Disclaimer: All the characters you recognize from the Stephanie Plum books belong to Janet Evanovich. The Inferna Angelus' on the other hand are solely mine as is the tiny terror tiger that rules them.

A/N: We're on the home stretch... just 2 or 3 more chapters and this story will be finished :)

Chapter 57 – Reunions

Cedar Creek Behavioral Health Center, Stamping Ground, Kentucky

"No! No, no, no!" Marco flopped down on the edge of the bed and forcefully rubbed his sternum with his fisted hand leaving an angry red mark on his skin. "This is all wrong. They are angry."

Half an hour ago, when Rubén returned from his therapy session with Dr. Garvey, Lucia Rodríguez was thrilled to see her son tired but upbeat. She could not believe the waterfall of Spanish words flowing from her son and the beaming smile plastered on his face. After a while, however, his enthusiastic demeanor suddenly warped into a quiet and withdrawn mood before Marco ultimately popped up and without a word started to go through the drawers. He would pull out clothes, put them back and pull out new ones. Lucia silently watched him wondering what was transpiring. Twenty minutes had passed and Marco became increasingly agitated as the time ticked along. More and more pants and shirts landed on the bed in wild disarray.

"Darling, you have to calm down," Lucia moved some of the clothes aside and sat next to Marco wrapping a comforting arm around his shoulder. "Tell me what's wrong. Who is angry with you, my dear?" She tried to appease him.

"Rubén and Ángel, they are fighting," Marco started to forcibly knead his temples. "They won't stop and it's just getting worse." With his eyes shut tight, he desperately squeezed his head in frustration.

"What are they fighting about?" Lucia tightened her grasp and pressed a gentle kiss into his hair. Marco was a wonderful, sensitive guy. Always warm, loving and considerate; but he had a hard time dealing with Rubén's Mexican temper and Ángel's aggressiveness.

"Stupid clothes," Marco answered through clenched teeth. "They each want to wear different outfits for Esme. They are ranting and raving at each other like damn lunatics. Che keeps trying to calm them; but to no avail."

"Well, why not do as Dr. Garvey has shown you," she suggested. "Take your notebook and write down what you want to wear, then pass it to the next one. Perhaps once we have what everybody wants in black and white, we can negotiate a solution. Together."

Lucia took a deep breath and waited. Every other day she and Diego attended therapy and support sessions. They were learning how to overcome the shock of knowing their son is still alive and how to deal with his disorder. At first, the constant unannounced switches and dissociations were a strain; but after the past month she could honestly say she loved each part of her son, even Ángel.

"Marco?" She prompted the silent man next to her.

"I don't care," he shuddered. "Comfy, I want to be comfy. No suit."

"Then write that down under your name and switch to the next."

After concentrating a couple minutes, the quiet and cool demeanor of Che appeared next to her. He looked around the room orientating himself and then gazed at Lucia.

"Honestly, they behave like stubborn children," he finally said in his typical calm and neutral tone. "How can two adult men get that explosive over something as mundane as clothes?"

"It's in their tempers, darling," Lucia squeezed his hand before pointing at the notebook. "So what shall it be for you?"

Che loved the corporate style and voted for some classy slacks and a silken button down paired with a matching tie.

"After all, it's the first impression that counts. Not that I have any expectations, of course." His serious gaze met Lucia. Closing his eyes and directing his concentration inward, he relaxed and let Rubén's identity take over.

As he opened his eyes and familiarized himself with the surroundings, Rubén settled into his environment and lovingly looked at his mother. Leaning over and placing a kiss on her cheek he flashed her his glorious smile.

"Hijo, why are you and Ángel always at odds, huh?"

Rubén shrugged his shoulders ignoring the pink elephant in the room and went about choosing a washed-out, butt-hugging pair of jeans and a tight citric yellow shirt with blue print.

"Gotta show off my ASS-ets." He smirked and waggled his eyebrows at his mother who in return rolled her eyes and shook her head.

