New Addition

"April!" Punk yelled, walking in the door to their house, stomping his feet on the welcome mat to shake off any snow he'd collected on his boots, "Ape!"

"What are you yelling about?" AJ called back from the living room, sitting on the sofa with the fire on, reading a book.

"Look." Punk said, walking into the living room as AJ looked up over her glasses.

"Why do you have a cat?" AJ questioned.

"It's a kitten." Punk corrected.

"Why do you have a kitten?" AJ asked calmly.

"I found him." Punk said, "I was walking home from visiting my dad and I could hear him crying down an alley. He was tucked behind a bunch of trash cans." He said sadly, "I couldn't leave him."

"Poor thing." AJ sighed, sitting her book over, unwrapping herself from her blanket and walking over to him, "We should take him to the vet."

"I already did." Punk nodded, scratching the kitten behind its ear as it purred, "He's not been chipped, so he's a stray. No signs of any illnesses or disease… he's just a little malnourished. Some cat food and a bath is all the little guy needs."

"He's a beautiful colour." AJ said, admiring the cat's smoky grey fur and rather large paws.

"He is." Punk said, looking at her with a smile, "And he's yours."

"What?" AJ shook her head.

"Well… I figured he'd be a good companion for when you're reading, or cooking, or when I can't sleep, he might… keep my side of the bed warm for you." He shrugged as AJ smiled a little.

"You brought him home for me?" She asked.

"I've been spending a lot of time with my dad recently. And I'm always out and about… busying myself. I know you like to spend your time at home. You're way better at relaxing than I am." Punk nodded, "I thought he might… be a good friend."

"Phil." AJ smiled, stroking the kitten's head.

"I know we always talked about maybe getting a dog, and then Chance came a long for Sofia and… he kinda filled that hole." Punk nodded, "And this little guy does need a home." He said.

"He does." AJ agreed, "How could I not love a man who brings me home a poor little stray kitten?" She smiled.

"I think I was supposed to find him." Punk nodded.

"Yeah." AJ smiled, taking the kitten from him carefully, cuddling him into her chest as she stroked his head, "Sweet boy." She said as Punk watched her fall in love instantly, "Well… we better get him some food, maybe some toys…" She smiled to him as Punk nodded.

"And he needs a name." Punk nodded.

"You named him Obi?" Thea questioned, "You guys are such nerds." She shook her head, standing in her parent's kitchen, looking on at the kitten in her mother's arms.

"He suits it." AJ smiled.

"Won't he have fleas?" Thea asked.

"I've taken him to the vet." Punk scoffed, "He's been chipped, got worming medicine, he's had a bath… he's a little survivor."

"I suppose he's gonna have a good home." Thea smiled, "Surprised he survived out there on his own. It's freezing. I couldn't feel my hands this morning when I went to work."

"Yeah, I have no idea how he made it." Punk admitted.

"Well, he's safe and warm and has a full belly now." AJ smiled happily. She'd taken an instant bond with Obi. She'd barely had him out of her arms since Punk came in with him in the early afternoon.

"What do we owe the pleasure of your visit anyway?" Punk asked, pouring some coffee.

"What? I can't visit my parents' just because I want to?" Thea asked as AJ and Punk looked at her, "Are you guys free to babysit on Friday night?" She asked hopefully as AJ and Punk both laughed.

"Of course." AJ smiled, "Where are you going?"

"I have a charity fundraiser for the hospital. I'm forcing Dominic to come, of course." Thea said.

"You do this every year around Christmas, don't you?" Punk recalled.

"Yeah." Thea groaned, "I'm all for charity. Believe me." She nodded, "But it's just a bit over the top. And it gets more over the top every year." She shook her head.

"It's for a good cause." AJ said.

"Yeah, but I think people forget that it's for a cause, and not just a big party to dress up for." Thea shook her head, "I need to go dress shopping." She rolled her eyes, "And I've gone five days without a cigarette and it's really starting to get to me." She banged her hand off the kitchen table repeatedly as Punk raised a brow.

"I thought you were using those zapper things." Punk said.

"A vape?" Thea questioned as Punk nodded and shrugged, "Yes, but it's not the same."

