2020-05-31 - Morning Meeting - Noelle and Sajani

Noelle Snow opened her eyes and stretched against Chris.  He gave her a bit of a hug, but didn’t wake.  They’d spent a good deal of time making love, being Saturday night.  Weekends gave them more time without Blaze, who spent the night with Olivia and Daisy.  She smiled to herself and got out of bed carefully, so she wouldn’t wake Chris up.  Using the bathroom, she slipped into a pair of pajama shorts she kept in Chris’s dresser, grabbed an APD tshirt that Chris himself had worn the night before and padded quietly out to the kitchen to put on water for morning tea. 

Sajani felt the warmth of Patrick’s chest on her back and let herself bask in it. She considered some fun ways to wake him up. They had some delightful mornings after amazing nights. But her bladder was winning over her desire and she inched away from Patrick and tiptoed to the bathroom. She could always pee and come back to him. As a just in case she slipped on her nightgown that she left here and pulled on her panties from the night before. Both had been discarded on the floor beside the bed. She made a beeline for the bathroom and closed the door in case Chris as about. So far she hadn’t had a morning run in wearing pajamas or less. After she washed her hands she came back out and saw a petite woman with brown hair in the kitchen in a long t-shirt. She was pretty sure she had been seen and unless Chris’s life had dramatically changed, this had to be Noelle. Sajani sheepishly tiptoed into the kitchen “Hi. Good Morning.” She whispered in an odd awkward double greeting.

Noelle turned at the sound of water running and, for a minute, thought it was coming from Chris’s bathroom as the two bathrooms shared a wall.  But then a woman with dark hair came out of the bathroom she knew also opened into Patricks bedroom and she turned quickly to hide her biting her lip.  She’d thought Patrik was working, but apparently she was wrong.  “Good morning.”  she replied softly, reaching for another cup.  “Would you like some tea?”  she finally looks over her shoulder.  “It’s Sajain .. right?  I’m .. well I’m Noelle.  Obviously.”

Sajani giggles “Yes I’m Sajani. Funny way to meet. I’d love some tea. Thank you Noelle.” She looks unsure what to say next.

Noelle couldn’t help but laugh, softly.  She sets the second cup beside the first and pulls out two tea balls.  “Yes ….  It is, but we got to meet, finally.“  She puts tea in the balls and sets them in the cups.  “I .. we .. didn’t know you were here.  We … I .. didn’t … well … hear you.”  she and Chris usually had quiet sex, but she’d assumed that, being a childless couple, Sajani and Patrick might not be.  She pours the hot water over the mesh balls in the cups.

Sajani smiles and then flushes a bit “Uh...well….quiet night I guess…” she clears her throat. “What kind of tea is it?” In truth she and Patrick weren’t always quiet at all but they had been experimenting with silent sex, giving each other other cues, watching each other’s faces. It had been almost painfully hot. Then Sajani says almost like a question “We didn’t hear you either? Were you out for a while? “

Noelle beams.  “They’re the best kind, if you ask me.”  Having a child she, of course, didn't want to wake him up, but when she could make noise without that worry she realized that keeping silent added a kind of excitement that drove her wild.  She stirs, watching the tea steep. “Black tea with mint.  I’m kind of a mint junkie.”  she shrugs.  “We went to the late movie, so .. maybe we got bak … 11:30 or so.”  She turns now curious.  “What time did you guys get in?”  now she is curious … who was probably in the sheets when the other came in?

Sajani flushes a bit “We went out for dinner at the 10 Alarm walked on the beach…..maybe got  in around 9 and watched some movies in Patrick’s room.” In truth they had talked about movies, but watched not a single one. “Mint is nice.”

Noelle nods.  “So you two were … when we got back ….”  she smiles sweetly.  She likes Patrick and is glad that he has someone, and is assuming the sex is just as incredible.  But she notices the blush and moves on, at least for now.  “I love it.  I’ve got about five kinds at home.  Come wintertime I just bring the plants inside.”  the smell of the mint is coming through and she stirs a little more.  “There’s sugar and stevia.”

Sajani clears her throat a little and nods. Noelle was totally guessing it. Now she focuses on the plant conversation “My mother was the gardener in our family. I can barely keep a fern alive.” She looks curious about the sweeteners “Tell me about Stevia….”

Noelle laughs.  “If you can kill mint, I might believe you, because it takes a special talent to kill a weed.”  She removes the tea balls and slides a cup over to Sajani.  “Stevia is a natural sweetener.  They process it enough to make it granulated but … it’s natural enough for me.  I’m not one of those vegans completely against processing foods.”  She takes a small box of stevia packets.  “It’s not for everyone and has a bit of an aftertaste, but you get used to it after a while.”  she also moves the sugar packets to the counter as well.

Sajani listens with curiosity. It was scientific after all and she liked that. “So are you vegan because of the processed food concern or the animal ethics concern?” She takes her tea and a stevia packet, now keen to try it and see “Thank you.” She offers for the tea and sweetener.

Noelle puts the stevia into her tea.  “Let’s sit.”  she nods to the dining room chairs.  “Actually my mother went vegan because she thought it would be best for her figure.”  she rolls her eyes.  “So I sort of got dragged along, but I did the research and it’s a good diet.  Not easy but not impossible.”  she shrugs.  “Blaze was born after the earthquake, so meat wasn’t all that available.  Since I could live without animal products, I did.  Me and Blaze.  Well … honey.  We eat honey.”  she smiles.

Sajani nods along and does go sit “Honey has a lot of health benefits, especially raw. So Blaze has never eaten meat or dairy? That’s impressive in this town. I mean I can only think of Sprouts as a place you could go out to eat…..” She ponders this and nods “Or just home cooking. Do you object to other people eating those things around you and your son?” She’s aware that her being over here a lot may put her and Noelle in some common spaces with food. “I don’t want to do the strong thing. I get the impression Patrick is quite respectful that way with Chris too.”

Noelle shrugs.  “It was a lot easier when we were cut off.  Even then I was dirt poor.  My mother lived with us till we came out of it, but … Christophorus basically got almost all of the goat meat and he had to wait till they stopped giving milk and breeding, so … “  she smiles to herself.  “Chris and Patrick helped me with my garden in the beginning.  I wanted to do it myself, but Chris insisted on helping me.”  she sighs.  “At the time I wasn't very open to that.  I wanted to be independent.”  she looks around the kitchen area, between the two closed bedroom doors.  “Chris said Patrick doesn’t really eat meat around him, but …”  she bites her lip.  “It feels like they eat less eggs and dairy since I showed up.”  she’s worried she’s forced them into her lifestyle.

Sajani shrugs “We all adjust for the people we love Noelle. And food is a connector. I mean everyone can eat vegan so that’s easy. And Patrick is just very patient and accommodating so I don’t think it’s a big deal. I have a lot of cousins and when we get together….though it’s been years now...there are so many food things, vegetarians, allergies…..picky eaters. If you can believe it, my cousin Priya hates curry…” She laughs “Every Indian parent’s worst nightmare. Thank god she married a white guy.” She thinks about what Noelle said about Christophorus “Do you work for Zabats?”

Noelle nods and then blinks.  “I .. guess.  Chris is .. my first love, I guess.  My last if I don’t screw it up with all my baggage.  So far, so good.”  she tips her head to the side.  “I don’t know Partick as well.  I’m … younger so … I wasn’t really on the dating radar for a while.  And then I was …”  she shrugs.  “Blaz put a damper on any kind of dating.  All I needed was him.”  she laughs at the idea of an Indian not liking curry.  “Does that mean you like it … but are with a white guy anyway?”  she teases a bit.  She likes Sajani.  Then she nods.  “I was a waitress … now I'm in the kitchen learning to cook.”  she hesitates.  “I’d like to go to school for it someday but …  I’m feeling funny about leaving once the ferry opens up tomorrow.”

Sajani gives Noelle a sweet look about Chris being her first love “Aww...and have faith Noelle. I’ve seen the look on his face when he talks about you. And of course your child had to be first priority….” She laughs about the other comment “Yes I like everything. And I love Patrick. He could be blue with orange stripes and I still would.” She’s enjoying getting to know Noelle a lot. “I love to cook too. And the ferry thing is weird. We’ve lost touch for three years. Our extended family in Langley….well we’ve had many reactions. Some thought we were dead. Some thought we were shunning them and now they’re all in a huff. Priya thought I was mad at her for 3 years! She had 2 children and I’ve never met them….I will need to go across with my father and see what we can repair…...do you have family on the mainland? Or here?” She really knows nothing of Noelle other than she has a kid and is Chris’s partner.

Noelle giggles.  “Some might like the blue … to tell them apart … but .. well…  I didn’t know for a while, but Chris was always the one helping me out and I started noticing differences with them.  Like Chris has a crooked nose, for one.  And his mole is more above the eye than under it.  He was in my face helping all the time and … now I can tell them apart pretty fast.  Usually by who Blaze runs to and attaches to first.”  her smile is dreamy.  Then Sajani moves onto the subject of family.  “My mother left for the mainland with the first ferry when we reconnected.  But that’s ok, cause she wasn't a big help anyway.”  she blows out a breath.  “My father is here.  He’s … not the nicest guy.”  and she leaves it at that, unless she’s pressed.

Sajani shrugs “I’ve always been able to tell them apart. I’m not bragging….just I don’t know. I’m actually a year younger….I skipped grade 7 so I didn’t know them really before junior high. The nose thing happened in grade 9. Hockey fight….it looked gross. But Patrick has this cowlick” She gestures to the spot on her own head “Your son is pretty observant for his age. I’m glad he likes Chris too...I’m sure that’s easier for you all.” She frowns a little about Noelle’s parents “I’m so sorry. Do you have any relationship with your father at all? And do you have other relatives? Aunts and Uncles? Grandparents?”

Noelle sips her tea and listens with interest.  ”Chris and his sports.”  she chuckles.  “I never noticed a cowlick before.”  she chuckles.  “Maybe I only had eyes for Chris.”  then she beams.  “Blaze has always absolutely adored Chris.  I … avoided it cause .. you know … that whole class thing and all that shit about Blaze and Olivia … me and Daisy being pregnant by the same ass at the same time.”  she blows out a breath and flows with the subject change. “If a relationship is being called a whore with a bastard son every time he sees us then … I guess.  And my mom has family but .. they were never close.  Now mom’s gone  so …  on with life.  Me and Blaze … and Chris.”

Sajani ponders Noelle’s words “You know it is interesting that you can be attracted to a tin and not at all their sibling...I mean no offence to Chris or you about Chris. He’s a great guy...but no. He’s not Patrick.” She nods “I did know about all that….” She admits regarding Noelle’s family dynamic with Blaze and Daisy and Olivia. And she looks horrified about how Noelle’s father speaks to her “Oh my god! What is WRONG with your father? That’s unbelievable…” She lets out a breath feeling so lucky she had the parents she got in life. Poor Noelle.

Noelle smiles a bit at Sajani’s anger on her behalf.  “My dad’s an ass hole.  Like I said … class difference.  We lived up on the hill but my father liked the Blue Door girls … he even had a thing with Daisy’s mom … it was a mess .. believe me.  One of the reasons I resisted Chris so hard was because of all that.  He’s a respectable man with a respectable family and a good job.”  she shakes her head, still finding it hard to believe they are in love.  “And I’m …. Not.”

Sajani frowns “I understand the whole social structure of the idea of class but it’s...for lack of a better word….bullshit...pardon me for swearing.” Sajani doesn’t normally do that but she finds lately she has been a bit more. Is it Patrick? “I mean especially in a town THIS size. If we’re going to adhere to that kind of nonsense.” She sighs “I’m not invalidating your feelings. I just don’t see the Peterson family as being so pretentious. Your Dad sounds awful….but you’re NOT him….or your mother. I guess it’s a double edged sword because in some ways a small town can be worse. You can’t hide from anyone’s preconceived ideology….seriously, ignore me while I lose a debate to myself…” she laughs.

