Chapter Fifty One

Life was very different for the Jaguars back home.

They'd welcomed in new members to help administrate, so things suddenly became smoother.

And quieter.

The health learners were able to embed themselves into the lessons with Doctor Phelps bringing in different medical people to their base in New Coventry, a very clean tenement building that they all went to learn in. For instance Sifu Zhang taught them on the lower levels, while the Doctor brought up Mandy and Pete to the top level where they had controlled substances, both toxic and expensive, away from the rest of the group and levels. In the middle, Lani had managed to convince her teacher Dillon over to them to train up select members in hacking, paying triple the salary he got for Bullworth as well as a free flat, while the ground level was the parking lot that Ricky and Andy and a few others worked in on the multitudes of cars, shaping them up. Lance also had a level of techie stuff he and some of the more trusted electronic preferring members worked in, buffing up espionage and infiltration techs they had or picking up supply stuff to install in all their bases.

There were at least seven or eight men working each security channels watching over each of these bases, so everything had become locked down and safe and watched.

The only one not being watched by anything was Ivy's house.

Gary did that himself as he worked, trapping himself up in the attic where he'd installed the screens. There was only one other base he'd gotten the house installed to be watched at, and that was at an undisclosed location known only to him. He regularly watched everything happen as he worked on filling up his online files with blackmail and other resources that'd become one of the most secure online information directory's in the world.

Patrols were sent out daily as per usual and Lani always found new things for her leader to try and take over, or scams to run or people to check into, though sometimes she got so overworked she inwardly wished Ivy would hurry her arse back so they could do this together.

It'd been nearly a year and a half since she'd gone.

So when she went to collect the morning post at seven in the morning (it was her turn while Mandy, Petey, Jimmy and Gary sipped on caffeinated morning beverages to try and wake up) she couldn't stop the squeal of delight that came out of her mouth and the bouncing of excitement. "Holy shit. Holy shit! HOLY BLOODY SHIT! OH MY GOODNESS!" In her hand was a postcard in plastic, so no fingerprints and it was obviously delivered by a person rather than by airmail because there was no logo's on it detailing where it was from.

What the main thing she was freaking out about was the fact that Ivy was on the front with a baby boy in her arms, one that looked very much like Gary but with bright electric blue eyes like Ivy's. The little boy had her lighter coloured somewhat reddish brown hair instead of Gary's more chocolaty locks, though still darker than hers. She was in some kind of beige Asian styled room, sitting on a circular window sill with huge pillows and facing out the window, sleeping, while the baby reached out with a clutching hand towards whoever was taking the photo. The person probably held something the baby wanted. The outside world looked beautiful, if not a little chilly with a thin sheet of snow and very Asian once again. The writing on the back was unfamiliar to her but there was a little '-M xx' at the bottom.

Who was 'M' that was close to them?

She shook her head and rushed inside where her people sleepily sat on the sofa's in the living room.

"LISTEN!" She shouted in excitement, turning the television off, causing bemused looks. "It's a postcard and it says 'I thought it wasn't fair for the father not to know. His name is Logan Montgomery Smith and was born on the 28th of December. M. Kiss-Kiss.' And it's from where Ivy is! It's IVY!" She flashed up the postcard. "Ivy's had a baby boy named Logan! Gary! You're a daddy! He looks just like you! And they're in some Asian like country from the picture!"

The man sprang up and snatched the postcard, staring at the picture intently before the others could let it formulate in their heads. "China. Sifu Han and Mina. Why the hell did she-?! Petey! Do you have anything that'd say where in China they are?" There was no way he'd be letting up now he'd found out she'd given birth to his first born son. Did she even know? Had she planned this? He threw that thought out straight away. He hadn't figured that she'd ever keep a child of his because she certainly always went against it. He wasn't a believer of higher powers, but this was a miracle and was the best damn news he'd had in months. He was a dad. A son. He had a child, an heir with his wife. His head cocked to Petey and snapped at him, never letting his eyes move away from the pair. "Petey!"

Petey jolted. "I know it's Hong Kong…? Uhm?"

Lani spoke up. "Victoria Peak?"

"No?"

"Lantau Islands?"

"Something Chinese with a K?"

"Kowloon!"

"Yeah!"

"Ah, good. Kowloon, eh?" Lani nodded to herself thoughtful as Gary continued to stare at the picture. She leant toward the picture and tapped the outside world of Ivy's current room. "Kowloon doesn't look like this. I'd say she'd gone in a more northern direction into China. Hong Kong climate wouldn't allow for such heavy snow like this."

Jimmy blinked at the information while Gary nodded, still staring at his happy looking son. "How'd you know?"

"I'm a big fan of my birthlands' history as well as Asian history."

"So…?"