"Well, you're doing so well. You can keep going." AJ nodded, "I know you can."

"You know nothing of weaknesses, mother." Thea shook her head, "What are you guys making for Christmas this year?"

"Same thing we always make." Punk said, "Turkey. Ham. All the stuff that goes with it. Your mom is gonna try make her own Christmas pudding, too."

"Christmas pudding is disgusting. It's got fruit in it." Thea shook her head.

"Well, you aren't the only one who is coming for dinner." AJ reminded her, "Cassie likes it."

"That's because she'll convince herself it's healthy because there's fruit in it." Thea said, "I hope there will be another option."

"I will also make a chocolate and strawberry cake." AJ nodded.

"Thank you." Thea grinned happily, "Do you think Jude will bring Miles? They've been seeing each other for a few months now."

"Well, I hope the first time we meet him isn't on Christmas day." Punk said, "I'd like to meet him before. So I can suss him out."

"Yeah, me too." Thea agreed as AJ shook her head.

"Suss out? You two are ridiculous." AJ concluded, "I don't know what Jude and Sean are going to do about Christmas, actually. Sean will want to see the girls. I know Jude will want to bring them here. Maybe for the girls sake, she'll bring Sean here and… meeting Miles might have to be delayed."

"She has to move on, though." Thea said, "She should be allowed to spend Christmas with the man she's… dating."

"Yeah, but Mirren and Leela will want to see their dad on Christmas. That's the sort of things you gotta compromise when you're divorced. It's tough but… it's the only way to keep things civil I suppose."

"I don't envy her situation." Thea nodded.

"Why are you crying?" Theo shook his head, passing his wife a glass of wine as he walked into the living room where she was sat on the couch crying at the TV.

"This show." Cassie pointed, taking the glass of wine and taking a large gulp, "It's ruining me."

"What is it?" Theo asked, sitting down beside her.

"Outlander." Cassie said, wiping her nose and eyes, "Claire just came back to Jamie after twenty years." She sobbed as Theo looked at her with concern, "She's telling him all about their daughter."

"You've been off work for way too long." Theo concluded as Cassie shoved him.

"Don't." Cassie warned as he chuckled.

"Did you go see Dan today?" Theo asked her.

"Yeah." Cassie nodded, "He just looks so frail. I stayed with him for a while. Made him some soup. I think Lena brightened up his day, though."

"She'd brighten up anyone's day." Theo nodded.

"My dad and Dean have been visiting him every day." Cassie nodded, "So he's not alone."

Dan had recently taken another heart attack and had been struggling as of late with respiratory problems. He had home nurses coming to his house every few days to help him and the family had been doing all they could to make him comfortable and take good care of him.

"Are they doing more tests?" Theo asked.

"Well, they already know he has angina. His arteries are 80% blocked. He's gonna need a triple bypass which… is not cheap." Cassie said, "So, of course he's refusing it, even when my dad told him that money isn't an issue. That we'd help."

"He is a proud, stubborn old man." Theo nodded.

"He just keeps saying that it's his years of drugs and alcohol catching up with him." Cassie shook her head.

"What kind of drugs did he do?" Theo asked.

"Amphetamines, cocaine and then eventually heroine." Cassie said, "Only reason he got clean was because he went to prison."

"Damn." Theo said, "He's got a good support system." He nodded, placing his hand on Cassie's knee as she nodded.

"Oh, my mom and dad have a cat now." Cassie told him. He'd not long got home from work. After putting the kids to bed, they were finally getting to catch up over a Friday night beverage.

"A cat?" Theo questioned.

"Yeah. My dad found him on the street. It's a kitten, actually. So, of course, they took him in." Cassie nodded, "They've named him Obi and he is actually pretty cute." Cassie said, getting her phone and showing him the picture her mother sent her of Obi curled up on her lap.

"He is cute. Nice colour." Theo looked at the picture, "Didn't take your parents as cat people." He admitted.

"My parents would have every animal under the sun if they could." Cassie scoffed, "The little guy needed rescued. I think he'll be a pretty good fit for them. They know a thing or two about being left on the street."

"I suppose you're right." Theo nodded, "How you been feeling today?" He asked her.

