Author's Note: This story started as a very basic idea of having Hitch and Anah bond, since I haven't done much with them together. I messaged Tallsunshine12 for help when I wasn't sure what to do with these two characters, so credit goes to her for the rescue mission idea.

March, 1950

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

The recent rains had given the park a refreshing scent, and helped along the grass in getting its green color back after a long and dreary winter. However, there had been a lot of rain, and a lot of snow had melted in the last few days. What wasn't covered in grass was covered in mud. Mud wouldn't do for a wedding party.

"I think we'll have to find somewhere else," Jack Moffitt said, rubbing his chin.

"Yeah. Darn." Mark Hitchcock swore under his breath. "I like this place. Molly does, too."

"Surely, there are other places in Wilmington that you two like," Hans Dietrich said. "Preferably, oh, how about… the house?"

"You really don't want a big party, do you?" Hitch asked.

"No, I do not."

"Well, there are gonna be a lotta guests. I've invited some guys I knew from Wake Forest, and there's not enough room at the house."

Dietrich sighed and rubbed his face. "Fine. You are the groom. You make the final decision."

Anah, Moffitt's Egyptian cobra companion, slithered to Moffitt's right shoulder to look at Dietrich. "As the best man, you can have some level of input, dear."

"I am aware of that."

"And I value his input." Hitch put his arm around Dietrich and gave him a playful squeeze.

"Thank you, Hitch." Dietrich didn't sound too enthusiastic.

"Are there any other parks that are about the size of this one?" Moffitt asked.

"Down near the beach. It's way too cold this time of year to be near the beach, though," Hitch said.

"We noticed." Dietrich hugged himself and shivered.

"Agreed." Anah burrowed into Moffitt's turtleneck sweater.

"Are there any that are a little further from the coast?" Moffitt asked.

"Yeah. There's one on a hill southwest from the city that gives you a really good view. It's on the bigger side, though."

"Better too big than too small." Moffitt rubbed his arms. "Oh, I really hope it'll be warmer in a few days."

"I think that park has a pavilion we can rent. You guys ready to go inside?" Hitch asked.

"Go inside and have a hot cup of tea. Yes, please."

The group drove back to Hitch's parents' home, where his mother, Irena, was writing out a list of food to prepare for the wedding party. His father, Noah, was out in the garage with Sam Troy and Tully Pettigrew, painting a banner for the reception.

"Park's a no-go, Mom," Hitch said. "It's all mud."

"It could dry up in a few days," Irena replied.

"This morning's weather report said otherwise," Moffitt said. "Fortunately, it doesn't look like it'll rain, but that whole area looks like it has rather poor drainage."

"Well, that's a shame."

"We're going to take a look at the place southwest of Wilmington. The old golf course," Hitch said.

"That'll be nice." Irena motioned to Dietrich with her pen. "I'm making one large cake and a few smaller ones. What would you like?"

"Mom, I'm the groom."

"But she asked me," Dietrich said.

"You're just gonna say 'all of them!'"

"Am not."

"Alright, that's enough, boys." Irena held up her hands, then focused on Dietrich again. "Hans, pick three flavors of cake for the party."

"Oh, only three?" Dietrich looked greatly disappointed.

"Only three, dearie."

"Damn." Dietrich thought for a moment. "That will be difficult."

"Take your time." Irena next looked at Moffitt. "You already have your teas picked out?"

"I do," Moffitt replied.

"Alright. There'll also be plenty of coffee for anyone who wants it."

"Will there be cocoa?" Dietrich asked.

"Yes, there will." Irena sighed before facing her son. "Don't tell her, but I wish Molly had agreed to a smaller party and not let her mother talk her into inviting the rest of her family."

"Dietrich's already expressed his displeasure at how large the guest list is," Hitch said.

"Troy hates it, too," Moffitt added. "Frankly, so do I."

"Thirded," Anah said.

"Given that you're a snake, Anah, I will admit I'm a little worried about how some of the guests will take to you," Irena said with a concerned expression.

"They're just gonna have to deal with it," Hitch muttered. "Anah stays with us. We're not leaving her out."

"Some people do have quite a strong fear of snakes, honey."

"We're not leaving Anah out, Mom."

"I'm not saying we need to leave her out. I just want you—all of you—to be mindful of the fact that some people may have a very negative reaction to her."