"So." Lani rolled her eyes. "Hong Kong was the last of the British Empire that ended in July first, nineteen-ninety-seven, twelve years ago, when we gave it back to China, after a ninety-nine year lease. You could argue the whole commonwealth thing but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, because of that hobby, I decided I wanted to visit Hong Kong so I know the climates for the months due to wanting to go in the best months, which happens to be March to May, to beat the cold and the humid respectively. That baby is about six or seven and a half months old now, yes? Finally a daddy after all your other titles! Congratulations!" She gave him a hug he accepted but didn't give back.

The other three soon came over to peer over his shoulder at the postcard he never let go of, giving their own sleepy stunned versions of congratulations.

"Thanks," Gary replied gruffly, not looking away from the picture.

"She looks like she got through it well." Mandy remarked, gently leaning the postcard back so the glare from the light stopped hitting it. "I wonder where and how she gave birth? Hopefully her body is well. She doesn't look like she gave birth. Must have went straight back into training. Think she went to a Shaolin monk temple?" Mandy joked but Gary turned his face away from the photo for the first time to stare at her in consideration. Mandy blinked back before sighing out, "She would have as well."

Jimmy grinned, cracking a joke at the thought of finally being able to track down his best friend. "Runaway to join a monk temple? Oh yeah. That's Ivy."

"I'm going to get her." The leader said. "Lani, Jimmy, take command over the meetings. Mandy, Petey. You're coming with me." The accountant always had to stay to keep the accounts correct and in check and they needed some muscle when they went to the meetings so Jimmy would do fine as usual. Mandy would be able to give her a look over as a trusted source, and if Mina really had been the one in contact, which it must have been as he could deduce no other person to be 'M' but her, then Petey would insist on coming.

The two staying looked like they wanted to argue to go see their best friend, but this was a command and the gang, while it'd do fine for a week or two by itself, needed the presence of the heads for meetings and other such dealings both for show of strength and show of respect for their competition that they'd give a personal touch. "Fine."

"We'll be gone for however long it takes to find them."

.I.

Ivy twitched as she put herself away. Breast feeding still kind of pinched and of course her little baba would have to be teething so quickly and have his parents' strength. Something she thought impossible. "Hey, you. Logan." The babies' head bounced up to stare at her before babbling some words of wisdom only he knew in his baby language, tugging on her nose when he reached for it. "I love you too." She kissed him on the head and put him down on the floor to which he started crawling around like a trooper.

For being born early and very light, he sure was strong now and she watched him in amusement.

Then about ten minutes later, he settled next to his favourite plush toy and fell asleep.

She snorted in amusement and got up, shifting the very long sleeves of her pewter meditation robes away to gently pick him up with his stuffed bright green and red dragon and getting his blanket she wrapped around her to carry him in, tying it around her shoulder and waist and made sure he was comfy. She'd go and meet Mina at the dining hall. Her step had a little more bounce in it today, more than usual. Logan was becoming, well, less like a lump to carry around and feed and more like a little being capable of turning into more than a crying poop machine. He was also a lot more active and quiet then her twins had ever been when they were his age; or was that patience speaking? Meh.

She didn't really necessarily feel motherly either.

Protective and wanting the best, sure, but she still snickered when he tried to push past his limit and fell over, rolling her eyes when he cried in pain and wanted comforting.

Silly thing.

He'd learn in time.

She entered the bubbly room full of laughter and chatter, quickly finding Mina surrounded by friends. One of the boys, six years old, bounded up to her with a grin, handling a tray for her. "Aw, Huang, thank you precious." She kissed him on the forehead, stroking his cheek in a caring way.

…Maybe a little motherly then.

"Where should we sit today?" The Chinese flew from his mouth and she still had to concentrate to understand it, so different from her English and Spanish. They could eat anywhere they wanted as long as it wasn't at the training grounds or meditation spots, which really only left here and their own rooms. "What about the- who's that?"

Ivy turned and felt her stomach drop when Petey was shown in by Sifu Li Jie.

Petey's eyes widened when he looked at her, a huge grin on his face as he waved at her and Ivy reluctantly walked over with an interested Huang following. "Ivy!" He went to give her a hug but his eyes quickly trailed to the baby and he stopped. "So it's really true."

Confused but accepting she'd eventually be found, she turned to her teacher. "Sifu, I humbly wish to take over."

The man smiled in understanding. "You can take him only to the visitor's areas and your room. Nowhere else is permitted." Sifu nodded to his visitor. "The bus arrives once more in three hours or he'll have to stay here for the week until the next one comes and pay for room and board." After his friend translated, Petey took in her asking face and remarked he'd stay, pulling out a slab of notes and putting it in the Sifu's surprised hands. "Very well, he may join in the language lessons and have the same freedoms as a practitioner, but he may not go into private areas. The room next to yours is free, I believe? Have a good day. I will see you tomorrow at five thirty for your Kung Fu lessons. Rest well."