Noelle nods along.  “Exactly.  I mean, come on .. The Rose family lived almost next door …”  she tightens her jaw and drinks half of her tea suddenly, her eyes dropping to the table.

Sajani stops laughing immediately at Noelle’s comment and looks compassionate “I know he tried to…..Patrick told me. Are you ok Noelle? I mean even an attempt like that can…..if you need to talk…” She offers.

Noelle looks up at the nes that Patrick told her what happened.  “I’m OK … “  she murmurs.  “And thanks for the offer.  It’s what we’re doing … right?”  she bites her lip.  “I didn’t know what to think that day …. And Chris … Chris …”  she is still stunned at his reaction, even though she knows it had to do with Avery.

Sajani nods slowly “I know…..I was Chris’s OT...that’s how Patrick and I reconnected. I knew he got into fights but that report shocked me….but knowing about you….and….” She hesitates trying to recall if Patrick has said Noelle knew about Avery. She had sworn Patrik she would tell no one and she would keep that promise in love and honour. “He’s come though it and you two seem stronger for it.” She redirects.

Noelle nods and reaches out, almost touching Sajani’s hand, but stopping short.  “I know about … her.”  she whispers, hedging her own bets and keeping her own promise.  She sighs.  “He said part of it was because of me, too.  Because .. he was going to rape me, too.”  she bites the corner of her lip.  “He defended me.  I mean .. yea .. he’s a cop … but … I think it was … more..”  her voice has lowered more and more and the last word is a whisper.

Sajani exhales and takes Noelle’s hand, since she was reaching and hesitant “Avery.” she says sadly “I’m glad you know, not what happened to Avery of course...that’s horrible.. I couldn’t break my promise to Patrick.” She looks pained for Noelle “That must have been terrifying. I’m so sorry. And yes it was because of Avery too….but Noelle….you know Chris loves you right?” She lowers her head and tilts it making intentional eye contact.

Noelle takes her hand.  “I promised Chris, too.”  she admits and then she sighs,  “I know … he says he has since high school .. when yea .. it would have been a little weird, so i’m glad he waited but still.  Who waits for someone for years and years when they duck and dodge and are just plain rude to them at every turn?”  it makes no sense to her.  “But … I’m glad I finally stopped being so scared to talk to him … and when I did it all fell into place like it was meant to be and it feels like we’ve been together for years instead of weeks.”

Sajani has to laugh “What is it with those two? Patrick asked me out in high school...it didn't happen but he waited for me too. And I also feel like Patrick and I are old and new at the same time. That’s too funny Noelle, sweet and beautiful and funny.”

Noelle has to laugh also.  “Maybe it’s a twin thing?  I don’t know.  I hope it stays beautiful.  I just get .. scared.  Does that make sense?  But Chris is patient with me that way and he keeps proving he loves me.  I can't deny it anymore.”  she sniffs and sips more of her tea.

Sajani smiles “It makes perfect sense to me.” She sips and then says “Well I’m glad we met...even in pajamas….”

Noelle giggles.  “I’m glad too.  And it could have been a LOT stranger.”  she laughs.  “Thank god we all close doors around here.”

Sajani was sipping her tea when Noelle said the thing about stranger and closed doors. She laughs and sputters it out at the same time.

In the meantime Chris has woken up and rolled over reaching for Noelle, only to find the bed too cold and empty. He sighs and gets up, pulling on a pair of light grey cut off sweat shorts and lumbering towards the door of his room. He could hear giggling and he tilted his head and opened the door, and then cranes around to see Sajani and Noelle having tea together.

Patrick reaches for Sajani and finds her missing.  He sits up and stretches, then reaches for his grey sweat shorts.  Standing he moves to the bedroom door and slides it open stepping out to see Noelle having morning tea with Sajani.

Noelle ses Sajanis sputter and figures that would embarrass her beyond reason.  She beams and hears the door open and looks up.  Not only Chris, but Patrick are standing in their separate doorways.  They are identical … well dressed identically.  She looks at Sajani and starts cracking up.

Sajani wipes at her face with the back of her arm and then looks between the two bedroom doors and has to put her tea down before she completely loses it with Noelle and almost falls off her chair laughing.

Chris looks at Patrick and then their women folk and then looks down at his shorts and sighs “Motherfucker…” He mumbles.

Patrick exchanges looks ith his brother, then looks down at his shorts at the same time.  Unintentionally, he looks down at his shorts and, in unison with his twin grumbles.  “Motherfucker…”

Noelle leans into Sajani as the twins move and speak in unison.  She can’t help it.  They are being so ….  Twins.

Sajani howls with laughter at the double swearing. Finally she catches her breath and just says “Ok just stop talking….we can barely breathe over here……”

Chris just looks at Patrick like he’s been betrayed by their biology and genetics and flips him the bird.

Noelle tries to catch her breath, even though it isn’t made easy by the twins … twinning.  “Do
You guys want breakfast?  I think I can manage….”

Patrick rolls his eyes and moves to Sajani.  “We didn’t do this on purpose, I swear.  Sometimes it just happens.  I promise you have the right twin.”  and he leans in to kiss her deeply.

Sajani giggles “That’s exactly why it’s hilarious.” She pretends like she’s checking his mole and nose and cowlick and kisses Patrick back.

Chris snorts “Oh now he’s just showing off…” He moves to Noelle “I’ll help you make it….but we can’t be outdone by that..” he head juts at Patrick and Sajani and then tries to scoop Noelle up and kiss her while carrying her, making sure her legs face away from everyone since she’s wearing his t-shirt as a nightgown.

Noelle laughs and half screams as Chris picks her up for the three foot trip back to the kitchen.  She tries to kiss him the whole way and when she is finally on her feet, she kisses him softly.  “We didn’t hear each other last night, so who knows who is outdoing who.” she winks at him.  “So what other twin tricks do you two have?  Oh …”  she seems to have an idea.  “Video games, maybe?

Patrick isn’t looking as Chris picks up Noelle, but blindly gives him the finger anyway.  He arches his brows, as if suddenly realizing why both women are in nightclothes first thing in the morning.  “Nope .. every last one of the nopes.”  it doesn’t bother him that he and his brother were possibly making love at the same time, but it’s not a subject he plans to linger on.  At the mention of video games, however, he perks up a bit.  “That is here I am the superior twin.”

Chris wiggles his brows at Noelle and laughs. Then he sees Patrick’s finger in the air out of the corner of his eye and hears the rest “Superior my ass…..what are we playing? We can have instant oatmeal and eat while we play…” Now his competitive fire is stoked.

Sajani  pulls back from Patrick and shakes her head at Noelle “You had to say it. What do you play Noelle? We should challenge the boys…” She suggests “They’ll lose trying to outquip each other…” She jokingly predicts.

Patrick snorts.  He’s not AS competitive as Chris .. but he is competitive WITH Chris.  “Bring it on.”  he challenges.  “But if you feed me oatmeal I will smear it all over your losing ass.”  he promises, hating oatmeal with a passion.

Noelle watches them with wide eyes, never having seen this very much with the brothers.  To Sajani she shakes her head.  “I don’t play video games.  Never could afford a console so .. “  she explains.  “But I’d love to watch them do …”  she moves a finger between them.  “Whatever this is..”  she looks at Chris, guessing that somehow he's made oatmeal a threat.  “Granola.”  she compromises.  “Nowhere near as many oats.”

Sajani looks amused by the brothers too “Yeah this is worth a watch over play. Make it interesting though boys...winner does the other’s laundry or all the dishes for the week or something...not loser...winner..” She has fun with a flip of what a wager might be.

Chris scoffs at Patrick “That oatmeal helped you, admit it…” He teases and then winks at Noelle “I was sobering up his sorry ass so he could actually have a proper date with Sajani...and well” He gestures around including Sajani “Here we are...the power of oatmeal.” He frowns at Sajani a little at her idea of a prize for winning.

Noelle shakes her head at the brothers and slaps Chris’s firm belly as he frowns at Sajani.  “Be nice.  I’d have for a cold front to roll in…”  she mock threatens.

Patrick smiles at Sajani.  “I like that idea.  You can make sure I get to work on time for a week.”  technically that’s only two shifts.  “And bragging rights for me … again.”  After Chris mentions helping to sober him up, he opens and closes his mouth a few times in indignation.  “ONE time oatmeal was useful!  ONE time!”  he protests and then looks at Noelle as if she’s an angel for her threat.

Chris holds Noelle’s hand to his belly looking forlorn “You wouldn’t? He pines like he might die without making love to her.

Sajani finds the whole thing still very amusing and gives Patrick a little shove “I’m thankful for oatmeal.” She looks down at her bare legs “And I need a few more clothes. Granola sounds good too in a second…” She walks into Patrick’s room and shuts the door to change.

Noelle looks up at Chris as he holds her hand to him and calls her bluff.  Opening her mouth she sighs and shakes her head and stands on tiptoe to kiss him, deeply.

Patrick rolls his eyes at his brother and her girlfriend.  “I’ll take the granola when you two are done.”  he calls over to them.  “Cause … watching here!”  he stares pointedly at them.

Blindly, Noelle twiddles her fingers in Patrick’s direction as she deepens the kiss, leaning back on the counter.  It’s really just to tease, but she makes a mental note for the next time she and Chris have the apartment to themselves.

Chris eagerly kisses Noelle back, probably too eagerly for them not being alone. He presses her into the counter and lets out a little “Mmmm..” ignoring his brother. Even the joke of Noelle rejecting his affections made him want them all the more.

Sajani comes back out in her cherry pink rolled up sweats and a black tank top. She has some teal coloured bra straps that are visible under the tank straps. She glances over and sees Noelle and Chris kissing and lets out a little “Aww.” And then she sees it just go on and looks away giggling “Oh my…”

Noelle presses into Chris, forgetting for a moment there are actually others about.  Then she hears Sajani and breaks the kiss, nuzzling into Chris’s ear with a whispered.  “Later.”  She looks around and blows out a breath.  “Okay .. We’ll make up some granola real quick.”  she mock glares at Chris.  “WITHOUT oatmeal in it.  And then you guys can play your game for us.”

Patrick rolls his eyes at his brother and Noelle, but isn’t looking away.  They’re cute together and he wants his brother happy.  And Noelle makes him happy.  When she breaks away and talks about oatmealless granola, he smiles and points to Noelle.  “This is the one, Christopher.  The one!”  he heads for the living room to set up the video game for the two of them to play.  He sees Sajani’s giggling and moves to take her hand.  She was cute and the one too … for him.

2020-05-30 - Cries for help - Hikari and L

Hikari walks over  to the bed . deep racking cries come from the form. His heartbreaks as the cries are full of the deepest sorrow  he has ever heard.  He approaches the bed and sees the shiny face of his sweet Elena.. He has always respected their choice of gender fluidity but he met this sweet soul as a sweet baby girl . He hovers over tentatively . L as they are called isn't the same colorful soul they once were. Their usual elaborate victorian style hair is hung loose spilling on L's face. The tears stick the hair to their face. How Elena still had tears after months of crying .Their usual rouge blush cheek a ghostly pale.  L is dressed still in a loose linen nightgown she wore last night. It was mid evening now.

L eyes are fixed to a physical picture of a baby girl .The photograph baby is giggling even as she chews on the head of a cybermans plush. The baby has small plush tardis in her other arm. She had it cuddled to her body.Angelique looks similar to her with her dark eyes and dark hair.  The only thing good that Jaquee  had ever done was give them Angelique. L holds on Angelique's plush furry tardis . it still smells like their baby girl , Her angel . L cradles the plush rocking it like a baby

Hikari gets closer watching her. his eyes wander to the photograph.  He already knew from the first time L showed him that the similarity between to two was eeire.now seeing his sweet Elena in this state highlighted it. He wanted nothing more to cradle her and make all pain go away.  He sorta did it once 18 years ago

Alejandro, an adonis  body like man  with Dark hair and eyes, attempts to pass  the nursery window.  He is pushing a very beautiful Blonde hair blue eye woman in a wheelchair 

Hikari looks in confusion as the little baby wails behind the glass; the tag above her crib  says Horatio. They didn't even name the poor child .. 