"If it helps, Anah won't leave my sight," Moffitt said. "She is a part of this family as much as anyone else in this room."

"Alright."

Hitch couldn't help but notice a somewhat sad expression on Anah's face as the conversations continued around her. She was moved to the counter when Moffitt's wife, Vanora, entered the house, so Moffitt could go greet her with a hug and kiss. The cobra stayed close to Moffitt's tea mug, looking lost in thought.

Dietrich and Irena went over to the pantry to look over ingredients for the chosen three cakes, leaving Hitch alone with Anah. He studied her for a moment, and found himself unsure of how to start a conversation with her. It wasn't very often he was alone with the cobra. He had gotten used to her presence in North Africa, and whenever Moffitt visited, but he couldn't recall the last time he ever talked to her and just her.

"Is there something you find interesting?" Anah asked without raising her head.

"What do you mean?" Hitch replied.

"I can sense you staring at me."

"Sorry."

"No need to apologize. I am only curious."

"You can be curious at two thousand years old?"

"Of course." The snake turned to face Hitch. "Just because I am quite old does not mean I stop learning things, dear. Why, joining you all was one of the greatest learning experiences in my life." A smile finally crossed Anah's face, blue eyes glinting.

"And it was a learning experience for all of us, too," Hitch said. "I don't think any of us enlisted thinking a talking snake would be in our midst."

"There were probably hints here and there, but none of you would have known for sure." Anah looked past Hitch, watching Moffitt and Vanora display affection to one another. "I do hope your marriage to Molly will be as loving as Moffitt's is to Vanora."

"I'm sure it will be."

Anah slithered up Hitch's right arm to get to his shoulders. She paused just behind his head, causing Hitch to freeze. He had known her for close to eight years. He knew she didn't pose a danger to any of them, but he still wasn't fully comfortable with the idea of a venomous snake so close to his neck. It certainly wasn't the first time she had ever climbed on him, but that didn't mean he liked it or was used to it.

He saw her head appear on his left shoulder. "Hi," he said.

"Hello." Anah stopped, wrapping part of her body loosely around Hitch's neck. She appeared to be getting comfortable when she rested her head on Hitch's bicep. "I get the impression you are anxious about your wedding."

"What makes you say that?" Alright, why would you think that? She's psychic! She's reading your mind!

"Just a hunch."

Hitch wasn't sure he wanted to believe that or not.

"And… your previous behavior still haunts you."

"Hey, that's kinda personal, Anah. Not sure I want to talk about that with you in front of everyone else."

"Then perhaps we can go somewhere quiet and talk."

"Wouldn't you rather be with Moffitt?"

"Yes, but I am here to talk if you need it."

Hitch had never thought about going to Anah for help with anything before. He wasn't sure he wanted to discuss his thoughts with her. Or anyone. The others were really happy for him that he had decided to marry Molly and he wanted to maintain that happiness, not drag everything down with any reminders of his past behavior when it came to dating. The fact that Anah looked quite comfortable where she was made it difficult for Hitch to consider moving her. That still didn't mean he wanted to talk to her about what was on his mind.

Anah sighed. "Fine. We do not have to talk if you do not wish to."

"Thanks," Hitch said. He really hoped Anah wasn't in his head. There was really no way to tell whether or not she was, and he didn't like that. It was hard to read her, period. She was fairly expressive for a snake, but not nearly as expressive as a person. Even a dog or cat was more expressive. Hitch watched Anah for a moment. Never in his life did he expect to ever sit with a highly venomous snake on his arm. The closest he ever got to one before was a copperhead he accidentally startled. The copperhead bit him, but he had gotten lucky to not receive any venom from it. Since then, he was wary of snakes. Anah was different, though.

When Anah started moving further down Hitch's arm, he raised his arm slightly, and turned his wrist so the cobra's head was on the back of his hand instead of his palm. She then wrapped around his wrist. He had a feeling she was deep in thought—or deep in his head. Please don't, he thought.

"No need to worry. I will not invade your thoughts, dear," Anah said.

"But you just did."

"You directed a surface-level thought in my direction, and I was thinking it would be best to put your mind at ease and let you know that I have no intention of reading your mind."

"You telling the truth?"

"What do I stand to gain from lying to you?"