"Rest well."

"Iv-"

"How'd you find me?" Ivy demanded quietly of him. "Please tell me you're here by yourself and no one else knows you're here and yes, I did miss you a lot too." Her voice softened at the end.

"I am now. Me, Mandy and Gary split up. Can I hold him?" He was promptly handed over her child and he looked at the sleeping baby. "He really is Gary's, huh?"

"Hey, I never intended to cheat on him, just to get away from the arseho-man, from the man." She eyed a fascinated Huang, even though he couldn't speak English. "I couldn't take my job anymore. All of a sudden that kidnapping was the straw that broke the camel's back and I just had to not do that anymore." She ducked down and kissed Huang on the forehead. "I have to see to my friend, Huang. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Rest well."

"Yes, elder sister." He looked a bit disappointed.

"Your birthday is tomorrow, yes?" Ivy smiled at his shy nod and took the tray. "I have a gift for you. So you can have it at breakfast, hm?"

Huang hugged her and ran off.

When she looked up, she saw Petey's eyes locked on Mina. "Come on. You can see her later." She guided Petey from the room to hers once more and he looked around the colourful room with a little grin. She had baby toys and even a Moses basket he slept in. "Don't say anything."

"Oh c'mon! I never got to tease you about getting Gary. Surely I can about this Miss I-don't-want-babies."

Ivy rubbed the back of her neck in agitation as she offered him a huge pillow to sit on as she ate her rice. "Yeah well, let me put a downer on this."

"Ivy…" The man frowned as she sat on the windowsill he'd seen in the postcard Gary kept on his possession at all times.

"I didn't know if I was coming back. I realised this kid would have been the only thing I had in relation to you guys and if I couldn't let myself go back, then hey, I have this child to love now. Not to mention I hadn't realised I was two months by then and well, I always remembered that embryo's get a heartbeat at five or six weeks. It felt wrong to simply get rid of him. I believe in abortion, but only within the first month or so when it truly is just cells with a possibility to do as they were created to, like your white blood cells protecting from outside evils. When your kid gets a heartbeat, well it has a heart, don't it…?"

Petey snorted at that, and the force of it jolted the baby awake and to stare incomprehensibly at the stranger in front of him. Petey smiled down at him widely and the baby reacted by touching his stubble, captivated by the feel of it. "He's certainly not shy, is he?"

"He's learnt not to be with all the kids wanting to touch and play with him." She started on her vegetables and tofu but then laughed. "They can't wait for him to start training with them at three. They think him crawling everywhere and nearly walking is a good sign of a strong warrior. Or they're just being encouraging. I dunno."

"Has he got our mod strength?"

"Oh yeah." Ivy nodded, crossing her arm over her chest and nodding miserably. "His bites can hurt me when I feed him."

Petey snickered causing the babies arms to wave and a responding smile was on his lips. "Oh he has little bottom teeth poking out. Aw." Petey cooed over the little 'bundle of joy' as he got excited and started squirming. "Damn he's hyper."

"Put him down and see. He wants to boast his little abilities to the new person he wants to love him." Ivy rolled her eyes, drinking her soup now.

Petey did so and the boy started crawling around, making sure he was looking by flipping himself around bodily to stare at him demandingly and then carrying on, only to keep turning around to make sure again, and chugging around like a steam locomotive before wobbling up into an odd stand while using the wall, waddling a few steps and then sitting down happily, clapping. Petey joined in, causing him to squeal loudly. "Good boy!"

"Goddamn show off like his father."

Petey laughed brightly at that, causing squeals to erupt in the corner again. What a happy child. "He can't wait to see him you know. When he found out he couldn't help but drop everything to create new plans to find you. Not that he ever really stopped, but ever since that postcard-"

"Er. Postcard?"

"Well, yeah. Mina sent a postcard with you and Logan on it a month or so ago. That's why we knew where to go."

"She what?" Ivy hissed in disbelief, putting her tray aside. "I'm sure as hell not ready to return!"

"Oh…"

There was a silence as the baby stared at the pair of them, chewing on his teddy bear.

"What's the main reason you're not?"

Ivy looked out the window. "Like I said. All of a sudden I was tired of it. I couldn't do it anymore, but how could I stay and not do anything should you guys get harmed? I had to leave. Maybe then Gary would calm down on trying to takeover like a megalomaniac. He just got... too much. Even I can't handle his every fucking whim." She never noticed Petey's look of surprise and his understanding, because Gary really had calmed down. What was once his plan to take over the Big Five had slowly faded into obscurity ever since Ivy left. Of course, Gary had turned robotic and even the things she had had been packed away so he would never think about her. That was the least of the OCD things he did when concerning his wife.