He attempted to get in front  his eyes still on the wailing child. 

“Where are you going? ‘ Hikari puffs up his slender chest trying to  block falling miserable as  Alejandro and Babette try to make a break for it

Alejandro just bites his lip "a baby wasn't in the plans.. we still have so much to do and see. A baby would get in the way. We aren't ready for this

Babette looks conflicted looking up at alejandro " i just can't  do this i just can't.  Sorry please take care of the baby . 

Hikari starts to bawl them about how they should have thought about that before but sees the conflict in ladies eyes. The little baby girl bawls louder, distracting Hikari. Hikari tears up . He watches a bit . How could anyone leave that adorable crying baby? He also  felt bad for Babette.  "Of course, "he says placing his hand on the window .he couldn't turn his back on family
Alejandro and Babette took advantage  that Hikari has his back to them . they were gone.. He turns around  and not to his surprise Alejandro is gone . Babette glances back  doubtfully  biting her lip  then turn back before she could change her mind

 Hikari turns back around  as the nurse talks to him telling him that his brother and  his brother’s girlfriend have given up their rights. 

A nurse picks up  the crying infant motion for what she was told was the uncle of the abandoned baby girl . Hikari washes his hands and gets his gown and cap on as  he waits . The nurse walks to Hikari and goes to give the baby to her Uncle ``They didn't even give the poor sweet thing a name.. that poor young lady. She looked like she almost was going to stay ’ the nurse says to Hikari. She looks sadden ‘ Hikari stares at the little dark haired babe. ‘ he sniffles “poor little .. ‘he says softly ‘I name you after someone strong.. My Spanish grandmother .. Elena Rosa Horatio.. ‘ he say softly 

Hikari leans his head down and kisses  Elena forehead “I'm your uncle Hikari.. But if you want i'll be your  papa .. i'll take care of you .. don't you cry. ‘ he says, wiping  her small tear.  

Baby elena looks up and stops crying 

Hikari draws closer . 18 years later ,  he goes up to a larger but still weeping L . he goes to sit on the bed and  reaches out to wipe  their tears .

L looks up looking into her Uncle/Papa's face and sniffles softly  'I'm sorry “they say as L sees his face is now shiny from tears . still clutching to the  photo and the plush tardis she presses into his slim chest. Her tear start to fall

Hikari cradles L in his arms, rocking them. He was  once again angry and upset. He had read the twitterstorm and seen she had finally stood up .. adn admitted to someone that  .. that monster had violated his  L. He was happy they came forward to someone especially if it was out of rage and defense of the exploitation of that Kira girl..  ‘I could kill that Jaque

L just looks up sniffling ‘no its wasnt him.. Okay maybe it  was. I get glimpses of that night in pieces. The alcohol, the drugs. it's all too much ... I dont know anymore..but i dont remembering saying yes  That night was just a blur  but i didn't say yes to him‘He trails off" L looks away confused and tearing up not wanting  admit the full traumatic rape before home was open back up. It was all overwhelming without psychological help


Hikari pulls out his wallet and pulls out a card.. looking deeply concern and sighs  ‘ There's someone i think could help you with all that and  Angelique

."Dr. Gurshan Singh " L looks at their father " the school counselor "

Hikari nods "maybe he can help you to start putting the pieces back together. He say stroking "im proud of you stepping up and standing  up for yourself and that Kira girl"

L just hugs him tightly "thank you papa. I just couldn't let that man just use her pain for his gain.  "  they say indignantly.  they exhale slowly "fiona replied..to my tweet. i'm going to give her a call. I'd call seamus.. but that seems weird with the ra..."L shakes their head. “ Dunno. I will once I talk with Fiona . See what she says" L say like they're  thinking out loud. "L really want to share it with seamus. They were bestfriend or the closest thing to one. L let's go
 snapping out of it looking for a change of subject
" aren't you going to be late to your  buck watching beach book reading time" L hadn't  been so wrapped  in themself to notice. Their father was going to beach the same time every day to watch slash meet with the recently separated firefighter Buck

Hikar blushes  deeply "it's a nice place to read . The waves are calming. It's a nice view

L raises an eyebrow "yeah papa. You get a great view of rippling waves of muscles.  "L chuckles "just go before Alexandra  fireman baywatch is over." L releases Hikari and goes to get his phone as he looks at Dr. Singh’s card

2020-05-30 - Seeds of Plenty - The Reinhardts and Guests

Slaine watched Owen drive the last nail in the last board.  He had helped little Liam hold the nail and they had done it together.  That part, and the subsequent cheering had nearly brought her to tears.  Now she watched as the final part of the planter building continued, as that had begun when one side of the planter was complete ... dirt dumping.  It was a beautiful day and she was just enjoying being out in it with her new family.  She was wearing a denim overall dress that she found in one of the thrift shops.  It was far too big for her now, but she knew … with triplets coming … she might outgrow it before the babies were born.  But her feet were bare … barefoot and pregnant .. she suppressed her giggle.

Seamus hefts a large bag of dirt over his bare shoulder.  Only two more bags, really …  maybe three … either way there would be some left for Slaine in her pots all around.  He loved the work.  It was like a workout at The Gym but productive to more than his body.  Straightening he felt his sweat shorts slide, but not enough to be a potential problem.

Colleen stood with Slaine and watched the project end.  Dressed in jeans and a multicolored top .. every color except for ‘scrub blue’, she’d come prepared with a small bag of medical supplies, but no one had cut, smashed, jammed, dislocated or broken anything.  As a result, she got to sit back and relax.  She especially enjoyed John in a wife beater.  He was and would always be her eye candy.

Father Liam stood straight and rolled his shoulder.  Today he was in well worn blue jeans and a tank top shirt.  He had insisted on helping and was amused that there was not more protest.  So many thought priests were soft handed men who could do no hard work.  Liam did not believe in that, so he had offered to help.

Vincent was glad that he had started working out years ago.  His body wasn’t like Seamus’s or Michael’s but he was in good enough shape to do the kind of physical labor required of him today.  He was still in his trainers and oldest torn jeans, at least.  Outdoorsy work was far from his favorite and he would probably take two showers at least once he got home, but he wanted to help his best friend and his new family with this project.  Plus he had a secret thrill ‘showing off’ for Fiona all bare chested and a little sweaty.  He wore work gloves however.  His hands would be protected no matter what.

Kaitlin enters the side gate walking slowly and carrying two very large Thermos and dressed in old worn work clothes, even though she knew this was ‘mens work’ to her mind.   She smiled and took in her growing family.  Michael and Logan had to work, and Jude was in the woods being Jude, but this was enough for her.  She held up the thermoses.  “Coffee and lemonade!”  she announced.  Yuki was behind her someplace with paper cups, she knew as she set the containers down and looked around, beaming especially brightly at the newest members; Slaine and Liam.

Owen squatted down with Liam letting him play a bit in the freshly poured dirt. After all when you’re a kid, dirt is just awesome. He remembered. He was in a grey t-shirt that had a T-Rex riding a skateboard on it and a pair of old camo cargo shorts and his usual trashed high top trainers. He looked for a safe place for his hammer and bucket of nails as he stood up to greet his Gran and Yuki “Oh hey thanks...hi.” He walked to hug his Gran after setting the tool stuff on some leftover lumber piled up.

John poured soil in from another bag now in another area of the planter and then looked up as he heard his mother’s voice and Owen greeting her. He gave a little tired wave and then saw Colleen checking him out and winked at her with an unintentionally sexy half grin. He had on an old undershirt, white like all his were, and a pair of Dickies work pants with his now retired to yardwork work boots. The bald spot on the top of his head was getting a little sunburnt and he was now sweaty with a layer of dirt on his arms that had kicked back from the soil dumping.

Fiona wasn’t a stand back and watch gal. She was right in beside Vincent, enjoying the view of his body as he moved with the work. She was wearing a brown tank top and short cut off jeans shorts that showed pretty much the whole length of her long pale legs ending in short trainers. She didn’t care though. It was hot out today. She was sweating with the boys just like when she and her brothers did yard work all the years. Fiona was a detail checker and walked around with another hammer, making sure all the nails were in enough so as not to catch on fingers as they began to plant. Her hair was in a messy bun and damp around the edges from sweat. She wore simple black sunglasses. She saw her parents making eyes at one another and groaned “Oh get a room!” And then watched as Owen moved to hug their Gran and waved to Yuki.

Kurt was loving the work day. He had done lots of outside work back home both for his own family and for Hilda Reinhardt, his neighbour and great aunt to his love. He had that annoying ability to get a tan after half an hour’s outdoor labour and so he was already lightly browning, shirtless with a pair of blue and grey printed swim trunks on. Kurt loved swimming and planned to cool off by heading for a jump in the ocean after. He wore sandals on his feet. After evening out some of the poured in soil with a shovel he moved towards Slaine and Colleen to stand with them. “It’s so beautiful…” He said looking at the garden “You’re going to have so much good food for that baby…” He sweetly teased Slaine and smiled at Colleen. When he saw the exchange between Fiona and John he waved her off “Oh let them have their love…”

Stephanie was on a lawn chair in the shade watching the show and quipping at the workers. She was not dressed for garden work at all. She grew a few flowers at home but the more complex things she would happily convince Micheal and Tristan to take care of. She was clean, not sweaty and in a comfortable green sundress and sandals with a hat and big sunglasses. She would call out things like “Hey that one got more dirt…” As a joke, or when Seamus’s shorts slipped “Dude, say no to crack.” Even though he wasn’t quite at the plumber crack stage yet. She waved as Kaitlin and Yuki walked up and kept relaxing, happy to be part of it, but not knee deep.

Yuki was tucked in right behind Kaitlin balancing sleeves of cups and a picnic basket in his other hand. He smiled at those he could catch in view but kept hold of his offerings.

As Owen walked away from him, Liam took his chance and climbed right into the new dirt, squishing his sweaty little legs in and getting as dirty as he physically could in the lower half of his body. He giggled and giggled at his moment of freedom and looked way up at the big Liam as he did so.

Slaine  smiles at Kurt's words and places her hands at her belly.  In the dress the pregnancy didn't really show at all but she knew they were there.  "I can hardly wait.  I've never had a garden.  I hope it doesn't fail on me."  and she giggled at Fiona and her parents.  Liam climbed into the dirt as soon as he could.  "My little plant!"  she exclaimed, not even a little upset at how dirty he would get.  Noticing Yuki, she motioned to the picnic table.  “Just put it there, please.”  she was amazed how comfortable she felt around these people.

Colleen grinned back at John all dirty, but so happy.  Fiona had to open her mouth and she looked at her.  "We will .. the question now is whose room with all but Seamus moved out on us."  but she gave Seamus a look that told him he better not dare move out yet.  She laughed at Liam in the dirt, remembering all of her children at his age.

Seamus watched the banter between his sister and mother, then began to pour more dirt.  "No worries, Mom."  he assured her.  "I'm NEVER going to move out.  Ever." it's not true, but he's in no hurry to start paying all his own bills.  Now that he was working, he helped .. practice for adulting.  Stephanie commens and he drops the bag and melodramatically huffs "Fine" and pulls the shorts nearly up to his pecs like the stereotypical old man.  "Better?"  he looked at Liam.  "That's the spirit, Liam!"  he cheered the kid on.

Father O'Keeffe stood back and dusted his hands, watching the family interact.  "Thank you so much, Kaitlin."  he'd met the Reinhardt matricharch during the week and she had immediately insisted on confessing.  Not having a church on the island, they had sat at a table on her patio.  Her sins had not been as great as she'd thought and he gave her an absolution befitting the sins.  But he was delighted with the older woman and her entire family.  It reminded him in some ways of his own large family, but less tragic.  He laughs as his shared namesake plays in the dirt.  "You'll grow into a big tall boy, I bet, Little Liam."  he bends at his knees and covers a bit of child sneaker, patting the dirt down.  "That's better.  No exposed roods now."  he looks over at Yuki and smiles softly.