Rubén couldn't believe how lucky he was to have two loving and understanding parents. Although it surely put a strain on them, they supported him and each of his other alters to the best of their ability. Sighing, he laid his hand on his mother's cheek, leaned down to kiss her hair and then concentrated to switch over to Ángel.

"Mom, mom, mom," he sneered in an annoying sing-sung voice once Ángel realized where he was. "Trying to make peace between your mental kids?"

"Hijo, stop that. Right now," she countered in a one-more-word-and-I'll-get-royally-pissed tone. She meant business and wasn't about to let him get away with his head games. "Why are you causing trouble?" She asked him the same question she'd formerly asked Rubén.

"I'm not causing trouble; I am trouble," he answered with a disinterested attitude while examining the room with disdain. "How can Ruby-Tuby live around this cheap, fake, holly-jolly interior? That boy truly has no style. He's an embarrassment for all of us," he commented snidely.

Lucia ignored Ángel's mockery and watched him closely. No longer turned off by the hostility oozing from every pore, she cocked her head studying his face intently. There was a certain strain around his eyes and he seemed agitated over something. Lucia and Diego agreed that Ángel was the most difficult of the four identities because he played his cards close to his chest, never allowing a glimpse into his inner sanctum. They were, however, gaining some success in reading his emotions even through the blank face and constant scoffing.

"This isn't about the clothes, is it?" she concluded after a minute of watching him.

Each of the men had different preferences, favorite styles, an individual behavior with individual needs. She continually labored against her maternal instinct to physically soothe Ángel knowing he despised the intimacy from even the slightest brush against his skin. Che accepted it understanding the tactile needs of some people. Marco and Rubén, on the other hand, never balked at the chance to kiss, hug or cuddle with those they adored.

Ángel remained silent next to her.

"Tell me what's bothering you," she tried again.

"Nothing," Ángel snarled. "They are just pissing me off. They can poof! into thin air for all I care."

"I don't think so," Lucia gently shook her head keeping a close eye on his face. It felt like watching a stone wall. "As I understand from Rubén, the agreement was that you'd be first in line to meet Esme. Nobody will be there, just you and her; exactly like you wished. Aren't you happy?"

Angry, narrowed eyes and a deep growl was all she got in return. Lucia wondered what could be wrong to have him in such a piss-poor mood.

"Have you thought about what you'll do with her once she's here?"

No reaction, just a blank face in return.

"She'll be so happy to see you. You know that, right?"

Lucia nearly missed the change in emotion. For a split second Ángel's pupils flared on his otherwise blank face. So that is the gist of the matter, she thought to herself. He was anxious that Esme's feelings toward him may have changed. Swelling with affection and empathy for the guarded hardcore identity, Lucia ignored the don't-touch-policy and grabbed Ángel's hand.

"She. Loves. You." She emphasized each word and squeezed his hand before letting it free again. "Now tell me what you want to wear when you see Esme."

A few hours later in Stamping Ground at the marker to Cedar Creek…

Bobby gently stroked Esme's arm enticing her to leave the sandman's comfortable hug. Since sudden touches often freaked her out, waking Esme without scaring the shit outta her was an art they didn't teach in the Army.

"Hey Baby," he tenderly kissed her soft lips when sleepy eyes blinked at him. "We're in Stamping Ground. You need to decide whether you really want to see Rubén and the others now or go straight to Portlock and come back here tomorrow," he pressed another kiss to the tip of her nose.

Bobby looked exhausted. He'd gone the whole sixteen hours drive from Miami without sleep.

What the fuck, Esme looked around. You crazy man, she blinked some more, cupped his cheek and rubbed her thumb over the growing stubble. Didn't I agree to make it a two day trip?

You did, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the tender caress. But I was on a roll and I knew how much you ached for seeing our man, he opened his eyes and winked at her. I know I long for being back with him.

Esme couldn't help but smile brightly at him. God, how she loved this man. Bobby kissed her one last time, started the car and took the turn towards their shared destiny. Parking as close to the entrance as possible, he hopped out, got Esme's crutches from the backseat and helped her cautiously stretch and find her balance.