"Fair point."

Anah turned her head to face Hitch. "I was serious when I told you that I am open to discussing anything that may be bothering you. A wedding is a serious and momentous occasion for anyone, and I would like to ensure it is a happy one for both you and Molly."

Hitch froze. Oh, yeah… Molly hasn't met Moffitt yet, which means she hasn't met Anah. That could be a problem. I've never asked her feelings about snakes. Then again, how often do you just open a conversation with, "How do you feel about snakes?" "Well… uh… you… you haven't met Molly, have you?"

"I have not. I would like to, though."

"M-Maybe we should do that." Hitch looked at his watch. "She should be home now. I can… take you there." He stood up and walked into the living room to get permission from Moffitt, who was snuggled with Vanora on the couch. "Hey, Moffitt? Do you mind if I take Anah for a bit?"

"Sure. What are you planning on doing with her?" Moffitt gave Hitch a quizzical look.

"I want to introduce her to Molly. I… kinda forgot you haven't met her yet, and I'm not sure what she'll think of Anah."

"Oh, that's fine. Just remember to bring her back, and don't let her out of your sight."

"Do you not trust me, dear?" Anah asked.

"That depends. You've been very well-behaved today, especially since Troy is out in the garage with paint."

"This is for a wedding, dear. I do not want to risk messing it up. I will have other opportunities to be mischievous with Troy and paint."

Moffitt gave her a look. "Still. Don't lose her, Hitch."

"I won't. I promise," Hitch said.

"Alright. Anah, please behave."

"You will not need to worry about me, Moffitt," Anah said. "I will take good care of Hitch."

"To be honest, I'm not sure which of you to be more worried about."

"Come on, Moffitt, I'm not Sarge," Hitch muttered.

"No, but you have a tendency to be quite accident-prone—"

Anah sighed. "Cluck, cluck, dear, your inner mother hen is showing."

"Anah?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Shut up. You saw how many incidents Hitch got himself into during the war—"

"Jack," Vanora turned Moffitt's head to face her, "you are being a bit of a hen. Stop."

Moffitt sighed. "Oh, alright." He kissed Vanora, then looked back up at Hitch and Anah. "Just… be careful and keep each other safe."

"We'll be fine," Hitch said. "We'll try to be back before sundown."

Hitch got into his car, which was parked in the street in front of his parents' home. Anah moved out of the way of the seatbelt, then moved back to Hitch's shoulders.

"Make sure you don't block my vision, okay?" Hitch said.

"No need to worry, dear. I ride with Moffitt all the time when he drives."

"Alright, alright." As they pulled away from the sidewalk, Hitch began contemplating telling Anah to get in his lap or the passenger seat. He wasn't sure what people would do if they saw a snake just riding a man's shoulders in a car. Hopefully, they'll mistake her for a black rat snake, he thought. As long as she doesn't hood. He remembered going to circuses and carnivals as a kid where people would "charm" and play with Indian cobras. Anyone would recognize a cobra hood if they saw one.

"How far away does Molly live?" Anah asked, breaking the silence.

"Northern part of Wilmington. Should be about a twenty minute drive, depending on traffic."

"Alright." Anah looked out the windows, watching the buildings and other cars go by. "I am not sure I have ever said how lovely this city is."

"It is really pretty, especially when you go out at sea." Hitch smiled while thinking. "Dad already lived here, but Mom was originally from Charlotte. She was visiting Wilmington for work, met Dad at a baseball game, and the rest is history. They married and had Lucina and I a few years later."

"Your parents are both very sweet people."

"Yeah. Everyone who meets them says that. Mom especially is really nice to guests, although she's taken a special liking to Dietrich and dotes on him and feeds him—a lot—whenever he visits. I think it's because of… what he went through. She's trying to make him feel welcome."

"That would not surprise me. I am glad your family cares for him, though."

"I wasn't expecting Mom to take to Dietrich so well when he visited last January, but I'm glad, too. He needs people to care about him, even if he doesn't always act like he does."

Anah was quiet for a moment. She watched people outside when they stopped at a traffic light, then spoke again when the light turned green. "I find it a bit surprising that you… developed the habits you did, having been raised by people like your parents."

Hitch bit his lip. "Because that started when I grew up and went to Wake Forest. I really don't want to discuss that with you, Anah."