Vincent snuck a look at Fiona as she bent to pound a last nail flush and grinned.  The reactions of Fiona, followed by Colleen and Seamus made him laugh.  He's loving Stephanie's quips and every bit of family banter.  Seeing Yuki, he waves at him and Kaitlin and waits a little to see Kaitlin react to dirty Liam.

Kaitlin hugged Owen back.  "You are so welcome."  she told him.  "Oh it looks so neat and lovely."  she proclaimed.  Her garden has her large back porch, on which were containers of all sizes growing all things, plus a decent sized potato garden along the side of her house.  She watches Little Liam in the drt and smiles even through her sigh.  "You'll have to hose him down, Slaine." and she laughs.  "Father Liam."  she almost, but doesn't quite chide the priest for encouraging he child.  She wished she had had such laid back priests when she was young.

Liam squeals with delight at being called a little plant and then being partially buried in soil by the big Liam. Now he was a plant. He shrunk down and put his little hands pointed together on his head like he was just beginning to grow. This was a great game.

Owen steps back from his Gran and nods, pushing some of his sweaty hair back from his face. Today he was super thankful he’d gotten that haircut. This was way cooler on a hot day then having long hair. He chuckled about hosing down Liam and looked towards Slaine “He’d probably love that. I used to. Hey we should get a sprinkler for him….and maybe a bit for me.”

Yuki smiles at Slaine “Thank you.” And sets down the picnic basket and begins to unpack it. It’s a spread of cut fruit, a big tupperware full of sandwiches in a few assortments - tuna salad, ham and cheese, and cream cheese and cucumber. There’s another container with some cut veggies. He lays out the cups and takes the thermos and lemonade container from Kaitlin and sets them beside. There’s some paper plates and napkins he leaves in the basket so they don’t blow away or fall on the ground but they’re obvious and easy to find and a bottle of hand sanitizer and some paper towels.. “Dig in hungry gardeners.” He offers and steps back after stealing a carrot stick and returns the very tall stranger’s smile “Hello I’m not sure we’ve met. I’m Yuki. Kai has told me so much about you.” He walks close to engage in conversation looking like a dwarf beside Father Liam.

John snorts at Fiona and then grins fully at Colleen “We could make the whole room a shrine to every time the kid’s made a crack at us flirting or denied us getting busy by puking in the night...like a cheeky little museum. And then when we have a nice crop of teenage grandchildren…” He looks at Owen and Slaine and then intentionally at Vincent, Fiona and Seamus too “We can tell them the tales of their parents as teenagers complete with plaques and models.”

Fiona takes off her sunglasses so her parents can fully see her rolling her eyes “You had Irish triplets...how much denial do you expect us to believe Dad?” She laughs, looking between her brothers and then at Vincent. “Crop of grandchildren. Guess that’s a hint.”

Stephanie saunters over to the picnic table and takes a paper plate “Look at you Yuki and Kaitlin…” She gives Seamus a smarmy look “You’re probably too young to know who Urkel is but you’re just missing the suspenders.”

Kurt can’t resist the game of planting little Liam so he walks to fill a watering can and sprinkles him a bit “Now your garden will grow Slaine…..come on little plant Liam….grow nice and tall…” Liam giggles and giggles and stretches his arms up. “Should we water your mummy’s tummy so your brother or sister can grow too?” He teases and pretends to reach the watering can towards Slaine.

Now Liam jumps up and pats a dirty hand on his mother’s belly “Yes three times for all three babies!”

Slaine giggles.  "Well, that's one plant in the dirt.'' She looks around at Owen and claps her hands in approval of the sprinkler idea and laughs in delight when Kurt sprinkles him.  Then Liam tells Kurt to sprinkle her three times for three babies and she blinks.  They had very carefully planned how to announce it all .... and of course ... this is what they got for their careful planning.

Colleen laughs at mother and child.  Slaine would fit in very well with their family.  She hears John's plans for vacated bedrooms and applauds her approval.  She watches Liam.  "Starting with that one, right there."  and then Liam speaks again, breaking the news and she moves to him, picking him up and hugging him.  "You are just PRECIOUS!"  she tells him with a laugh, but not surprised because she already knew.

Seamus snorts as his parents start plotting but it was Fiona's comment that made him laugh.  "Yea ... exactly .. that ...'' he retorts.  He looks at Stephanie.  "Urkel?"  he isn't sure who that is, but he puts the waistband of his shorts back at his waist, his ego thinking that's better.  The whole idea of suspenders makes him shudder.  Then Liam mentions three babies and freezes, staring between Liam, Slaine and Owen.  "Say ... what now?"

Vincent moves to Fiona when her parents start plotting.  He snorts at Fiona's comment.  "I don't think I am THAT Catholic I want a whole crop."  he protests.  "Maybe one of each?"  he offers.  And thien Liam lets three cats out of one bag and stares at Owen.  "Triplets?"  he snorts.  "That lets US off the hook for a while, Fi."  and he starts laughing, just trying to imagine it.

Kaitlin giggles at the family banter and looks at the youngsters.  All of them.  "Heinrich wanted like a dozen kids.  He got two."  she huffs.  Then she smiles.  "But I don't mind one bit being a great-grandmother.  Bring it on kids!"  and then Liam speaks and her eyes grow large.  "Three ....  at .... once?"  she makes her way to the table and sits, looking a bit shocked ... but absolutely delighted.  She looks at Colleen. “You knew?  Oh my God I could never hold on to that secret!”

Father O'Keeffe looks absolutely delighted ith all he is observing.  He looks down at Yuki hen he approaches.  "Ah yes.  It is a pleasure to meet you at last.  Giovanni told me about you .. ho you and he created such wonderfully creative dishes in that shack of his.  Ho you made him enjoy eating fish again."  he chuckles and looks at Vincent and the rest.  "A large family is a mixed blessing."  he tells them all.  "I am the oldest of ten.  I'd know."   Liam makes his little announcement and he holds up a single finger.  "One at a time ... and only two sets of Irish twins."  he nods.  "Congratulations ... three times.  A true blessing on your family."

Owen bites his lip and looks at Slaine and then Liam. Well there is was, out in the world for the family now. And then he just looks around and repeats what he said in reaction to the news “Three babies….yep.” He laughs a bit and acknowledges the congratulations coming in “Thanks?” He laughs some more.

Liam jumps up and down now showering mud in all directions “Three babies...three babies three babies!!” He cheers.

Fiona Looks between her brother and Slaine and Liam and then with a wide eyed laugh at Vincent “Holy shit yeah….”

Stephanie lowers her sunglasses and just stares at Owen and Slaine and then starts to laugh “Oh my god….three babies. You kids are in for a hell of a shitstorm. Congrats on that though.”

John’s eyes go wide “Did you say triplets?” He then swivels his head to Colleen and Liam “and you KNEW and didn’t squawk?” Now he laughs “Jesus you guys...congrats…”

Yuki nods at Father Liam and then does a double take at the news of triplets before smiling hugely “Oh my goodness. That’s a lot...but wonderful news!”

Kurt looks like he’s going to just implode at the news of the triplets and sets down the watering can and starts making his rounds to hug everyone, beginning with Slaine “Triple Mama!” He exclaims as he tries to hug. When he makes it to Owen he does more addition “You’re going to have 4 kids…” And he hugs gleefully before moving to Colleen to try and hug her, followed by John, Fiona, Seamus and Vincent. Then he’ll try to hug the great grandparents, Stephanie, who will humour him and finally litle Liam “Big Brother extraordinaire!” Liam won’t understand the last word but thinks it sounds cool and hugs back. Then Kurt will stand on his tippy toes and try to hug Father Liam “It’s like a miracle. Hi I’m Kurt…” He’ll offer as an afterthought.

Slaine sighs, but then Liam starts cheering.  He is infectious and she can't help but laugh.  Then she is power hugged by Kurt and laughs even after it is over.

Colleen  nods and shrugs.  "I was there .. at first they thought the doppler was broken but .. it was picking up three heartbeats.  Confirmed by an ultrasound." after she gets the stuffing hugged out of her, she pulls out her copy and begins to pass it around, starting with Seamus.

Seamus stares at Oen.  "How .. I mean I know HOW but ... how ...."  he shakes his head.  "Better you than me, man."  he points at Stephanie .. his favorite aunt.  "What she said."  h e looks at the ultrasound, shrugs and walks it to Vicent and Fiona.  "That's a really bad picture."

Vincent looks at the picture, still a little stunned at the news.  "See Shay ... head .. head .. head .. the big white blurry balls.  Those are the ... masses ...."  he tightens his jaw and passes the pic on.

Kaitlin stares at the picture when it comes to her.  "They're beautiful..."  she begins while hugging Kurt to cry softly.  "Absolutely beautiful."  she sniffs.

Father O'Keeffe watches the family and hugs Kurt enthuastically.  "I'l Father Liam O'Keeffe."  he wonders how he could possibly have missed Kurt.  "I think you can all call me Father Liam, because Liam likes that we have the same name."

Fiona snorts at Vincent as they look at the picture and then looks up at Seamus making a comment worthy of him in younger years “Vincent just called our nephews or nieces..or both... balls….I don’t think we can see those yet.” She keeps her voice low enough not to let little ears overhear.

Stephanie butts in over Fiona’s shoulder, looking “Oh yeah three heads….wowsa.” She gives Seamus a little nod.

Fiona quips back quietly “Maybe it’s a three headed baby…” She doesn’t want to stamp on the joy. She’s just Fiona.

John hugs Colleen after Kurt moves on “Well I guess we’re gonna fill that spare room with two sets of bunk beds so the grandchildren can sleep over….”

Kurt looks up at Father Liam as he lets him go “Oh that’s funny.” He looks down at little Liam “It’s fun to have a friend with the same name.” Little Liam nods and just makes big eyes at big Liam as he squishes the mud between his fingers and into Colleen’s kneecap if he can still reach her nearby.

Yuki just looks delighted by it all. He pours out lemonade and gives a glass each to Owen and Slaine. They’ll need more than lemonade from everyone to meet this beautiful challenge but lemonade was all he had to offer. He walks over to Kaitlin just catching a quick glance at the photo before it passes on and puts an arm around her, seeing her so happily overcome “How’re you doing there Great Grandma?” He asks sweetly.

Slaine sits on the newly built planter and rests.  Keeping the little secret had been more draining than she imagined it would be.

Colleen chuckles at the low talk.  “Yes!  As long as they go HOME after.”  she jokes, then looks down when Liam squishes mud into her kneecap.  "Are you trying to plant me, too little bean?"  she demands and picks him up.  "I could eat you up!"  she tickles him on her lap.

Seamus shrugs.  "Yea ... don't get mad at me cause its a bad picture of them."

Liam screams with laughter but recovers.  "Yea ... Shay's right .. it's all blurry and you can hardly see them in there."  he looks up at Colleen.  "Can you make the picture better?  Please?"

Colleen smiles at the little boy.  "Maybe in a few months when they get bigger, okay?"  and while addressing him, she also addresses the adults.  "But remember, your Mommy has to rest as much as she can now.  Not too much stress and no picking up."  she starts tickling him again.  "Heavy beans."

Vincent surugs, but keeps his voice low.  "I know they're young but ... that's what they look like to me.  Balls or ... " he stops and corrects himself.  "Balls.  What do I know?  The only ultrasound I ever saw was my mothers and I wasn't supposed to see that."  This may clue Fiona in to what the mass looks like to him, knowing how his mother died.

Kaitlin  smiles at her family, so soaked in love she can hardly stand it.  She leans into Yuki, her eyes still leaking overflowing happiness.  "I've never been happier, Yuki."  and she begins to cry into his shoulder.  Naturally.

Father O'Keeffe makes big eyes right back at Liam.  Then he looks over at Kaitlin crying on Yuki's shoulder and grins.  He walks over to the picnic basket and moves a large container of baby wipes into prominent position.  "Before the triplets come, let us use these baby wipes to clean our hands so that we may eat.  In Jesus's name. Amen."  it is both a blessing .. and a joke.