"Esme," Dr. Garvey called out and hurried around his desk as they entered his office. "I am so glad…," he took her offered hand in both of his and shook it with enthusiasm. "When I say I was worried, it's nothing compared to what certain other persons felt and still feel," he smiled benignly.

An hour later Bobby and she had learned everything they needed to know about Rubén's development and current status. They got a brief overview of the different identities and what the four had decided with regard to this first meeting.

"I'm not happy," Bobby said and signed at the same time, tension radiating from him. "Muerte… Ángel is volatile. I don't want you," he looked at Esme, "alone with him."

"Bobby, I know you worry," Dr. Garvey spoke up in a firm tone, "but Ángel's main issue is that he doesn't trust anybody. For him, you are the enemy and want to keep Esme away from him. Ángel must learn to confide in you as much as he's beginning to with the other three identities. Overriding his wish will only serve to confirm his paranoia and make things worse. You must come to terms with the fact that he is part of Rubén and won't be going away. Ángel can't be ignored, Bobby. He is as important and has as much rights as the other three. Be understanding and advance some faith in him. I promise you, I'd never send Esme into a dangerous situation."

Esme rubbed Bobby's knee and squeezed it. "Remember that last day we all were together?" She signed and Bobby translated for Dr. Garvey. "Muerte and I snuggled together on my bed. He cooked me a meal and even purred for me. The only thing missing on that perfect day was a kiss. He won't hurt me, he has feelings for me," she looked Bobby in the eyes before continuing just for him. I'm connected with his mind right now. He's pacing his room, worried shitless about me and can't wait to hold me in his arms. He. Won't. Hurt. Me.

Bobby sighed in defeat and before he knew it they stood in front of the door to Rubén's room.

It's okay, Esme kissed him tenderly and nipped at his bottom lip. Whatever happens today, however it will feel for the three or better six of us, you and me … we are an item and nothing can tear us apart. Tonight it will be us lying together and talking about the day. You have nothing to worry about, Bobby Brown. I love you and I always will.

She could feel Bobby's anxiety and read all the insecurities running through his mind; but Esme couldn't reassure him any more than she already had moments ago. Dr. Garvey was correct in telling him to have faith in Ángel and overcome his anxieties of losing her. Esme completely understood how hard Bobby would have to fight in order to even consider working through those emotions, especially since she'd just nearly died. Before she could send any more encouragement his way, the door behind her was forcefully ripped open and Ángel stood stock still in the open frame glowering at them.

#~#~#~

Outside the room in the hall Bobby paced and ruffled his hair in frustration. He wanted to run and get far away from here; but on the other hand he felt the need to stay in case things inside got tight and Esme needed him. Seeing the guard watching him warily, Bobby realized he must look a mess.

"At the slightest sign of distress you get her out of there. We clear?" He commanded not too friendly. "I'll be back in a few." He had to clean up and a load of icy water on his head was just what he needed to think straight again.

Inside the room Ángel held Esme at arm's length and scrutinized what seemed like every inch of her body. Nothing escaped his sharp eyes.

I'm fine, really, she tried to pacify him; but the continuous growl he was emanating didn't stop. Feeling the exhaustion of the last hour and a half, Esme leaned heavily on her good leg and waited until he finished his visual examination and looked up into her eyes.

I'm not feeling well, Ángel. Can we perhaps sit down? My body's still weak from everything I've been through.

His response was immediate and unexpected. As though her words had snapped him out of his funk, Ángel's black eyes softened. He took her crutches and picked her up cautiously like she was made from the finest china.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think," he said gruffly. "You belong to bed."

Before she had a chance to reply, Ángel laid her down, took off her sandals, carefully stripped her sweats snarling at the sight of all her scars, old and new ones, and covered her with some sheets.

"Sleep," he grumbled as he stepped away from the bed and stared at her.

Esme was at a loss. This wasn't the welcome she had anticipated and her mind felt too scrambled with pain and fatigue to sort through the chaos of emotions running through her.