It'd been a few months since her surgery for the cyst on her ovary and she'd healed pretty well and was feeling stronger every day. She knew she was ready to go back to work.

"Starting to feel like my old self again." Cassie smiled, "A work return is definitely coming soon." She nodded.

"I've missed you at work." He said, wrapping an arm around her.

"Do you sit by yourself for lunch?" She teased.

"I do have friends. I'm not you." He said as she shoved him again.

"Mean." She said.

"I just miss seeing your pretty face." He said, "And I miss seeing your ass in suit pants. Honestly." He nodded as she chuckled, "It's my favourite part about working with you."

"Really? Not my smart little brain? My amazing skills?" She shook her head.

"No, definitely that ass." He nodded as she chuckled.

"I'm probably gonna give Sean a call tomorrow, actually. But I think I'm really gonna miss being here at home with Lena and Chase. It's kinda made me feel guilty about our jobs and how much time it takes away from the kids." She said.

"Can't feel guilty about working, babe. We all gotta do it." Theo nodded.

"Yeah, I know." Cassie said, "I'm gonna do the decorations before I go back. Maybe you could help me with them tomorrow." She nudged him.

"Ahh yes, just what I want to do with my day off." Theo teased.

"Don't be a scrooge." Cassie scoffed, "It's the most wonderful time of the year, remember. My mom is gonna make her own Christmas pudding this year."

"Who likes Christmas pudding?" Theo shook his head with disgust.

"I do." Cassie said.

"You're weird." Theo nodded.

"But you love me." She smiled.

"What does it mean?" Miles asked, lying in bed next to Jude in her apartment. She was lying on her stomach with her head turned to him, feeling him trace the tattoo on her spine.

"It's a tattoo me and my sisters all have." Jude said, "We always wanted to get one together."

"Why a dragon?" He asked curiously.

"Well, they're supposed to represent freedom and strength. Wisdom." She said, "We're all pretty fiery I guess, too. Just felt like a good fit."

"You got any others?" He asked.

"Have you spotted any others?" She smirked, "You've had a good, close look by now." She said as he smiled.

"I might need to take a closer look again." He nodded, "Just to be sure." He smiled as she chuckled, shoving him on the arm, turning onto her side.

"I'm happy you're here." She smiled. He'd been spending the night whenever the girls were staying with Sean and she was enjoying every minute she got to spend with him. She appreciated his patience with her situation.

"I'm happy I'm here too." He nodded.

"Honestly for… the past year, I've felt pretty alone. Like I really didn't have anyone to talk to. I mean… I did. I had my family. But I just felt like I couldn't articulate how I was feeling to anyone." She shook her head, "I just worry that you're frustrated with my situation." She admitted.

"You do a lot of that." Miles nodded, "Worrying."

"So I've been told." She rolled her eyes, rolling onto her back and running her hand through her hair.

"I'm not frustrated, Jude." He assured her as she looked at him, "I'm… the happiest I've ever been. You were married for a long time. Together with a man for almost fifteen years… I know this… transition is hard for you, even though we're having such a good time. I don't suppose you ever expected to be starting something new with someone."

"No. I didn't." Jude admitted, "I'm glad I am." She nodded, reaching down and taking his hand, "Part of me still feels guilty, though."

"You're allowed to move on." Miles said, "I know you're always gonna care about him. He's always gonna be in your life because of the girls. But you shouldn't punish yourself for finding happiness with someone else. If he truly loved you, he'd want happiness for you."

"I think that might take some time." Jude said, "He's still hurt."

"He should have thought about that before he cheated on you." Miles said as Jude turned to him, "Sorry… but it's true."

"I don't think I'm ever going to understand why he cheated on me." Jude admitted.

"People normally don't understand that kind of thing." Miles nodded, "You commit yourself to someone, love them, promise to be loyal, have children with them… and then they do that? It'll never make sense." He said.

"I hope you know that I don't see this as just a rebound, or me trying to get over my ex." She said, "I care about you. A lot." She nodded, cupping his face, "And I do see a future with you."

"I care about you, too." Miles smiled, "Kinda scary, actually." He said quietly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"No. You don't know scary until you meet my family." She assured him as he chuckled, "Which… I hope will happen soon." She nodded with a smile.