Owen enjoys the sight of his mother connecting with little Liam but then notices Slaine sit down and looks worried as he walks over to her and sits down beside her, rubbing her back “You ok?” He asks gently and quietly. Everyone else seemed happily distracted with their own conversations. He even noticed Fiona, Seamus and Vincent whispering in a  huddle with Steph peeking over. He almost didn’t want to know the creepy jokes his sister would make but from the look on her face, he suspected.

Yuki wraps his arms around Kaitlin and lightly kisses her “I think this is the joy we’ve been waiting for through the fog….and Covid..” He chuckles.

Fiona was about to make another joke but picked up on what Vincent was saying and impulsively kissed him, not caring that Steph and Shay were practically still touching them.

Steph backed off from the little herd “Uh oh…..you guys are going for quadruplets aren’t you?” She joked and went back to the fruit plate just as Father Liam blessed the baby wipes “Amen Father. Hi I’m Steph….Michael’s wife.”

Liam adored the attention from Colleen and when she said Heavy Bean he tried to spread his body out across her lap and get as heavy as he could “I am the biggest bean you’ve ever seen…” he half sings and rolls this way and that.

Now John engages with little Liam “You know what they say about too many beans?”

Liam knew...he knew the rhyme well but he pretended not to because he wanted to see if Owen’s dad would say it “What?”

“Beans beans the musical fruit...the more you eat the more you…”

And he was cut off by Liam now “Tooot!!!” Followed by a series of well done farting noises that John did right back to him.

Kurt laughed at both the baby wipes blessing and now the farting jokes “God I love this family.”

Slaine leans into Owen.  "I'm just glad everyone knows now."  she tells him.  "I mean not the whole TOWN ... that's bound to take until Monday, easy right?"  she jokes and nuzzles his dirty shoulder.  "I love you, Owen."  she sighs happily.  "Can I have a sandwich?  I would have sworn I saw cucumber...."

Colleen is only half watching her family, being busy with the newest member.  John shares poetry with the boy and for a moment she is more glad than not that Michael had to work.  God knew what the two of them would teach this little boy … and any more that Slaine was cooking up.  Then she selfishly slumps.  "Oh you ARE heavy...."  she begins to sink to the ground.  "SO heavy."  and finally she sits on the ground with him.  "What kinds of food do you want to grow in this garden?"  she asks him.

Seamus rolls his eyes at his sister.  "Gross.  At least when it's you."  he stalks off towards the basket, getting a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich.  He looks at his father and Liam.  “Beans, beans, good for your heart!  The more you eat, the more you…”

Liam chimes in “Fart!”

Seamus toasts Liam with his sandwich.  “Welcome to the family, nephew.”

Vincent kisses her back, knowing she understood.  He breaks it eventually and looks at Steph.  "No .. we're celebrating not having to have any babies for years yet."  he proclaims.  "Thanks Owen."

Kaitlin nods and returns the kiss.  "Yes ... through it all ... and even longer.  Look how happy everyone is..."  she sighs, her tears drying up a bit.

Father O'Keeffe  steps back a bit to let people get food when Steph comes up to him.  "Michael is .. the big redhead at the police station, right?  Not the slimmer one at the firehouse."  he chuckles.  "You know, seven of my brothers are cops.  A noble profession."  he smiles over at the word Toot and then at Kurt.  "This family is especially blessed.  Can't deny it."

Steph blinks at Father Liam “Seven cops? And a priest…..what did the other two do?” She’s desperately curious “Yeah the big hunky redhead is my man.” She says after with a sly grin.

Fiona beams “But we can be the aunt and uncle who buy all the loud toys and games. When you’re not all farting through your faces.” She chides hearing the goofiness going on.

Owen grins at Slaine “At least noon on Monday. I love you too...you can have many sandwiches.” He kisses her cheek and gets up to go get her some food. At the table he passes Father Liam and Steph talking about his family and nods at them as he loads up a few cucumber sandwiches and some fruit and veggies. He takes a little plate for Little Liam too thinking they’re all probably hungry as his stomach grumbles.

At this point Kurt appears beside him on the other side and sees Owen doing 2 plates “I thought Slaine was eating for two….four...my goodness give her both of those!”

Owen snorts “This is hers and this is Liam’s...little Liam’s” he qualifies. “I’ll do mine after.”

Kurt offers to take Slaine’s to her with a gesture “You’re going to need more hands. May i?” And when Owen nods he takes the plate to Slaine and offers it before he and sits down by her while Owen loads up for Liam and himself.

John snorts as Seamus joins in and keeps going for a while with Liam before sighing “I missed those days.” He addresses Liam directly now “I’m glad we’ve got some more kids in our family again. The other ones are getting too big….not too big to fart though.” He jokes.

Liam looks between John and Colleen with the most serious face now “Everybody farts.” He says like he’s giving them sage advice. He gives Seamus a curious look after he called him nephew. He’s never been a nephew before. He knew the word but not in context.

Yuki nods, agreeing with Kaitlin. “They really are. We are.” He confirms.

Father O'Keeffe grins and nods at Steph.  "Yup.  Seven.  The other two .. Michael and Kean ... Michael became a prosecutor and Shane .. well .. he became a criminal.  Ironic considering they hated each other."  he speaks in the past tense with these two brothers.  He sees her grin and chuckles.

Slaine giggles about the town grapevine and beams as he promises many sandwiches.  Owen and Kurt pause and talk and then Kurt delivers her yummy goodness.  "Thank you Kurt."  she says and pauses.  He's another Reinhardt in law.  "This seems like a nice family to be a part of."  she says as she starts in on cukes and cream cheese.

Colleen stops tickling Liam .. for now ... and agrees with her husband.  When Liam pipes in she looks amazed.  "Everyone?  Really?  I did not know that."

Seamus snorts.  "I hardly EVER farted."  he lies outright.  "That was Owen .. he blamed them ALL on me."  he sniffs and looks like he might cry.  "You be a GOOD big brother Liam ... don't set your little brother up to be a fart monster."  he grabs a handful of veggies and begins to graze.

Vincent looks at Fiona as if she's just come up with the cure for all the world's ills.  "Perfect!  Let's do that!"

Kaitlin sighs happily again and reaches for the tuna sandwiches.

Owen hears Seamus and points at him “You…..we coulda powered the house off your toots man.” He laughs and walks to little Liam on his mom’s lap with his little plate and the sees the state of his hands “Oh hang on Liam let’s clean you up.” He goes back to the table and grabs some wipes.

Steph is still tuned into Father Liam’s family explanation “Did the cp brothers arrest the criminal? I can’t even imagine...I mean my brother’s a cop too and I married one….” She catches the past tense and carefully inquires “Are your siblings all...still living?” She knows what it’s like to lose a brother.

John acknowledges little Liam “You’re right. They do...oh food time..” He sees Owen bringing a plate and then talking about dirty hands and going back for wipes. He has to chuckle a bit before he also tunes into Father Liam’s tales.

Little Liam gets cleaned up and begins to eat very methodically, leaving his crusts amd slowly eating all his little veggies but the carrots.

Yuki walks over and takes a ham and cheese sandwich and refills his lemonade, listening to the conversations around.

Fiona elbows Vincent “We better snack before it’s all gobbled up.” and she slides her sunglasses to the top of her head and makes her way to the food now too.

Kurt leans both his elbows on his knees and looks sideways and Slaine, nodding “It really really is. I love them all. Hey I heard they’re opening the ferry on June 1st. I’ve been texting a bit with Dan. He’s thinking of popping over for a visit, socially distant as needed of course. Did you tell him about the triplets?”

Slaine eats happily and wathes Liam interact with all the grown=ups.  Kurt mentions Dan and she smiles.  "I would love to see him again."  she replies and then shakes her head.  We wanted to tell the family first.  Should we tell him?" she almost teases.

Colleen sees Owen bringing a plate and then going back for wipes and just marvels at her son.  He was doing damn well, all things considered.

Seamus places a hand on his chest and looks at Owen as if accusing him of being a dirty, filthy liar.  He hears about the ferry and looks thoughtful.

Vincent follows Fiona and takes a ham and cheese. He looks around the family and grins, nodding his agreement of Kurt's words.  But he looks pensive at the ferry reopening.

Kaitlin takes some coffee and sips.  She never gets tired of watching her family.  She tenses a bit at the mention of the ferry, but when Kurt talks about someone coming to the island instead of anyone in her family leaving it, she relaxes again.

Father O'Keeffe finishes up his tale in as kid friendly a way as he can.  "Sadly Shane..."  he sees that Liam is not looking in his direction and makes a pistol of his finger, shooting into the forest.  "Michael before."  he puts the finger gun to his temple.  "That was one year ago in January."  he clears his throat and goes for a ham and cheese sandwich.

Stephanie just hangs there in the space where Father Liam’s tale ended and the invisible finger shots made her breath leave her “I’m so sorry…” she said solemnly, not sure if he caught it as he walked to the sandwiches.

John catches Stephanie’s eye and then Colleen’s with a grim and awkward gulp about the end of Father Liam’s story. He blows out a breath and stands up to grab some chow, offering to do the same for Colleen “You want a plate Babe? Since your lap is claimed…” He gives little Liam a little grin.

Owen is sitting right by Liam and realizes he’s claimed his mother’s lap “He can sit with me if you want to stretch Mom?”

Little Liam wiggles into Colleen and holds his chosen person territory “No Colleen…” He’s heard her name a few times and remembers it. He brandishes a carrot at Owen like he’s daring him to try and move him.

Fiona descends upon the snack feast and loads up strategically, taking a bit of everything and then a drink “Yeah the ferry thing is still odd…..” She  encounters the unmoving thoughtful form of Seamus as she’s trying to exit the fray and shoulder bumps him “Move lump boy..” She teases as she has since they were small.

Kurt beams at Slaine “Oh I would love to. I miss Dan. He’s so funny. He would fit right in with this family too…” He looks around as he overhears Fiona call Seamus a lumps and laughs.

Colleen blew out a soft breath, catching the story.  She nods to John.  "Ham and cheese, please."  she tells him and hugs Liam to her when Owen offers to take him.  "What he said."  she chin points to Slaine.  "Gimmie my grandma time.  You enjoy it while I'm feeling generous."  she warns him.

Slaine smiles at Owen, his mother and Liam.  The word 'grandma' makes her swallow hard.  She hopes Liam will come to see them all as their roles in his life.  He needed this family as much as she did.

Seamus snorts as he is shoulder bumped by Fiona.  "Yea yea."  he drawls, lazily, but gets out of the way ... he may be bigger than her no but, truth be told., she still sort of scared him.

Vincent moves behind Fiona and past Seamus with a chuckle.  He just adored this family.

Kaitlin watched Liam on Colleen's lap.  She knew .. she'd get her turn.  After the meal they would plant.

Father O'Keeffe does hear Stephanie and, sandwich in hand, nods his thanks for her condolences to him.

Stephanie makes her way back to her little lawn chair and is about to sit when she gets a text and stops to answer it. She looks frustrated with the exchange and finally just calls the person “Mom...that’s not actually how computers work…...no no it’s in the cloud…...k forget I said that word. Listen stop clicking it...no I can hear you doing it….stop that.” She looks apologetically at the group “Step away from the computer. I’ll swing by. See you shortly.” She clicks off “Sorry everyone I need to go be tech support for my mother. Congratulations Owen, Slaine and Liam…” She leans down to make sure little Liam knows she means him and then looks up at Father Liam “And nice to meet you. Kaitlin and Yuki, thanks for the food even though all I did today was sit on my ass in the shade.” She does a sweeping wave “Reinhardts….adios.” And with that she folds up her chair and starts off.

Owen beams when his mother says Grandma time and then he looks at Slaine’s reaction and gives her a loving look “Alright Grandma, he’s all yours.”

Little Liam has heard the word Grandma twice now. The word is there, somewhere in his mind but also far away. He looks at Colleen and considers it and then just looks up at her with big thoughtful eyes as it starts to sink in somehow.