Then there was that matter with Happy Volts…

He shook his head in surprise. His best friend really knew her husband.

"Did he?"

"Yeah."

"Good. So, yeah, I upped and left looking for a way to sort myself out. Never really did feel any difference. It's like I can still jump back into it. Took two months to get to this place and then the Sifu that guided you told me straight off the bat I was pregnant. I've only slept with three men in this world, one of them for more than a single go. One hundred per cent had to be Gary's. Why is he in China?" She said, worriedly. "Surely the Jaguars need him?" She peeked at the quiet roaming baby who immediately noticed and crawled over to her on hands and knees as she smiled at his love for her when he reached up for her with a baby grin.

"To be honest…" The doctor in training watched her scoop the baby up as he remarked. "He needs you more which is why he came here. He did leave Lani and Jimmy to it so the Jaguars will be fine."

"Aye."

A gong went off a certain amount of times in the background.

"Time for bed." She sing-songed to the baby who waved his arms again. "Let's change that inevitably stinky butt of yours. I can't wait until the next lot of nappies come- oh wait! The arrival came today because the bus did! Yes! Here, hold on to him." She passed the babbling baby over and quickly left.

Petey took out his cell phone, sighing at the missed calls and messages from Mandy and Gary, dodging the grabs for it from Logan.

He didn't know what to do.

His job was to find her and now he had, seeing her happy in this place with a baby safe, sound and protected just to bring her back into danger wasn't exactly something he wanted to do. The child would be raised well here, even trained in martial arts, in three languages from Ivy, basic education all kids had here and perhaps even a musical instrument or two. Fact of the matter is, Logan would have a very good life here. A little shielded from outer life and a bit too disciplined, maybe, but still a very good one.

The messages asked for his status.

Petey sighed once again and put the phone away without answering any of them. He'd later say he lost track of time watching the Kung Fu happen and then had to stay for a week and in that time he'd decide if he would convince her to come back.

"Oh!" The man jolted as she came speeding back in and he was jumped and hugged tightly, mindful of the child. "I really missed you!" Ivy declared, kissing him on the cheek and jogged off again.

Petey did too.

He took out and looked down at the phone once more at the latest impatient message.

'Any leads on Ivy, femme-boy?'

Gary hadn't said her name for a long time.

Hadn't wanted to.

Couldn't.

The postcard had given him a dose of life he'd not had before and energized him into finding his wife.

Petey chuckled as Logan tried to munch on the phone, looking up at him happily.

How could he not help the longest friend he'd ever had?

His mind was made up.

'There's a big chance she's here.' He sent it and it just about got through, but his phone did actually die at that moment, so he couldn't get his phone tracked. Petey took this as yet another sign to simply be patient and Logan touched his unshaved face once more. "You two definitely have to come back. You're too cute." He cooed to the baby who happily gurgled.

.I.

For the leader of the Jaguars, the week went by too slowly having to deal with just Mandy. Sifu had been unavailable each time they'd come knocking and Petey's phone had probably run out of battery by now. Lani was right. Hong Kong was humid as fuck now it was getting on in the year and there was no way he could ever see snow happening here.

How these people lived here was beyond him.

He'd taken off his expensive suit jacket minutes ago and his tie hung lower than its' usual militant business knot and he was half considering getting rid of his shirt too. He'd just come from a meeting with one of the triads for weapons importing deals that had gone decently well and while not completely happy with it, he'd wanted an in so it would have to do. He'd also blessed this age of instant communication and had work done during the travelling, sending out commands, changing up patrols and the like.

No one could say he wasn't practical or efficient.

Gary had gotten used to the busy streets of the downtown area most of his ilk tended to stay in, with all its' bright gaudy lights and equally gaudily dressed loud Chinese people pushing their wares, so when he noticed neutral dark green robes he quickly looked before having to do a retake when he saw his wayward wife waving him over at a distance before disappearing into a tea shop.

His feet couldn't follow quickly enough.

.I.

Ivy's crossed legs bounced nervously in the private back room, knowing she completely deserved the inevitable shouting and the rage for her actions, and why wouldn't he? The low wooden table held a tea set, some water and snacks with three surrounding sitting pillows.

Petey gave her a reassuring smile as Logan enjoyed the bouncing feeling, munching on a bit of banana in his clenching grip, snuggling into her belly, half baby looked up at the door as it opened, as did the other two.

Her husband came up to her with blazing eyes. He slowly bent down to balance on the soles of his feet, staring at her straight.

For a second there was nothing as Gary stared at her, taking her face in.

