And I fell down the stairs," I told him, cutting out a lot of the story. "Well I didn't technically fall down the stairs, I actually fell through a step, and that's how I got the cut on my cheek, but Sage was below to catch me."

Mr. Firay pursed his lips. "Daphne, it's obvious you left a lot out."

I scratched my head, looking back at the ground. "This guy had back up… so Sage took out the back up… while the guy came after me… and well he didn't do anything," I said quickly, catching a look of Mr. Firay's dark face. "When I fell, he just stepped on my fingers, so I guess that's how I got the bruises. Or maybe it was when I punched him, but that didn't affect him at all…"

Mr. Firay sighed, shaking his head. "Daphne…"

"But Bryant had me and I didn't want to die!" I said in defense.

"Bryant?" Mr. Firay repeated in a serious tone.

I mentally slapped myself in the face. I wasn't going to tell Mr. Firay it had been Bryant who found us.

"I'm going to murder Sage," Mr. Firay muttered dangerously under his breath. "That little brat..."

"It's not his fault!"

"Bryant, Daphne, is the leader. You attacked the leader! Are you stupid?"

"Sorry for wanting to defend myself," I responded, clenching my fist. "While you were enjoying your stupid date, I could have been injured or killed. Do you really think I'd just let him do whatever he wanted with me?"

Mr. Firay ran a hand through his hair, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "I'm sorry, Daphne."

"It's okay," I responded softly.

"You just don't understand how serious this is."

"Then tell me!"

Mr. Firay shook his head. "I can't."

"Why not?" I demanded, crossing my arms. "It's all secrets with you, all the time! Don't you even trust me a little?"

Mr. Firay gazed at me for a moment, before turning to the fridge. "Sit. I'm going to get dinner started, Daphne."

I went over to the chair and slumped to the table, watching as Mr. Firay rummaged through my kitchen. I couldn't pull myself away from looking him. His unruly blonde hair, his sturdy build, and his beautiful blue eyes whenever he'd take a quick look at me. When our eyes met, I blushed, and looked away.

I pressed my forehead against the tabletop. Why hadn't he answered me when I asked if he trusted me a little bit? Did that mean he didn't? Or was he just teasing me again? I sighed quietly. Why did I have to fall for such a confusing guy? Not only that, but he was almost five years older than me, and he was my teacher. Heck, my mom probably had a better chance with him than I did.

I laughed slightly at that. My mom was young, but not that young. And it didn't matter anyway. Mr. Firay had a girlfriend now. Or at least, he was dating someone. I let out a quiet frustrated sigh.

"Here."

I looked up to see a steaming mug placed in front of me. I looked up at Mr. Firay who was frowning slightly.

"Thanks," I said slowly, pulling the mug closer to me and peering in.

"Hot chocolate," he told me, "but I added a few extra ingredients."

"Oh."

I took a sip of the liquid, surprised when it didn't burn my tongue. The taste was even more surprising.

"What's in here? It's really good."

Mr. Firay smirked. "It's a secret."

Before I could reply, he turned and walked back to the stove, where he was now cooking the steaks. I frowned for a moment, before returning my attention to the hot chocolate he had made me. I took another sip, savoring the taste.

By the time I finished the hot chocolate Mr. Firay had finished dinner. My mom entered the kitchen just in time, as did Red. My mom looked very pleased.

"Something smells wonderful," she commented, taking a next to me at the kitchen table. Red sat on my left, facing my mom, and looked at the plates Mr. Firay was holding longingly.

"Here," Mr. Firay said, placing a plateful of food in front of her.

"Thank you," she responded.

Mr. Firay nodded, and placed a plate in front of me and Red. She gave him a small and polite 'Thank You'. I nodded my thanks and watched as he sat down across the table from me with his own plate. My mom was the first to take a bite. She moaned her approval. I blushed, embarrassed by her reaction.

"If you were twenty years older, I would marry you," she commented, a smile on her face.

"If only," Mr. Firay responded with a laugh.

I rolled my eyes, cutting off a piece of steak and putting it in my mouth. I frowned when I realized how good it actually was. Not that I'd tell Mr. Firay that after what my mom said.

"You can marry Daphne instead."

I choked on my steak, banging my hand on the table in an automatic reaction. My mom looked at me worriedly. I coughed, trying to dislodge the piece of meat from me airway. Red was laughing her butt off, and almost fell over. When I had finally managed to dislodge the meat, I still continued coughing, my face hot in embarrassment.

"M-mom," I started, turning towards her. "Don't say those things. He's my teacher."

"Only for a year longer," she responded, wagging her eyebrows. I shot a look at Red, who snickered quietly.