John got a good feeling about hanging out with this little guy on Colleen’s lap. He had walked to the table and back with two food plates for he and Colleen. John was very efficient at gathering food. He had dreamed of how they’d be as grandparents and this was matching, even surpassing it. Which was good considering there were 3 more coming. He overheard Stephanie and waved to her “Uh good luck with that. Say hi to Sakura.”

Fiona snickers at Seamus, winces at Steph’s exchange and gives her a little wave and then ends up walking towards Slaine and Kurt who are in their own conversation.

Kurt sees Slaine look somewhat emotional for a  second and offers his standard “Do you need a hug?” He smiles to Fiona as she moves into view and Vincent if he’s in range while waving back at Steph.

Yuki looks concerned at Stephanie’s conversation and then he gives a little wave “Most welcome. Tell Sakura hello please.”

Slaine calls out to Stephanie.  "Thank you ... and good luck!"  and then watches Owen and his mother ... and Liam.  Turning to Kurt, she grins …  “Actually yes, please.”

Colleen can't help but giggle.  "See you Steph.  Love to Michael.”  She's still hugging Liam.  John brings their food and she takes the plate.  “Thank you!”  and is ready to share with Liam, if he wants any,

Seamus snorts.  He knows and likes Sakura, but he admits to himself that Kaitlin is at least savvy enough not to heed help every day.

Vincent Says goodbye to Steph with a wave.  he settles in near Fiona and rests.  That was actually a lot of work.

Kaitlin giggles as she realizes that Sakura has gotten herself into computer trouble again.  She waves to Steph as she leaves.  "Tell your mother I said hello."

Father O'Keeffe waves to Stephanie with a "Nice to meet you too." before she leaves.

Owen can see folks have empty plates now so he makes a little dash up the stairs to grab a garbage bag from the kitchen and comes back, beginning to tidy up a bit, leaving the garbage bag available to others at one end of the picnic table.

John had handed Owen up his own plate when he went past with the garbage bag having scarfed several sandwiches. He was just famished.. “Apparently all you needed to do was become a dad to start doing chores without us bitching.” He joked.

Owen gave his father a look and then laughed “Yeah maybe. Feels different when it’s your own place with….your own family.” He admits. He was understanding his parents more and more by the day.

Kurt gives Slaine a sweet careful hug. He doesn’t squeeze as hard as usual because of her pregnancy. “Aww look at you Slaine, and Liam, surrounded by all this love. I’ve always wanted to see this for you both.” Fiona and Vincent may not know Slaine’s whole story but Kurt adds on “I like almost everyone….but Xavier was an ass. Not to speak ill of the dead….well maybe in his case though…. I’m so glad you found Owen.”

Fiona smiles at first at the sweet back and forth and hug between Slaine and Kurt and then as Kurt goes on she catches Vincent’s eye and exchanges a look with him that reveals she didn’t know how deep this particular rabbit hole went.

Yuki notices Owen gathering up plates and starts helping a bit with the clean up too. He rearranges the dwindling sandwiches a bit and puts the fruit and veggies together in just one open container as he sets the other into the picnic basket and wipes down the picnic table a bit with a baby wipe.

Slaine accepts the hug and blinks hard, trying not to laugh.  "I wanted it too, but I couldn't imagine it would be as wonderful as it turned out.  I'm no princess, but the evil monster is dead.  My son is safe and loved.  And I am, too.  And ..."  her hand drifts to her belly without her realizing it.  "Babies ith a wonderful prince.  I'm still afraid I will wake up."

Colleen is also watching Owen and giggles at his comment.  "Is THAT the trick?  I might not have worried so much if I knew that."  she gives Owen a smile.  "Dad."  she emphasised the word.

Seamus snorts. and rolls his eyes at his parents.  "Nope.  never leaving."  he announces.  "Gonna invest in pre-stained wife beaters when I hit 27."

Vincent follows Fiona's gaze a moment and then catches her look.  He looks towards the back of the building and through the woods and murmurs, hoping only Fiona understands and knowing she may be the only one who understands .. except for Father O'Keeffe.  "Thanks, Giovanni."

Kaitlin watches Owen cleaning and just laughs in delight.  Yuki starts cleaning before she can, so she stands and moves over to Colleen, John and Liam, leaning over a bit.  "You're going to be a wonderful brother, Liam."  she tells the little boy. and then looks at her son.  "And you a wonderful grandfather."  she sniffs a bit, not wanting to cry.  "I do love a big family."

Father O'Keeffe watches the family from his vantage place.  He tries to catch Vincent's eye when he hears Giovanni's name and will wink if he can.  It wasn't just the Reinhardt family that had increased, he knows.  He only prays he can be as suitable a guardian angel as Giovanni had been.

2020-05-27 Thrifty's New Hire - Cory, Pixie, Paul, Mitch, Fiona, Ziggy

It was a quiet morning at Thrifty Foods. The delivery truck had gone out and Owen was driving today. It was Ziggy’s day off. Quiet meant a good time for tasks to get done, cleaning, straightening, restocking. Paul McLeod loved these days sometimes. The ability to get the store back into ship shape for the next round. They had a nice big shipment of dry goods in the store room that had just come in and it was all hands on deck time. Well as many hands as they had at the moment anyhow. He cross checked the invoice and made sure everything was there. For once it was perfect. Oh the little things. Now he could delegate. He pushed open the door to the back and called out to his stock boy.

“Cory, come load up, I’ve checked it all off. Get Pixie to stock the candy and the incidentals by the tills between her customers. Work on the aisles. I’ll help you as I can after I get the produce stocked up.”

Cory had just been straightening and wiping down all the shopping carts and baskets. It was a work spot that let him chat a bit more with Pixie and the baskets and carts had been really well cleaned the last few weeks. But now he was being called to stock and he dutifully went to Paul and grabbed the big rolling cart and began to load it with boxes of canned and dry goods. He knew the stock well so he chose boxes based on aisles and made his way to the center one with his first load. He had the gum and candy boxes for Pixie on top of the soups and crackers. So he took three boxes to Pixie and dropped them to her counter “Some sweetness for you M’Lady.” He offered and then as he heard Paul come out again, he didn’t linger but got back to where he was supposed to be working. Cory kneeled at a low shelf and pulled all the current cans of soup out to stock the newest dates in behind.

Paul wheeled out of the back with a similar cart stocked with produce boxes and whistled a bit as he ambled to the department.

In the meat department, Mitch Taggart was tying up fresh cut pork loin roasts with meticulous detail. At the deli counter, Joan McLeod was filling in temporarily and stocking up smokies and wieners and pepperoni sticks. She had come out of retirement to fill the gap while Melissa was on leave, before they hired a new server. Joan didn’t mind the work but she was feeling the 8 hours a day on her feet more than she used to. And to be honest, Mitch was a bit of a smart mouthed bastard. She would be happy not to be paired working with him.

Pixie smiled brightly as she chatted rapidly with Cory as she worked. She did the usual cashier maintenance of her desk  of cleaning it extra during these times. She sighed a bit and hummed as she worked.  She perks her ear up even as she checks out  an old woman and is bagging her groceries . She watches Cory walk up  with the boxes just as she finishes ,thanking the lady “thanks for shopping at thrifty’s ‘ she calls out happily . She giggles as he passes off the candy for her to stock . ‘Very kind of you  , good sir ‘ she says grateful as  he retreats. She begins to open place the gum neatly as she hum softly as she works


Ziggy walks in the door of Thrifty’s with Fiona.  It had already taken so long for her to tellFiona and then Fiona to make time and they to walk in..  Ziggy would never forgive herself if Fiona didn’t manage to get the job.  It was perfect for her.  Be around dead things and get paid for it.  She will walk up to the butcher counter with Fiona and then step back and loiter in her paint splattered clothing.

Fiona Reinhardt kept pace with Ziggy feeling like she was being ushered into some unknown world, the world of groceries, meat in particular. She was wearing a plain white shirt and black jeans and her black and white trainers. She had seen Owen’s uniform and she figured if she dressed the part it might bring her luck. She held her resume in one hand and watched Joan McLeod stock smokies. She could deal with that. Joan gave her a little wave through the cooler and then popped her head up “Hi Fiona, can I help you? Oh hello Ziggy.” Behind her Mitch was sharpening a knife.

Fiona pointed at the help wanted sign, gave Ziggy a little smile and looked back at both Joan and Mitch “I’m here to apply for the job. Is Paul around?”

Cory glanced up from his cans, overhearing but kept working.

A huge grin erupted across Joan’s face and she bellowed across the store “PAUL!!!”

Paul came jogging up looking concerned “Mom?” He saw Fiona and Ziggy standing there “Hello Ladies..” He said in his usual friendly voice while he waited from some meat department emergency to be reported.

Fiona gulped and offered Paul her resume “I’m here to apply.”

Pixie notices Ziggy and another woman coming through the door but they look on a mission .she start say a bubbly  hi  to ziggy before a man with black shirt comes up to look at the candy as he carries his basket   .she turn her attention to the consumer making  polite conversation with chatty man  as he debates his candy purchase . she santizes her hand on the pump on her desk. she pushed back her  hair. She secures her simple pink clip on the side of her head then santizes it again waiting his decision

Ziggy waves at Joan, but mostly stays back, trying to look like a normal customer.  Absently she tries to look like she is interested in the meat, but she is really just loitering in case Fiona needs an on the spot reference.

Paul takes the resume and looks it over, plucking a pen from his apron pocket “Ok….excellent. Well of course I know your babysitting skills..” He laughs “You’ve survived my girls.” He runs the pen down the page “Camp counsellor…..oh you’ve done your basic first aid…...that’s good…” He makes a check mark. “Have you done your food handlers?” He keeps scanning.

Fiona realizes she’s being interviewed on the spot and gives Paul her full attention “No but I can do that if it’s needed.”

Paul nods “Good…..good...Santa’s elf?” He smirks “I remember that actually. Lucy ate a breakfast of candy canes and puked them all up on Santa. Stuart Peterson was so polite about it…..” He laughs “OK so there’s your customer service I was looking for. Fiona…” He smiles at her “Why do you think i should hire you?”

Fiona straightens up to her full height “I’m a hard worker, punctual, efficient….and I have a keen fascination for dead things.”

Paul freezes and just stares at her now. Mitch cracks up in the meat department behind them.

Cory’s head comes up again and he looks truly worried.

Pixie is the middle of a quip with the customer . ‘Yes sir I'm pretty sure that candy bar doesn't have nuts… the label….‘ She trails off  and looks back as she hears some of the conversation and cracks a smile .Pixie wasn't the macabre type but this applicative seems very intriguing . She gets a bit closer to her till . she only caught half but the half she did was interesting. she  pretends to  check on the query as she handles the bar . she walks to just the end of her cashier desk to clarify what she heard

Ziggy winces a bit when Fiona mentions her fascination for dead things and Paul stares.  It is the answer that Fiona would give. That's not the point.  But then Mitch starts cracking up and Ziggy relaxes.  Mitch was a hard ass and, in her opinion, a bit of a dick.  His laughter had to be a good sign.  Right?

Paul gets over his shock at the answer and chuckles “Well that IS the job…” He glances over at Mitch. “Mitch? What do you think? Since she’ll be working with you.”

Mitch gives Fiona a slow nod and an almost smile before looking back at Paul “I like her.”

Joan looks up to the ceiling as if addressing the heavens and gasps and then exits the meat department and takes off her red apron looking hopefully at Paul.

Paul looks between Mitch and now his mother and laughs “Fiona, can you start today?”

Fiona looks at Ziggy, then Mitch, then Paul and Joan and nods. She glances around seeing 2 more people working and gives them each a little smile “Yes. Yes I can.” And all of a sudden Joan’s apron is looped over her neck and Joan is out the door like she can’t wait a moment longer.

Cory gives Fiona an awkward half wave and then looks to see if Pixie’s watching all this.