The powerful slap was a shock to her system, head flung to the side. She turned to face him, before slowly giving him the other cheek to slap as well. He did so. There was a moment of silence as her cheeks throbbed and the bleeding scratch along her jawline from her ring on his pinkie finger ached from the full force of all his strength.

Shit.

Only her dad had hurt her willing self that much before.

Then he leaned forward and spoke in a deadly tone. "Never. Again."

She looked over his face at the absolute seriousness of it. "You're not going to ask why?"

"I already know why without you telling me." He could tell the instance she got up at the meeting he'd set up that there was no love for this, but he knew her likes and dislikes flipped at all times and he could easily pull her back into it. Now, he'd let things with her, the anger and bitterness of her running out on him (them), go and make it go to normal once more because even being around her soothed him greatly. His eyes flickered down to the child. His (their) child. He looked back up at her protective face. But maybe not too soon. Their child still needed utter care in this stage of life. A primal sense of possession made him reach out and touch the downy hair on the babies' head.

Light and fluffy.

Electric blue Montgomery eyes stared up at him in curiosity.

"Logan." The baby instantly looked up at her, reaching for her nose and she kissed the mucky hand, before pulling him up into a wobbly stand by the arms. "This is Gary. He's your baba. Your daddy." The itty bitty feet kicked in the dark blue onesie the baby boy had on, attempting to walk and failing hilariously as she held him back. Ivy snickered and shuffled closer to her husband who repositioned himself to sit with his lower legs on either side of her. "Here. Hold him."

Gary stared down at the little being in his arms that was still munching on the easily squished fruit, cute face falling when the child realised there was no more to eat. He grabbed a napkin to clean his tiny hands up, pouring a little bit of the water on it to take away any stickiness.

Petey snickered. "Aww." Then he laughed as Logan started to struggle to get down. "Not a fan of daddy, huh? He loved me." He taunted.

"Shut up, loser." Gary snarled softly, putting his child down. He watched as Logan shuffled up from his hands and walked unsteadily to his mommy.

Ivy simply gave a little grin and raised a brow. "Eh? Whatchu want? Ah?" Logan giggled as he sat on his rump and then looked curiously back at Gary with big googly eyes. Ivy smiled lightly and got up to sit at the table once more, slowly pouring herself a drink. "So how are things?"

Her husband gave her a sour look. "Really?"

Well maybe not let it go so quickly.

He was only human.

"Yup." She popped the 'p' a little. "This is only the second time since I got to the temple that I've been in this city in Hong Kong. I'm surprised the woman who owns the teashop recognises me." She looked to the door curiously.

"While you were running away having my kid-" He smirked at her scowl, itching to bring her attention on him only now he had her in his sights. "-The Jaguars were having fun setting up the other gangs against each other. I'd say we'd taken out three of them entirely and sucked in the Quetzalcoatl's."

He eyes snapped to his cautiously. "Sucked in?"

"Now you weren't around there was no reason to let them stay around without bringing them to heel." Gary shrugged mercilessly, grabbing his kid before he fell over when he tried to walk unsteadily. "They're fine. It's not as if orange isn't one of our colours anyway." He chuckled lowly at her grimace. "Enrique has become one of our sub-heads, still controlling his boys but answering to me, quite like what the Jaguars were to the Tigers. Just a little more dominated."

"They were fine as allies last time I knew. Why'd you change it up?"

"The only reason they stayed like that was because of you, and Enrique and I both knew it. He was lucky for the chance to merge into my rule." He said smugly.

"Oh, whatever." Ivy rolled her eyes and turned to Petey, easily falling back into the old ways with them. "Damn, Petey. Have you been letting his ego go riot? He'll go dictatorship on you soon enough, you know." Then her eyes brightened. "You should stay here with me and we'll form a group here!" She easily dodged the empty teacup, catching it milliseconds after. "Come now, Mister Smith. Control yourself." She lightly teased, grinning cheekily. "It was merely a suggestion. Anyway, I'm not doing that anymore." She sipped her tea as Logan crawled over and flopped into her lap. "Gary, I'm not going back to- ow, you little turd machine." She hissed when her baby boy reached up to squeeze her breast wanting to feed.

"He has the mod strength?" Gary said in surprise, ignoring her words for now. She'd be coming back alright. "I didn't realise it was genetic."

"Yeah. I thought it was a one off thing with us but I guess it's a blood thing."

Petey blinked at that.

Curious.

He'd have to see if they could transplant blood into another person and see if they'd permanently get the strength or just temporarily.

And for how long?

"Also, you are coming back. I'm not having my family away from my protection any longer."

"There's no way I'm going to-"

He swiftly leaned forward and grasped her chin. "Ivy. You've had enough fucking time to sort yourself out. You abandoned us. You will be coming back."

She scowled back at him. "I'm not going back to fight, damnit."