Ángel, this isn't working, she tried to explain to him. You make me feel awkward lying here while you are staring at me.

Instantly his intimidating aura changed to one of helplessness. Keeping his blank face up, Esme felt how he cudgeled his brain on what he should do. He wanted to do right by her, had such noble intents; but didn't know how to transfer them to real life.

Come over here and lie with me, Esme padded the place next to her on the bed to help him. For a split second Ángel's eyes flared; but he obediently shucked off his shoes and lay down beside her on top of the covers.

Can you hold me in your arms? It took Esme a few loving nudges; but finally her head lay on his right pec, his arms securely holding her and she felt him relax.

I missed you so very much, she pushed to him while the fingers of her left hand caressed his chest. When Rubén woke up I was so incredibly happy; but at the same time I was afraid you were gone forever. I'm so glad you are back and have your own place within him. Now, you can finally be your own person.

His purr that started softly and grew in strength was all the response Esme needed for now.

An hour later…

"Are you okay?" Bobby palpated her gently as though he was expecting bodily harm.

"Yes, I'm fine. Stop behaving as though he's a monster," Esme signed with angry gestures.

Bobby pressed his lips together and took a step back to give her room.

"Sorry," was all he could utter while everything in him screamed to check her over.

Bobby, you have to stop doing that, Esme narrowed her eyes at him, struggling to be understanding as he winced at her harsh tone.

They stood in the hall outside Rubén's room and Bobby looked positively forlorn. Inside his need to protect and take care of his woman was battling with his need to respect and obey her wishes. Esme closed her eyes and dug deep to find the strength to help him.

I was exhausted after our talk with Dr. Garvey. Ángel bedded me and then lay down on top of the covers to watch over me while I slept. That's all that happened, she pushed. Now let's go. He said Rubén wants to change clothes and meet us outside.

As Bobby followed her down the hall toward the elevator, he felt like shit for being so irrational and needy; but couldn't help himself.

"You know, I'm not feeling well," he looked down at his shoes as they sat outside on a bank and felt ashamed for even thinking about abandoning her. "Maybe it's best for me to leave while you meet the others."

Bullshit. You are strong. You've been my pillar of strength for the last few months and just last night you drove sixteen hours straight to make me happy. Esme watched him until his head turned and their eyes met. I love you, Robert Brown. She grabbed his hand and entwined their fingers. We are in this together and we'll lean on each other until… well always. Soon enough the stress and strain will be over and life will be wonderful again.

Bobby shook his head and smiled at her. The smile was rather on the small side; but whatever funk he'd just slipped into Esme could see the clouds in his eyes slowly evaporating.

My woman, he cupped her face and pressed a lingering kiss onto her eager lips. Verily, I don't deserve to be loved by you; but I sure as hell won't complain as long as you want me, he tenderly stroked her cheek with his knuckles.

A cough to their right brought them out of their intimate togetherness and caused both to turn their heads. Before her brain could kick in, Esme jumped up and half hopped, half fell into Rubén's waiting arms. A wave of happy laughter bubbled from him.

"Mi luz," he enveloped her in his strong arms and pressed her against his body. There are no words for how happy I am to see you, he thought in Spanish, overcome with emotions.

I know some, she pushed back. I love you, Rubén Rodríguez. The whole time in Colombia I fought to come back to tell you this. His arms tightened around her even more as tears gathered in the corner of his eyes.

"Bobby," Rubén opened one arm and motioned for him to join them. As he stepped into Ruben's embrace, sandwiching Esme between their bodies, no words were needed. Their eyes expressed all there was to say.

Finally, sometime later when they moved apart, the men's eyes were misty while Rubén had some telltale wet dots on his shirt where moments before Esme's head had lain.

"Come," Rubén squared his shoulder and took lead. "Your chariot awaits you, milady," he bowed with a flourish and pointed toward the wheelchair that stood a couple feet to the side. Esme furrowed her brow and blinked at him confused. "I have it on good authority that you are recuperating from some minor bruises and Ángel 'asked' me," he made quotation marks in the air, "to organize some wheels for you," Rubén winked and nudged his head in the wheelchair's direction.