"I am not trying to make fun of you, dear. I am merely curious."

"Are you going to tell my parents what I did?"

"About all the nurses you dated?"

"Yeah."

"Do you not want me to?"

"No, I really don't."

"If you do not wish me to discuss it with your parents, I will not say a word."

"You promise?"

"I promise, dear."

Hitch focused on driving for a bit, trying to decide whether or not he could trust Anah. Moffitt trusts her. I see no reason why I can't. "Okay. That was what a few of the other guys did. Flirt, date, run. I… started doing it in order to fit in, and… got pretty good at it. I knew my parents would be really mad if they learned about it, so I never brought it up. Never mentioned any girlfriends in my letters."

"And this behavior continued into the war."

"Yeah. It was fun at first, and… then it wasn't. I lost interest when I came home from the war. Couple years go by, and I start noticing Molly frequenting the same drugstore I do to get my gum. I kinda knew her in school, but… back then, I didn't really think she was pretty, and she was really shy, so she wouldn't have been fun at dances and stuff like that." Hitch braced himself for Anah to lecture him, or slap him with her tail.

Instead, Anah said, "Things certainly have changed."

"They sure did. Anyway, I started asking myself, 'What if I talk to her? Is she even going to remember me?' She did remember me a little, but never in her wildest dreams did she think I would ever talk to her. No one had ever really talked to her when she was in school. I know she's close with her parents, but like Mom was saying, Molly did let her mother talk her into making sure the extended family was invited."

"It sounds like she needs to learn to stick up for what she wants."

"Yeah. I noticed that."

"I am sure Shauna could teach her."

Hitch nodded. "I really want her to meet all of you. I know we really haven't had a chance to get everyone together, so… I hope this goes over well."

"I hope so, too."

"You can't… foresee it going well?"

"I cannot foresee everything. I told this to Moffitt when he started dating Vanora—matters of the heart are not something I will ever interfere with."

"That's fair." Hitch stopped at another traffic light, and noticed a brightly-colored sign near the crosswalk. "Huh. Traveling circus came to town." In the corner of his eye, he noticed Anah's expression becoming distant and somewhat fearful. "You okay?"

"Yes. Yes… um—" Anah shook her head. "I am alright. Sorry. Started thinking about… the prophecy."

"Ah." Hitch was merely an observer to the phenomenon that was a mysterious prophecy laid out for Dietrich during the war. "Is everything still on track for that to play out?"

"It is," Anah said. "It will still be some time, though."

"Nothing I can do to help?"

"At the moment, no." Anah turned back to Hitch. "Everything is alright."

Hitch wasn't too sure about that, but he decided it wouldn't be a good idea to press Anah on it. He probably had the poorest understanding of magic in their group apart from Troy, but that didn't mean he wouldn't try to help if it became necessary. Part of him wished there was more he could do to help.

Anah seemed to return to normal when Hitch parked on a street in one of the quieter parts of northern Wilmington. She slithered into his shirt to conceal herself. Hitch had never felt a snake crawling over his bare skin before. It was a strange sensation, but not an uncomfortable one. He tried to discreetly adjust Anah as he got out of the car and locked it, then headed up a walkway to a small, cozy house nestled in a grove of conifers, cabbage palmettos, and carefully planted dwarf palmettos.

"Oh, this is lovely," Anah said, poking her snout out from Hitch's shirt collar. "Will you be moving here when you get married?"

"Yeah. Molly inherited this from her grandparents. It's pretty old—I think it was built just after the Civil War, if I'm remembering correctly," Hitch said.

"Fascinating." Anah hid back in Hitch's shirt when he walked up to the wraparound porch.

Hitch stood patiently, with his hands in his pockets after ringing the doorbell. He noticed movement in the corner of his eye, and spotted a face pulling back the curtains in the living room. He waved to Molly when she smiled at him. A second later, she opened the door.

"Hi," Hitch said.

"Hello, Mark!" Molly gave him a hug. "What brings you out here? I wasn't expecting to see you until the wedding."

Like Hitch, Molly wore glasses. The difference was that Molly needed her glasses all the time, while Hitch was farsighted and didn't necessarily need his all the time. She was quite short and thin, with features that, to some, could be considered plain, but Hitch had come to find her cute. Her eyes were a pretty blue-violet, and her hair was shoulder-length and a dark reddish-brown in color. She never did anything elaborate with it beyond putting it in a ponytail.