"Fine. You'll be on a break. You can get trained up even more by Dillon."

"We have him working for-? Ow." Ivy narrowed her eyes at her baby who opened his mouth and closed it again and again. "I fed you before we… oh wait." That'd been a few hours ago. "Fine." With no shame she undid the top part of her robes and Gary turned a glare on Petey who blinked at him innocently with a mocking smile as she picked the baby up and he latched on quickly, grabbing the side of her breast hungrily. "He walked in once. It's fine, Gary." The leader narrowed his eyes darkly at him when Ivy looked down to make sure Logan fed correctly but Petey had regularly seen enough mothers feeding their babies on his way to walk Mandy back to their home through the maternity ward that this really didn't bother him and simply rolled his eyes before looking away to satisfy his leader.

Sure it was a bit odder that it was Ivy, but okay, that would've happened eventually.

"Yes. Dillon," He drawled. "Lani got him in on it as well."

"Oh cool."

Petey took out his phone he'd earlier charged at a small hotel before they'd gotten here. "Mandy's back in town again. I'll go meet her and bring her to the hotel. Let you guys have a bit of time as a family." He waved, grabbing a few cakes and napkins and exiting the private room.

Gary took this chance to pick her up and deposit his little family into his lap. "If you needed a break, you should have told me. Not just left to China of all places."

Ivy scowled at him. "And then what? You think I don't realise that whole kidnapping thing was a set-up from you? A woman and her baby? Really? Thanks for losing subtlety." She mocked causing his lips to purse. Okay, so she hadn't realised it at the time but looking back at it made it obvious. It was so him she didn't know how she'd missed it. Gary loved things to be his way and push his demands onto her. "And if I had told you, there wouldn't be a Logan because I wouldn't be here. Anyway, I'm pretty sure I told you I didn't care anymore. How much more do you need than that?"

"This." His lips descended on her, ravenous for her taste. It'd been so fucking long. Spain was nothing compared to the emptiness he'd had at never knowing where she was. He'd had to throw himself into work or risk losing it all, for if he didn't, the times the Glock… Gary pushed that away, wanting to ignore the whole year and a half she'd been gone where he was a fucking mess once more. It only pushed him to keep her within his sights at all time. He dominated the kiss, uncaring it upset his child from his feeding because it was his time to feed. His hands buried themselves in long locks in desperate need of a cut, pushing her down to the floor by the shoulders with his own weight before parting from her. His eyes went over her face searchingly, never realising his own look of desperation.

Ivy ran her fingers down his cheek as she stared up at him, giving him a little smile. "Gary, you act as if I don't love you. That I ran away because I hate you." Logan tumbled down to the side, a bit dazed but began crawling around, full. She watched carefully before realising he was just going for his stuffed dragon. "What I hate is the things you push on me. Pregnancy wasn't exactly a joyride to me and don't even get me started on labour. I'm sure little misters' strength made it far more painful than it had to be. Look, I don't know if I want to go back. I don't want to put my child in danger at all, even at the expense of leaving you."

He settled his weight on her, forearms on each side of her head. "There is nothing I wouldn't do to keep you and our boy safe in Bullworth. Don't underestimate me."

"I really don't think I ever have." Ivy said honestly, wrapping her arms around his neck, giving him a light kiss. "Something stopped me from coming back. Then I started to balloon and wouldn't that just be a great conversation starter? Then I had him and time went by and it became almost impossible to go back."

"It's your home. We'd never reject you." He remarked idly, enjoying the fiddling of his hair she did. "Why didn't you?"

"I was scared. I got so pissed off with Mina for sending it but now there's some kind of sense of… relief? I don't know. I still feel nervous about going back. I just want to stay."

Gary shook his head. He wouldn't let her hide any longer. "You're coming back."

"I can't." She shifted but he wouldn't move. "C'mon, Gary."

His hands tightened in her hair. "How much longer do you wish for me to go without my child? Without you? I've had enough with an empty bed when I wake up. It's a lot safer with far fewer gangs around. We've so many people to protect us now you wouldn't go without protection twenty four seven-"

"That's just it- I don't need any of that here. I have no enemies. There is no one who would want to kill me here. Or get revenge by touching Logan. There's a freedom here I give my son that I could never have there."

He stared at her hard before blinking to the right as Logan showed off his dragon, waving it around happily. He didn't want his little boy in trouble or known. Only himself, Petey, Jimmy, Lani and Mandy even knew his wife had a kid and only a few more knew the Jaguar leader was gone at all. He got up and picked his boy up, walking around the room as he thought, enjoying the soft weight in his arm. He immediately put the idea of moving out here out of his mind. There were limited gangs in this section; they stayed more south on Hong Kong island so his work would be further out of town compared to the many bases in Bullworth he worked at.