That made Esme chuckle. My darling, Ángel, she grinned.

"Your darling," he smirked, "was very happy about whatever you told him. We had a little chitchat, well, not that he talked or anything; but God was he tickled about something. He didn't even snarl at me once."

"Sounds like you two are getting along," Bobby chimed in.

"Yeah, it's getting better. Our 'internal group talks' are fucked up crazy," Rubén chuckled, "but they help us to understand each other and know where each of us is coming from. However, without Dr. Garvey and the other therapists, it would be utter chaos."

Rubén took the picnic basket that sat in the wheelchair and gave it Bobby before helping Esme to park it in the chair.

"Now let's move it. I want to take you down to the creek. There is a beautiful spot for a picnic. Besides, the weather is so great for September. Oh, and courtesy of Marco, we even have that basket full of yummies. You'll meet him soon. We decided to share you," Rubén happily twittered along.

Esme and Bobby exchanged a wide eyed look and didn't know what to say. This man guiding them along definitely wasn't the Rubén they left behind. Shrugging, they smiled at each other and let themselves be hurried along. Whatever expectations or insecurities they may have felt before this meeting were quickly eased. Clearly, there were not three; but four new identities because Rubén, too, had changed. Suddenly, Bobby wasn't feeling as stressed anymore. Esme was right, they were tightly bound soulmates. Tonight would be just he and Esme in bed snuggling and talking about their day. Nothing would change between the two of them because of this day and he sure as hell wasn't going to lose her.

The next hour was pure fun. The upgraded Rubén 2.1 was like a never ending snuggly, fun-loving, homerun version of his former self. Esme and Bobby could tell exactly where parts of him were missing; but now probably resided in his other identities. As Dr. Garvey had explained to them, there were not three new persons in addition to Rubén, rather all four identities made Rubén complete.

"You know," Rubén started when there was a comfortable lull in their conversation. "This thing we have," he waved his index finger between the three of them. "I'd like to take it rather slow if that's OK with you?"

He sat on a blanket opposite Bobby, who was leaning against a tree trunk with Esme between his legs, and looked them straight in the eyes.

"Don't get me wrong. I truly do want this. Yesterday, I thought I could just jump right into having fun; but now that idea gives me the shimmies. All this kissing and touching… I feel so… loved by the two of you; but it's still so confusing what with Ángel, Marco and Che and the constant switching. I'd like to get a better grip on all that before falling head over heels in a relationship with you two. What's more, I have no clue how a relationship will work when Ángel is still so mistrusting. Then, what about Marco and Che? Marco is already smitten with both of you; but Che – he's like Data from the Enterprise, all calm and neutral with apparently no emotions. Imagine we get all romantic with each other and suddenly one of the others pops up. That's all a little overwhelming for me and… yeah… like I said I'd like to take it slow… as long as you don't stop kissing me," he flashed his trademark crooked grin.

What were you supposed to say to that? Here's this formidable all-delicious-male man sitting in front of you finding just the right words without you knowing you needed to hear them.

"Anything you want, Baby – anytime," Esme felt Bobby's chest rumble behind her and nodded affirmative.

I know I'm speaking for Bobby, too, when I tell ya that I was worried how we should go on from where we stopped the last time. I mean, you were alone back then and now there are four of you, she smiled at Rubén. I love you; I really do. Going slowly sounds just perfect to me. Let's take our time to get to know you four and give Marco and Che time to meet us in person. There's no need to hurry.

Rubén's smile was relieved, bright and full of joy as he closed his eyes and crunched his brow in concentration. A minute later they opened again and his whole posture changed. On the outside, there was still the same man sitting in front of them; yet his aura was different. A sense of calm and love settled around them as his eyes grew all soft and his voice was more tenor than baritone.

"Hey," Marco greeted them with a warm smile and they immediately loved him.

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