"I… wanted you to meet someone," Hitch said. "I know I've talked a lot about the guys I served with, and I was hoping you'd be able to meet them before the wedding."

Molly gave him a confused look. "Are we going somewhere? I don't see anyone with you. Or… are they in the car?"

Hitch struggled to swallow past his nerves. "Well… I only brought one of my friends, and she—"

"'She?'"

"Yeah, uh… you… um… quick question, are you afraid of snakes?"

"That's an odd question, Mark."

"I know, but… are you?"

"That depends. What kind of snake are we talking about?"

Hitch reached into his shirt, pulling out Anah. Molly stepped back a little as Hitch adjusted the snake. "Well, technically… this is an Egyptian cobra."

"Mark, are you insane? A cobra? Don't they bite?"

"Yeah. This one doesn't—for the most part."

Molly remained at the other end of the room.

"She also talks."

"Snakes don't talk."

"Most do not," Anah said. "I happen to be one who does."

Molly's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, she does talk."

"Are you upset?" Hitch asked.

"I wish you had mentioned this before, just so I could be prepared for… this." Molly nervously stepped forward.

"I'm sorry. I… I-I figured it needed to be done sooner rather than later. She's part of the family, in a way."

"Does she have a name."

"Yeah. Molly, meet Anah. Anah, meet Molly." Hitch held Anah out a little closer to Molly. "She won't bite. Honest. Just don't make her mad."

Molly nervously reached out to touch the top of Anah's head. "I'm sorry. I've never met a nice, talking snake before."

"There is no need to apologize, dear," Anah said. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard wonderful things about you from Hitch here."

Molly's face reddened. "He's talked about me with his friends?"

"Oh, all the time. I have not heard a single negative thing about you."

"That's sweet to hear." Molly's eyes went back up to Hitch. "How are things going as far as wedding preparation goes?"

"So far, so good. We're looking at holding the reception in the pavilion on the old golf course," Hitch said. "The park near my parents' place is too muddy."

"Ah. I have a few cousins who would probably complain the whole time about their dresses anyway."

"Well, we don't want that, do we?"

"Some of them could stand to get a little dirty. I've been getting a lot of phone calls about dresses and gowns and all that. I already have something picked out, though."

"Whatever it is, I bet it's going to look very cute on you." Now Hitch was blushing. "I know the tradition is you can't see the bride's dress before the wedding, but I wouldn't mind seeing it now."

"If I had it here, I'd show you, but it's being hemmed at the bridal shop I picked it from, so I won't be getting it back until the day before the wedding. Sorry."

"No, it's okay. I look forward to seeing it."

"I look forward to seeing you in your suit." Molly stood on her toes to kiss Hitch's cheek. "Would you like a glass of iced tea? I just made it."

"Sure." Hitch followed her into the kitchen, with Anah slithering up to his shoulders. She looked around, clearly enjoying being in a new place.

"I like this kitchen," Anah said. "So much space!"

"Thanks," Molly replied.

"Anah's a really good cook," Hitch said. "Ridiculously good, actually."

Molly raised an eyebrow. "How does she cook with no hands?"

"Magic."

"Magic?"

"Yeah. Magic. Telekinesis."

"So, she's… a witch snake?"

"Uh…" Hitch looked at Anah. "I guess? Kinda."

"I can do a lot of things witches can do," Anah explained. "All without the aid of a wand. I can brew potions, for instance. I cannot use spells that are restricted to use by a wand, though. I have psychic abilities as well, and limited healing powers."

"I've never really met anyone who can use magic before," Molly said. "Could you show me how it works?"

"Of course. In fact, I will wash those dirty dishes for you, dear." Anah left Hitch's shoulders to perch on the sink.

Molly watched the cobra washing the dishes with great interest. Hitch stood by with his glass of iced tea. He had gotten used to seeing Anah's powers in action over the years.

"How did you come across such a unique creature, Mark?" Molly asked.

"We found her in an ancient temple in Tunisia," Hitch said. "She was guarding a crystal ball that she wanted destroyed so she could be freed. After that, she accompanied us around North Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and never left. She technically belongs to Moffitt—you'll get to meet him at the wedding."