He'd also had his last year at Bullworth to attend to as he'd been having his eye kept on all the useful newbies he could use and convert to Jaguars and pulling strings to get the teachers in his pockets so he could still own Bullworth after he was done with it. He still had mighty attachment to that place where it all began. It wasn't as though he couldn't go for another degree in something else as interesting, could he? It'd gain him more time to sway incoming people. He'd found it best to turn them younger, do his best to grab their loyalty and show them his way was the best way. But it wasn't just the younger people that did the degrees. There were mature students as well that showed promise and talent.

He loved this life.

There was no way he'd give any of this up, both his loved job and his loved family. He just had to make her see it'd be fine now. Get her to want to join in once more. Frankly, she'd done the one thing she didn't want to, trade in gang leader for motherhood, and now he had his child, he wanted her back in top form and by his side as they did what they loved. He loved his gang, and her, and she loved the fights, and him. It could be so good if he could only bring her back. There was a calmer serenity of competency around her now, and the thought of the knowledge and skills she'd gained by training nonstop with Shaolin monks used against his enemies got his mouth salivating.

He just needed her to go back with him.

Then he could give her anything... and convince her of anything.

"Ivy, I love you and I want to love my boy there too. What would it take to have you back with me in our home?"

Ivy was silent. She didn't know what to say. Eventually- Eventually what? She'd go back? She looked down at her cup of cooling tea and brought it to her lips and tipping the whole lot in her mouth. Wasn't she going to go back eventually? That had always been in her plans, hadn't it? "Well, yeah." She mumbled to herself. Gary looked like he was prepared to forgive and forget, though she highly doubted that was the case.

There would definitely be reparations for this long run.

There would be. Gary fully intended to put a tracker on every piece of her clothing, and if he could, even one in her tattoo. There was no way he would be unable to find her ever again. If she ran, it would be with his full knowledge on her whereabouts. He'd let her think she was fine and would then simply give her a little while before he 'somehow' found her and dragging her back again. Because it would happen again. Ivy loved to get away from her problems before coming back to them with a clear head or to teach someone, usually him, a lesson on how to treat her or a situation.

He'd have to periodically change them for when they ran out of battery but that was a small price to keep his woman safe. She was used to her freedom, and he'd continue to give her the image of it while remaining within his sight and power because he had that ability and determination to keep her happy.

And, most of all, with him.

He looked down at Logan.

And maybe have another kid while in his protection so he could actually see the damn development and not miss out.

So what would it take to get her in that position?

"Ivy?"

"I don't know." She looked at the curious boy in her man's arms that touched his father silk tie in fascination, having never touched silk before. "I've no fear for myself." Ivy admitted that at least. She looked at Gary as he stared down at his son in something close to awe when the boy beamed up at him and then it became so easy to go back in her mind that it hurt she wasn't already making plans.

She put a hand to her head.

What the fuck was wrong with her? Had she always been this temperamental? If she could run away easily and suddenly desire to go back so strongly then yes, she probably was. "Let's go back then."

"What?" Did his ears just betray him? The Jaguar leader watched as she bent down to the meal, wrapping up the confections in napkins before putting them in her bag. "Are you serious?"

Ivy nodded and then gave a sigh. "I'll deal with the consequences. I know what you're like. You'll do your best to keep me pinned down in one place. That's not happening by the way. Don't get me wrong, my responsibilities will change and I'll half hate it, half love it because this life is so simple and regulated, but neither am I just going to be a full time mother or Jag. I'm not ready to fight like that for a long time, maybe not until I start teaching Logan but there's no way I'm not doing something else that requires attention like I had done previously. The Dillon thing sounds good or maybe I'll get some of the car people to teach me more things."

Gary, inwardly laughing at 'car people', would have to arrange it so Johnny wouldn't be the one to teach her. He'd unhappily found out about the crush the man once had for his wife but still kept him on, because leader of the Greasers also had to be the best guy on the cars and he was easily enough duped, despite officially dissolving his ties to Lola. Plus Gary only liked the best so he had to have him working on the cars. He'd have attained Neil, but the man had never tolerated his manipulative bullshit after knowing him since he was first brought to Bullworth while Neil was a student himself.

Either way, both of those were behind the scene things, so his kid would still have a mother should anything (highly doubtful as it was) happen to him.

"You won't run away again?"

"Well…"

Gary scoffed at her shrug. "I meant because of what we do. Don't you remember what Jimmy said? What if something happens and we're not even able to help you because we have no idea where you are? Do you know how many times I thought you could have been dead when it was more than a year you were gone? Each time Choi brought around pre-prescribed presents on our birthdays from you we wondered, hell, is she still alive? When we stop getting the presents does that means she's officially fucking dead?!" He hissed.