Pixie gets just closer to where she still near the counter looking at the bar  then looks up ‘yes doesn't  have nuts ‘ she say to the customer still looking at the scene in the back and beams at her new coworker giving her a welcoming smile before handing the man the bar and claps for Joan then Fiona “Welcome to Thriftys ‘ she calls out loud and cheerily to her .she looks at Cory with encouraging smile and wink . She turns to check out her customer still looking between Ziggy, Cory, Fiona and the man in the black shirt .

Ziggy beams when Fiona gets the job on the spot.  “COngratulations.”  she tells Fiona and looks at Paul.  “My condolences.”  and she turns back to Fiona.  “We’re coworkers!”  she twirls on the spot then heads for the doors.  “Now I can get the paints for the loading dock door….”  and she's gone unless she’s stopped.

Fiona looks overwhelmed but happy and calls back “Thanks” to the cashier and then waves back at the stock boy. She beams at Ziggy “Thank you so much Zig...see you.” And then looks to Paul and Mitch “And seriously, thank you.” She walks towards the meat department slowly “OK Thrifty’s Foods, I’m all yours and ready to learn.”

2020-05-26 - Darts Night - Jack, Liam, Nico, Mitch, Sadie

An email arrives in your inbox if you’re on the Statute’s Patron’s Email list. They have regular theme nights, like the ladies nights or even Peter O’Brian’s famous Baseball Trivia Nights but tonight’s email is from Jack Douglas and the unisex invite goes out to the whole list.

Darts Night 8 till late tonight!

This one’s for the hand eye coordinated There will be a special on Mariner’s Polaris IPA. It’s on tap for half price. And for those who feel lucky to let that North Star guide you, we’ll have a friendly darts competition. House rules and safe social distancing of course. Come join the fun.

Cheers,
Jack Douglas

Jack hits send sometime in the mid afternoon, take a long nap to be fresh and then is behind the bar by 7:30 setting up score sheets, stocking clean glasses and instead of bowls of peanuts and pretzels he has individual bags on a rack with hardbite potato chips and a small assortment of pepperoni sticks in the era of Covid. There’s the usual stew on in the big crock pot and some bread to go with it. They always stocked it up in the freezer for easy defrosting and serving. After stocking up, he wipes the bar down and sets up a classic rock playlist on his iPod in the dock, not too loud but enough to relax to.  He’s got lysol wipes for the darts as needed and a few bottles of hand sanitizer out for folks to use as they need. Jack’s hair has grown out during the fog and he now wears it in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. It’s still raven black but with more silver. He’s wearing a pair of blue jeans and a plain black t-shirt and his signature black boots.

Liam O’Keeffe had heard about the night on the street.  Literally.  Someone was reading it out loud to a buddy and Liam decided he would go and see about meeting some of the locals.  He goes to his new apartment and changes into a pair of black jeans and a grey henley top.  The crucifix around his neck and ring on his finger stay exactly where they are and he exchanges his more business like shoes for black sneakers.  Looking more like ‘everyone else’ he finds Statutes with ease and walks in, noting the dart board and Irish Pub atmosphere making him smile and his green eyes twinkle.  He steps up to the bar and as tall as he is looks down at the bartender.  “Mariner’s Polaris IPA, if you please.”  he orders and looks at the menu on the wall.  “And an Irish stew.”  he amends his order.

Jack looks up at the patron and newcomer “Hiya. Sure thing.” He pours the beer first “I’m Jack. Haven’t seen you around before.” He passes over the pint and then washes his hands before getting a bowl and plate for the stew order and dishing that up with a side of bread. “You wanna start a tab?”

Liam smiles and nods when he gets his beer.  “Cheers.”  he looks at Jack.  “Father Liam O’Keeffe at your service, Jack.  And I am indeed new to town.  I’ve been self isolating on a boat off the southern shore behind the clinic building.  Dr. McKinney cleared me to move into my new place.  Once the Ferry starts again, I’ll be going back and forth between here and my church in Vancouver.”  he considers.  “I don’t drink much, so let me pay as I go, eh?”

“A Clergyman…..good to meet you Father Liam. Welcome to Alexandra. So this round with the food will set you back $11.50. The IPA’s half price…” Jack looks cheerful and relaxed.

Liam takes his card out and holds it, hesitating.  “Thank you for the welcome.  Times have changed … how do you prefer to do cards?”

Jack smiles “Hey we take everything. Less fussy as the Covid numbers go down. Everything except AMEX. I think Pete might even take Baseball cards if they’re Chicago Cubs…” He jokes.

Liam hands his card over.  “That’s good to know.  I’m checking in with my congregation for a while, but I’m not being made to open the doors.  Not everyone likes it but ….”

Sadie walks to the door of statues dressed in a simple short sleeved cotton button up white blouse , capris and white sandals. Her brown hair is pulled back in a simple ponytail.  She  pulls the door open and walks to the bar . She smiles and waves to the other patron at the bar then to Jack. “Hey Jack .It'll take the house special IPa and bowl of stew please . She looks over to the other patron “hello. Dont think ive seen you . how are ya tonight ‘ she say with a grin as she waits for her order and his answer

Jack smiles and nods “Sure thing. Good to see you.” He pours the pint first and passes it over towards her and then washes his hands again and goes to dish out the stew into a bowl and lay out some soda bread beside it on the plate under it. Humming a little, he places it in front of her spot. “Start a tab?”

Liam watches the woman with the ponytail enter the bar and he smiles.  “No .. I expect I will get that question a lot for a while.  Father Liam O’Keeffe, just released from my self isolation by Dr. McKinney.”  he pauses.  “I’m good, and yourself?”  He turns the question back on the woman.

Nicodemus Caito opens the door to the bar and saunters in.  He’s dressed in jeans, dark runners and a snug AFD tshirt.  “Give me the special, Jack.”  he calls heading for the table between the fireplace and the restroom door.  He speaks to no one, but does note who is where.

Sadie just smiled big at the man at the bar ‘well. Welcome to freedom from isolation and welcome to Alexandra , I'm Sadie taggart.. Officer Taggert to most  ‘she nodded. I'm doing pretty darn good . You're a priest . is Alexandra getting a new priest?.   She says with interested.  She sees Nico nodding and smiling to him but turns her attention back to Father o’Keefe.

Jack gives a nod to Nico as he orders with a friendly smile and then pours another and walks to carry it over to the table and sets it down. “Evening.” He greets briefly and then heads back hearing some folks out on the street and assuming they might be his next patrons. He washes his hands again.

Mitch Taggart opens the door to Statutes as he blows his last drag from his cigarette out to the side and steps on the butt of it after dropping it under the heel of his shoe. He’s wearing a black Misfits t-shirt, a black and white baseball cap on his shaved head and painter’s style low hanging blue jeans with red and white trainers. He has one of those chain wallet deals hanging down from one of his back pockets. He saunters in and looks around, gives Nico a little salute like wave and then sees a familiar ponytail at the bar and skulks up behind his sister, trying to give the ponytail a little tug. She’s chatting with some tall redheaded dude but he does it anyway “Mouse.” He greets with a cheeky grin and then nods at Jack “The Polaris Mister Barman.”

Liam shrugs a bit at the women.  “Good to meet you, Officer.  I had been under the impression that Aleandra has never had a church, so .. no I’m not new.  I delivered a girl to the island and stayed to visit with an old family friend.  But I like it and I may well stay.”  he notices the ponytail pull and his assumption that a voice like that had to come with a nickname is confirmed.

Nico nods at Jack.  “Keep em comin and put em on my tab.”  he orders and takes a couple swallows, returning Mitch’s salute with a lazy one of his own.  Then he just sits and waits.

Sadie is focused on talking with the father and notes Nico nonresponse but just goes with it . She continued to talk  Liam ‘yeah i know we don't have a church but anyways yeah don't know what i was thinking .  I've been in the big city too long . I came back when Alexandra came back . I guess i still city brain “she smiles ‘I missed family and all.  Alexandra a nice quiet place for the most part. I think ya might like it ‘’  she  turns as Mitch manages to pull her tail since she was wrapped up and chatting . ‘Mitch.. ‘ she says half annoyed but mostly amused ‘ How are you, big brother?  She start as if to offers hug holding her arms out then stops ‘shoot that social distancing thing ‘

Mitch had heard the word church twice and scowled at it. He looked warily at the tall man talking to his sister and then addressed her “I’m alright...you know shootin the shit...fuckin the dog as it were. Don’t get sucked into that organized religion now. They’ll fuck ya…”

Jack start waving his hands at Mitch as he gets into it about religion and tries to discreetly point at Father Liam and mouth the word “Priest” for what it’s worth before handing over his beer.

Mitch takes the beer and tries to clap Sadie’s shoulder in lieu of that hug, not having noticed Jack’s efforts at all “Don't Let me interrupt though...I’m drinking with Caito...come join us for one if you like…” He nods casually to the tall man.

Liam nods slowly as Sadie speaks.  "I see."  he takes another sip of his beer and looks around the room, casually.  His head turns back to Mitch.  He obviously hears every word out of his mouth and returns the nod.  He drinks a bit more beer, looks at Jack and stage whispers.  "I don't think he heard you, Jack."  he inks and then laughs, good naturedly.

Nico snorts as Mitch spouts off at the mouth and shakes his head.  He waits for Mitch to come sit and to see if Sadie will join them or not.

Sadie just winces slightly . She didnt agree on alot of thing of her brother but she did on religion. She respect people wishes because that was their life.  She turns to her brother and grabs her beer and bowl.  She  smiles at the father politely  “nice to meet ya ‘ she stands and follows. Even though Nico and her had fucked, she just follows her brother giving a short but upbeat ‘sure, Mitch ‘

Jack pours another beer and sets it in front of Father Liam as Sadie and Mitch walk away. He’s laughing but almost like he’s a bit embarrassed by the whole scene “Father Liam….on me.” He offers.

Mitch sets his beer down on the table. He takes his phone and a pack of Player’s Light out of his back pockets and sets them on the table and then seats himself across from Nico so he’s beside the fireplace, sliding his tattooed arms to rest on the table upon his elbows “Hey Caito...I hope it’s cool Sadie hangs with us.” She was already there so it wasn’t really a question. He takes a big swig of his pint “You guys piss on any fires today?” He jokes.

Liam nods.  "And you."  he says his farewells to Sadie and returns to his stew.  Jack sets the free beer in front of him and he nods.  "Thank you, Jack ...  or rather thank Mitch."  he chuckles and drinks a bit more of the first beer. He finishes up his stew. "Very good stew.  Compliments to the chef."

Nico looks at Sadie then back at Mitch.  "I don't care, man.  How you doin, Sadie?"  he laughs.  "Nah ...  we're having a slow time of year.  Fine by me."

Sadie set her bowl to the chair to the right of her brother and  then takes the seat ‘ Hey Nico ‘ she say in her usual cheerful masking awkwardness ‘ She takes a sip of her peer .’ Im doing pretty damn good . How about you? ‘ she says then takes a spoonful of her stew watching her brother and Nico as she eats .

Jack laughs at Father Liam “I like your attitude to it all Father.” He glances over to the table by the fireplace because Nico had said keep them coming and his was more than half way down. Jack pours another and takes it in that direction, setting it down “Hey there anyone else for a refill?”

Mitch glances between Nico and Sadie “Well I’m not fine. He downs his beer just before Jack comes and then nods at him “Oh please yes...in fact bring me two for this topic...cheer Jack…” Then he gets back into it “My fucking landlord and his girlfriend. Hippie snowflake potheads….guy shows up at my door to fix a pipe in a sarong...you know like a ….motherfucker…...and Mel’s like oh be nice we need the sink fixed. Then there’s this weird ass music...I swear to god they’re playing Enya up there. What woke hell have we moved into? We gotta move before we have this kid….”

Liam chuckles.  "I have nine brothers."  he explains.  "All but the youngest lapsed Catholics.  I've been listening to that attitude since before I started seminary school."