"He's the British one of your group, right?"

"Yeah."

"So, I take it we won't be seeing Anah very often, then."

"Only whenever Moffitt visits."

"Darn. I never thought I would meet something like Anah."

"I don't think there'd be a problem with her visiting more often."

"Of course not," Anah said. "You seem like a delightful person, Molly. I—" She paused, looking around with a nervous expression.

"What's wrong?" Hitch asked.

"Nothing. I just… had a strange feeling." Anah turned to Molly. "Are we alone in the house?"

"Yes," Molly said. "Why?"

I would've thought Anah could tell right away if we weren't alone, Hitch thought.

"Curious," Anah replied. "Perhaps I am sensing an animal."

Anah being unsure didn't sit right with Hitch.

The three were soon back to talking and enjoying their time together. As Hitch had promised Moffitt that he would return Anah before sundown, he bid Molly goodnight with a long hug and a kiss just as the western horizon started turning pink. He headed back out to the car, and paused just before unlocking the driver's side door.

"I don't think Moffitt will get upset if we're a little late, will he?" Hitch asked.

"Probably not. Why?" Anah replied.

"There's a sandwich place at the end of the street. I was thinking I could grab some for everyone."

"That would be a sweet gesture."

"Alright, then." Hitch put his car keys in his pocket, made sure Anah was hidden in his shirt, and started walking down to the end of the street, mentally going over what the others would want. Moffitt's really picky. Sarge doesn't care and will eat anything. Dietrich's kinda the same way, but a little bit more picky. Tully's tastes are really simple, but if there's something spicy, he'll take it—

Hitch was pulled from his thoughts when a dark-haired man approached him at the street corner. "Hey, I hate to be a bother, sir, but do you know how to change a tire?" the man asked.

"Yeah. You got a flat?" Hitch said.

"I do. Pretty bad one, too. I'm up this way." The man led Hitch past the sandwich shop, down toward a quieter section of town where there weren't many people. A lone truck sat near an alleyway. Sure enough, the right rear tire was flat.

Hitch felt Anah's breath quicken under his shirt. "Something is not right," she whispered. "I-I cannot tell what it is—"

Anah's uncertainty and anxiety prompted Hitch to consider turning around, but the dark-haired man took his arm.

"I got the tools for it. I just don't know how to do it," the man said. He knelt by a toolbox sitting on the sidewalk.

The toolbox didn't contain tools, but potion bottles. As soon as the latch had been opened, three men wearing gas masks emerged from hiding places around the truck. Anah slithered out of Hitch's shirt, hissing with her hood spread. Two of the men brandished wands, while the third had a handgun.

Hitch was unarmed apart from Anah. He dashed around the truck, trying to break the men's line of sight. They split up, trying to block Hitch's escape. One used his wand to throw a bolt of energy in Hitch's direction, tripping him. He tried scrambling to his feet, but the warlock kept him down by delivering a hard kick to his stomach. Hitch's breath rushed from his lungs.

Anah struck out at the warlock's right leg as she slithered off of Hitch. The man was wearing thick clothing, far too thick for Anah's fangs to get to his skin. As she was picked up with an invisible force to be thrown against the side of the truck, the dark-haired man who led her and Hitch there shouted, "Don't damage it! Boss wants it in one piece!"

Hitch was still struggling to breathe as one of the other man grabbed him and tossed him into an alley. Anah was thrown in along with him. Before she could retaliate, the dark-haired man, now wearing a gas mask of his own, threw a light-gray potion bottle against the concrete in front of them.

It was difficult enough to breathe on his own. Hitch suddenly felt like all the oxygen in that area had been sucked away as a thick, gray gas engulfed him. His body began feeling heavy, and he was losing the desire to struggle. He tried calling to Anah, but no sound would come. The heavy feeling spread to his head. The pain from the warlock kicking him was fading. When he could no longer struggle, the heaviness in his head suddenly burst into a light, airy feeling. Everything around him felt like it was spinning… or was he spinning? It was impossible to tell. Nausea pulsed through him once, then faded.

Hitch couldn't keep his eyes open, and felt himself drift into unconsciousness just as the hazy shapes of his and Anah's attackers ran over to him. Sounds became muffled quickly, then faded into complete silence.