Ivy flinched before looking at him unhappily. "Sorry's never gonna make up for it. I know."

"You're damn right it isn't. Until I know you won't run without one of us knowing, you'd better make sure we know where you are." He demanded from her.

"Whaaat?" She said in disbelief.

His brows raised, undaunted.

"But that could be until forever, knowing you!"

"Whose fault is that?" He retorted with a blunt look at her. "Like you said, you know what I'm like. Do you really think I'll keep my eyes off of you after this?"

Ivy just grumbled, coming up to him while doing her robe up correctly and then plucking her child from his arms. "Yeah, well… It's not like I'll be going off the handle. A calm life is in the works for me. But not too calm now. I still want wild sex." Her little smirk was replied to as he put a kiss to her forehead. "Well, take us home. We need to change citizenship back to Br-American. I meant American." She said again in exasperated amusement when he raised a brow and then she looked at her boy, thinking about her boy. "Reminds me of my older brother a little. Mwah!" She gave him a loud kiss on the cheek causing the baby to grab some of her hair with a giggle. "Always the hair. Anyway, so the citizenship-"

"I've already done it." Gary took out his phone, tapping away. "It was the first thing I looked into when we arrived."

"Oh, uh…."

"Those two will meet us back at the hotel." He put his hand on her lower back and guided her out, making sure to keep in step with her. He paid for the meal quickly, listening to the Chinese coming out of her mouth as she most likely thanked the woman, wondering at the lack of difference in her. She'd had his kid, learnt a language and not only kept in with her martial arts but vastly improved it. She'd inevitably have changed but he didn't see anything different. Maybe because he'd already seen this type of outcome?

"So this is the father? Hopefully the tea helped your meeting."

"It certainly calmed me down. Thank you. It is unlikely I'll ever see you again but you'll hear from me."

"Be happy."

"Thanks. You too."

Ivy walked away, not taking the change, sweeping past the curtain for a door and grinning at the bustle around her as her husband swiftly followed, grabbing her hand and pulling her along in the right direction.

"So what did you learn? Surely not just martial arts and Chinese?"

She hummed at the question that was asked curiously. "Mental fortitude. Bit of a depressed bitch when I got here. I had a distinct lack of caring and had that sorted out. What about you? Did you cope well?"

Gary rolled his eyes at her. "No. I fucking needed you back home. I was about to give up on finding you until the postcard." He flipped it out and Ivy looked at it in interest, having never seen it, he flipped it when she twirled her finger. "December 28th? That was early." His words thinly veiled the worry.

"I can fight just as well if that's what you're on about." She smiled at his look, knowing he wasn't though it was a worry. "I needed a lot of time to get over it though." Her words paused as she looked up at the hotel amazingly close to her favoured teashop. "You know, Choi gave me five years or said to never come back."

Gary's eyes narrowed darkly. "Did he now?" It was none of Choi's fucking business what Ivy did. Choi was a tutor and ally. That was it. Ivy may have made special allowances for him and Jimmy may love his lessons but whatever else they did wasn't anything to do with him. Not until he became a Jaguar. Even then, quite like the Quetzalcoatl's, he'd keep the Tigers on a separate leash. "He shouldn't have."

"How's his kid?"

"Annoyingly squeaky."

"Really? You're gonna give me just that?"

"Should've been there." He remarked lightly, keeping the irritating smirk on his face when she glowered at him, pushing him away as they entered the foyer. "Bitch."

"Whatever, arsehole." Ivy yawned blithely, looking around the fancy hotel, ignoring the chewing on her hair. "This place is swanky. I feel very humble in my cotton robes, Mister Silk Tie."

Gary gave her a look, wrapping a hand around her waist and blessing the hotel for its air conditioning. "Shut up." He noted the tiredness in her body. "You've been working a lot on your arts?"

"Only as much as normal. Logan's just very energetic. I was as well if I remember what mum said years ago, so it's just genetics." Ivy cuddled the baby closer as he started getting sleepy after feeding and travelling. "I think I'll be napping when I get up there, unless you have something else to say to me?"

"You can sleep. Though beware a Mandy knocking on the door insistently soon."

"Beware, huh? Like those gate signs? Beware the dog?"

The Jaguar leader gave a bark of a laugh at her waggling brows.

Gary had damn well missed her.

.I.

So! I really liked this one.

Thanks to: Guest for your wonderful review! I'm so glad you got into it! I partially update just for you haha! Raito Kunazawa for your lovely review! Bowdown for just all over being awesome and writing all those stories for me in our pm's haha! Thanks again for following and fav'ing: FullmoonSwan, M-Penetrable, RhiRhi2510, VoxxyKitsune and DarkValve.

I'm really appreciative to all of you! Drop a review if you like the story!

LaRS x