I looked down at my plate, too embarrassed to look at Mr. Firay. I had to remember never to let my mom and Mr. Firay meet ever again. Even if I had to murder to stop it.

My mom and Mr. Firay got into an animated chat as I silently ate my dinner, refusing to look up from my plate. I made sure to eat slowly, so I wouldn't be the first one done. When I finally finished, I noticed my mom, Red and Mr. Firay were long since finished eating. Red had been the first to finish, and was probably sleeping upstairs now.

My mom yawned, and stood up. "Let's clear up. I want to go to bed soon."

I stood up with her. "I'll take care of it; you can head up to bed now if you want."

"You sure?"

I nodded, shooing her with my hand. "It's fine. Go rest."

She nodded, and turned to Mr. Firay. "Well, thanks for coming to dinner… and making it."

"No problem, thank you for having me over, and sorry for running into you," Mr. Firay responded in a polite tone.

"Don't worry about it! Let's do this again sometime."

I looked at her in mock horror. Something like this should never happen again!

"Of course," Mr. Firay said, contrary to my thoughts.

I sighed, watching as my mom bid one last goodbye before going to her room. I started picking up the plates, and a hand snatched them away from me. I looked up to see Mr. Firay carrying them towards the kitchen.

"I can do it," I protested, following him.

"Shut up and let me do it."

I scowled slightly, but let it go. If he wanted to help me out, I wasn't going to stop him. It was rare, and I should enjoy it while I could.

I watched as he put the dishes in the dishwasher after rinsing them. I was a little impressed. Most guys who lived alone slacked in the cleaning area. Mr. Firay smirked at me when he finished.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," I responded, a blush spreading on my face. I really needed to stop blushing.

Mr. Firay chuckled. "Sure."

"Really."

"Whatever you say, Daphne."

I ignored his jibe, and turned my attention to my hands. "Sorry about my mom. She's…"

"Amusing," Mr. Firay finished for me. "Nothing to apologize about."

I smiled slightly. "Right."

"But, I'm going to head home now," he told me, stifling a yawn. "I'll see you Monday."

Disappointment washed over me when I remembered Mr. Firay wasn't going on the beach trip tomorrow. I shook it away. I could still have fun with my friends.

"Yeah, okay," I said, following him to the door.

He opened it and turned back at me before exiting. "Goodnight, Daphne."

"Night, Mr. Firay."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Matt," I corrected myself, feeling a blush coming up again, but I fought it back. "Goodnight, Matt."

He smirked, stepping out the door. I sighed in relief, and went to close it, but it suddenly flew back open, smacking me in the face.

"Ow!"

"Sorry," Mr. Firay apologized sounding more entertained than amused. "But I forgot to give you this."

I looked at him in confusion, before looking down at his hand. In it was my cell phone.

"It's a Friday, and you're going out tomorrow, so I wanted to return it," he explained, giving it to me. "Now that's it. Goodbye."

"Thank you," I called before the door shut.

I grinned, looking at the phone in my hand. Mr. Firay could be unexpectedly nice. I flipped open my phone to check my text messages. I stared in surprise at my background.

Instead of Wendell and I as my background image as it was before, it was now replaced by Mr. Firay making a funny face. I couldn't help but giggle at it.

And I wasn't going to change it back either.

A/N. There you go. This chapter should keep you guys satisfied until Sunday, right? If not, well, you should've thought of that before. :3

To ()'s Review on Pocky: Are you serious? This is probably going to be really awkward. Um...condoms...condoms are...*coughs* They're the things guys use when they 'join' with a girl to try and prevent them from having a baby. Awwkkward.

To ()'s Review on Wishes from the Trickster King: Aww, I'm sorry I made you cry. LOL, that's a good one. I did not know there were computers in the after life. ;D

To warisha: Daphne doesn't use magic because not all the gang members know about magic or Everafters. If she used magic on them, they'd freak out. I think Bryant and Sage are the only ones who know about magic, I think. I don't know what to do with Bryant at the moment. But don't worry. I think Daphne gets to play with magic somewhere in the story. Or maybe in a oneshot? Dunno. But good explaination. ^^ Well, Daphne doesn't really want to be rescued...she kind of has to. Mind you, she was baby-ed in most of the SG series, and she still is the youngest Grimm girl, and quite young. Guys just have the need to protect her. Especially MS. ;D Well, I hope this chapter does satisfy! Ish.

To Cat: Lol, well, I'll try to write another one soon. :) Thanks for the review!

That's all, I think. Hope you guys aren't too mad at me. :3 Anyways, see you Sunday!

~Lara