"Who's the scariest? Who do I gotta watch out for? And don't say all of them." Miles said as she chuckled, leaning her head on his shoulder, placing her hand on his chest as she curled up closer to him.

"Well… when I was younger, I would have said my dad. In my twenties, I would have said Thea, my oldest sister." Jude said, "And now… I realise Cassie has always been the scariest." She nodded, "She's very observant. Blunt. Sometimes a little… apathetic." Jude nodded.

"She's the cop?" Miles asked as Jude nodded.

"You'll love Dominic. He's been around since I was fifteen. Been like a big brother to all of us. He's a sweetheart. Easy to talk to. Pretty level-headed." Jude nodded, "And you'll love Theo, too."

"So, it's your sisters I gotta watch out for?" Miles asked.

"Always." Jude smiled.

"What about your mom? What is she like?" He asked her, "Scary, too?" He chuckled.

"She can be." Jude nodded, "This family would be nothing without her, honestly. She's seen all of us through our darkest times. In my head, I… I imagine her living forever." She shook her head.

"Obi." AJ patted the bed beside her as she noticed the kitten make its way into their bedroom, "Quick, before he gets in." She whispered, watching Obi jump up onto the bed, "There's a good boy." She smiled, watching him curl into a ball on Punk's side of the bed, purring as AJ stroked him.

"Oh, really?" Punk said, leaving their bathroom as he saw his spot in bed had been taken.

"This is his bed now." AJ smiled.

"I don't think so." Punk shook his head as AJ chuckled, lifting Obi onto her lap so Punk could get into bed, "I didn't bring him home for you to like him better than me, you know." He said as she chuckled.

"He's the son I never had." AJ smiled happily as Punk watched her, smiling to himself.

"How different do you think life would be if we had three sons?" He asked her curiously.

"I can't even imagine it." AJ admitted, "I would have liked it for you to have a friend, I suppose. A little mini you."

"I have three best friends in our daughters." He assured her, "And I suppose I've game them some of my… qualities." He shrugged, "Even though they look like you. It scares me how much Thea looks like you as she gets older. You're identical almost." He shook his head.

"Any ideas for Christmas gifts?" She asked him stroking Obi's head whilst Punk reached for his book on his night-stand.

"For the girls? No clue." Punk shook his head.

"Very helpful." AJ nodded.

"You know better than I do." Punk said, squinting his eyes a little as he read his book.

"Phil." AJ said suspiciously.

"Mhm?" Punk said.

"I've been watching you for… few weeks now. Watching you read the paper, the news on TV, your books and comics…" She said.

"Yeah?" He turned to her.

"You need glasses." She nodded.

"No, I don't." Punk scoffed, "I see perfectly fine."

"You wouldn't have to concentrate so hard if you could see perfectly fine." She shook her head.

"I had laser eye surgery in my twenties. I don't need glasses." Punk shook his head.

"You were twenty-four. You're sixty-one now." She smiled a little as he turned to her.

"Sixty-one, with twenty twenty vision." He assured her as she rolled her eyes, "I could say the same for you. With your hearing. I think you're going deaf."

"Oh, don't get all offensive." AJ smiled, "My hearing is fine. There's nothing wrong with needing glasses. Especially at your age. I'll book you in for an eye test with my eye doctor."

"I don't like those eye tests. I don't want anyone touching my eye." He mumbled.

"They don't touch your eye. And you got laser eye surgery, you were brave enough to do that." She said.

"Yes, that was so I wouldn't have to have anyone go near me eyes again." He shook his head.

"I'll come with you and hold your hand if you like." She smiled as he rolled his eyes.

"I don't like when they blow the air into them." He shook his head.

"My husband. A big, strong, brave man who has seen and been through awful things in his life… afraid of a little air in his eyes?" She questioned.

"No more eye conversation." He shook his head.

"I'm booking you an appointment." She made clear, "Yes, Obi. I'm booking him an appointment. And he will go." She nodded, scratching the kitten under its chin as Punk turned to look at them, smiling to himself as he watched AJ snuggling the kitten into her.

A/N: Long time no write! Feels good to be writing again. I've really missed it, and I hope some of you are still out there! Lots of love.