Nico motions for another beer while killing the first.  If he feels any awkwardness around Sadie, it doesn't show.  He damn near chokes on it when Mitch starts his nightly rant.  "Did Moon moon ya?"  he asks, laughing.  Then he hears about the music.  “Yea … I scored a chick that was into Enya … once.”  he leans back a bit, his legs parting in a typical manspread.  One knee may touch Sadie’s.  The other probably touches the wall.  He reaches for the beer.  “No easy task fucking to Enya.”  he snorts and starts in on the second beer.

Sadie dips her soda bread in the stew and sucks on it a bit before chewing it .  she watches her brother start his rant and doesn't see phase at all at it . This was for her standard  Mitch Taggart eating conversation . she just chews slowly watching him . she points and holds up her hand at her pint as she just barely had half left  . she  watches Mitch ranting then swallows hard when she feels Nico knee on her leg ‘was he at least wearing something under it this thing ‘ she looks at her brother and attempts to bump her leg back against  Nico, her eyes still on her brother . ‘Well it could be worse.. Like  I don't know how but it could ‘ she say then sip on her pint . she gives a side eye at Nico cock eyebrow ‘enya.. Thats um well that's not good. .. ‘ she finishes ‘well that just not good that more of relaxing thing if that is your thing ;’ she shrugs

Mitch holds up his hands by his head like he’s still trying to block out the sarong “He coulda mooned me….it was all billowy with a….you know what man...you don’t wanna know. You see another man come at you in one of those you just fucking look at the whites of his eyes...you know what I’m sayin?” He cracked up laughing at the Enya sex commetn and then sighed “They’re probably fucking to Enya rigtht now….thank god Mel wears earplugs for my snoring….” He gives Sadie an odd look at what seems to be her fidgeting with her legs and then shrugs it off.

Jack hears Liam, gives him a nods as he pours and then comes back with another round and passes them all out. “There ya go…” He takes the empty glasses back on the same tray and answer Liam “You have nine brothers? Big family. Are you from the mainland?”

Liam nods when Jack returns.  "Stereotypical Irish Catholic family.”  he admits.  “I was born and raised in Toronto, but my parish is in Vancouver now.  I’ll go back and forth once the ferry returns.

Nico snorts.  "Moon?  I doubt it."  he replies to Sadie.  As soon as he feels the tap against his knee, he moves it.  "Sorry bout that, Sadie."  he gives his attention back to Mitch and laughs at the ... lack of description.  Then he shakes his head.  "That's not really something I want to think about but ...  his girlfriend is a hot number, man.  But way too shy.  I actually wonder if she lets Moon fuck her as much as that body deserves."

Sadie just shrugs as she finishes her pint watching her brother a bit amused. ‘Gotcha white of the eyes .. big bro . ‘ she nodded as she ate. ‘The question is do you wear earplugs for that noise ‘ she says as she dips more bread in her stew  . she glances at Nico .  ‘no worries it happens ‘ she says as she stretches out her legs a bit . ‘ Anna is sweet and very nice . I'm sure he more that take good care of that queen goddess ‘ she smiles  and chews on more bread and swallow ‘ he seems different but they seem to be very content from what i've seen ‘ she say softly

Mitch practically downs his next beer in one go listening to the two of them talk “Oy who’s side are you on now? Just because she’s a redhead…..” He mock sneers at Nico “Fuckin dawg..” He jokes although he knows there’s some truth to it. He turns to Sadie “You sound like Mel on this one...go figure. She’s getting a little better but she still needs to crash for the night at like 8pm now. Oh man….” He starts on his next pint and blinks a bit. He had an early dinner at home and he’s feeling the beer a bit now.

Jack wipes down the bar while talking to Liam “Toronto eh? Always something to do there. But shit the east got hit so hard by Covid. How’s your family doing?”

Liam nods.  "Yea ...  Well two of my brothers died early last year, but there are still four in Toronto.  All of the rest are cops.  Four in Toronto and two of them got Covid.  One in March and one early this month.  He shakes his head.  “The others are fine.  I don't hear from them a lot anymore.  I’m the oldest but a lot of time they don’t want to talk thinking I don’t understand their lives.”

Nico considers.  "Queen Goddess?  Anna?"  he snorts.  "All women think they're queens."  He huffs then arches his bros.  "Oh man ... those redheads .. Just ..."  he seems to consider it.  "Anna might be one of those who is a lady on the streets, a tiger in the sheets."  he strokes his chin. He sort of likes that type.  Mitch calle him a dog and he smirks.  "Woof.  he nods about Melissa.  “Does she really have to just … lie in bed .. I mean she can still fuck you, can’t she?” He is curious.

Sadie nods assertively ‘well that because Mel is my best friend and she is right in that matter . ‘ she says standing her ground . she stretched her  legs out, rolling her shoulder . .  she looks over to her brother as he talks about Mel ‘ was just about to ask you  about her  . ‘ she looks very interesting scooting over to Mitch abit ‘aww i'm glad. I know that just killing her .. you tell her i'll be over there on one of my days off  . we can watch some horror movies and ill  bring some ice cream ‘ she say pointedly .  she just looks over  Nico not making any particular look then back to mitch focused on her best friend as she sip her beer .

Jack looks compassionately at Father Liam “I’m so very sorry for your losses. Does the brother who got  Covid more recently get through it?” He gives a little smile “One of my daughters is a cop, Tamela. The other one, Megan, she’s married to the town mayor...and she co-owns and runs one of the local businesses.” Seeing how he’s talking to a priest, albeit a seemingly open minded one, he doesn’t mention exactly which business Megan runs.

Mitch looks a little irritated by Nico’s choices of words, first about Anna, who he really barely knows, but then as he asks about Melissa crassly and a vein in his temple pulses a bit and he drains his third beer and sets the empty glass down a little loudly. “First of all they’re all ladies. Respect man….” Then he catches Jack’s eye and holds up his empty with one hand and two fingers with his other. “Second of all, I don’t fuck my wife. We’re not in some fuckin back alley…..we make love. And yes we can still do it. And I do treat her like a Goddess because as far as I’m concerned the sun rises and sets on her. It’s the best gig going Caito...you should try it sometime.” By that he means a committed relationship of course.” She just needs a lot of rest to keep her blood pressure in check.” He looks at Sadie’s offer to watch movies with Melissa and gives her one his rare smiles “She’d like that Mouse. Thanks.” He grabs his phone and his cigarettes and stands up “I just need a smoke...back in 5..” And he’s heading for the door with just a small stumble on his first step. He’s not drunk, but he’s clearly not entirely sober either.

Liam nods.  "As I am.  I had hoped I could save my youngest brother, but ..."  he clears his throat and moves on.  "He did ... and says he is just glad his wife didn't get it."  He looks interested in Jack's daughters.  "Well, you're better connected than any bartender I've ever met before."  he grins.  "May I ask about the daughter's business?"  he asks politely.

Nico catches Mitch's look and grins.  "You're so easy, man."  he laughs lightly.  "I know how you feel about Melissa.  Believe me, I do.  But for me."  he shrugs and glances a heartbeat at Sadie.  "I'll stick to the loose ones until I can find one I can really respect ... that isn't taken of course.  Kitty’ll marry Sam at some point, but that's OK because it isn't love with her and she gets it.  The rest...."  he watches Mitch grab his smokes and head outside.  He drinks deeply of his beer, sets the glass down and pulls out his phone to check on some things.

Sadie watches Mitch’s defense of women with pride but just smiles as she sip her beer.  “Ill get with her some time this week “She goes back to eating her soda broad and glances back slight at Nico when Mitch leaves not bothered at all . She felt the same way. She was young and had plenty of time to enjoy herself. She wasnt too focused on settling down either at the moment. She just looks at him  now that Mitch is gone and just clears her throat stretching out again.”So how's things at the firehouse  ‘she says plainly starts on her second beer chugging it a bit relaxing in her chair.

Jack sighs at Father Liam “You’ve had quite the life with your family…” Then he hears the business question and looks a little self conscious “Well uh….probably not one on your radar Father. Megan and her friend Kitty run the uh…….local sex shop in town. It’s that white and purple building by the laundromat. The Love Shop.” He shrugs sheepishly. He wasn’t actually ashamed of Megan’s work, but he was also aware it was not everyone’s cup of tea. He saw the hand signals for beer and which table and just started pouring another round, with two for Mitch as he had indicated. He loads them all up on a tray and walks to drop them off “You guys want some darts?” He casually asked as he set down the drinks. Darts was the theme but not in any way required if no one asked to play.

Liam laughs, genuinely.  "Nine brothers ...  the youngest born when I was eighteen.  How could it ever be boring?"  he asks. He listens to the info on the Love Shack.  "Jack."  he doesn't sound exasperated.  "In many ways the Church is still stuck in the Dark Ages in many ways.  "The whole act of sin surrounding sex … I have to admit I would much rather my congregants use a sex toy instead of have sex before they are ready.  And even more to use condoms to avoid disease and pregnancy.  The Church does not always agree with me but …”  he shrugs.  “I have two gay brothers … they don’t know that I know, but I know you know?  And I want them to be happy and safe.  A shop like your daughters helps that happen.”  he shrugs.  “Doesn’t make me the poster boy of Catholic Priests but I don’t molest children so maybe I even things out.”

Nico glances up from his thumb typing when Sadie speaks to him.  “The firehouse?”  he shrugs.  “Dunham has been out and his replacement annoys us all, but especially Reinhardt.” he glances at the back of his hand.  Three scars are visible.  “By the way, before he took leave, Dunham got a kick out of my injury.  Thanks.” The last word is a tad dry.

Sadie just continue to drink her beer polishing it off  then finishing off the last of her stew glancing up at him “oh hows he annoying ‘ she say in a slightly interested as her hand goes down to pull her phone. She glances  at it but pockets it looking back up just catching his glance to the scar ‘didnt realize it make that bit of a mark ‘ she say just as plain looking at him  directly . she did find the guy physically irresistible but she wasnt one of those girls that threw herself at a guy  unless he showed interest  which at the moment she wasnt picking up. . ‘Meepers an ass ‘ she just states ‘He got me  yesterday ‘ she  point to her  inner arm   revealing a tiny fresh scratch . she goes to stand  and point at her knees too ‘there too . she looks up at Jack ‘Sure, I suck at it but what the hell count me in for some dart . “

Jack looked at Father Liam in surprise at his forward thinking statements about sexuality. Then he laughs “You are one interesting priest Father Liam. One of my daughters is a lesbiam so believe me I’m an advocate. Tams, the cop. But she’s with a really good woman, another cop, I guess they understand one another right?” He blows out a breath “I think you have a healthy attitude.” He gestures to himself “God knows my people have been hurt by too many priests who don’t….I mean I respect all faiths, but I guess I’m a bit jaded.” He grabbed the darts for the table wanting to play and dropped them off “Knock yourselves out….just not with the darts….don’t wanna get sued..” He jokes and steps back to Liam.

Mitch power smoked about 8 feet away from the building while he scrolled through his phone and noticed a few people passing by here and there. Then he dropped the butt of his cigarette, twisted and stamped and sauntered back inside. Two beers await his return and he notices the darts and chuckles “You two wanna play? I’ll try and go easy on you..” He jokes. Mitch was actually quite good at darts. He had heard everything Nio had said before he left and just snarled about it as he hit the door. It was not a new argument between them after all. So now he downed half a beer. The darts board was to the left of the fireplace. Thirst after smoking, Mitch then downed the rest of his beer and reached for the darts with a bit of a weave, waiting on the other two.

Liam chuckles as Jack speaks.  "Than you and yes ... it sounds like they understand each other which is of course important."  he pauses and nods.  “I understand your … upset at the Church.  Believe me I do.  I won't tell you that I am not like them or anything .. actions speak far louder than words.  But .. I am just  a man, Jack.  Like you are.  Stinky shits and black marks on my record and all.”  he chuckles.  “And I have my share of black marks.”

Nico shakes his head.  “He’s Canada’s Perfect Fireman.”  he complains.  “And the perfect EMT.  The faster he gets back to Vancouver the better.  It’s only amusing because Reinhardt knows the guy and half the time his skin is as red as his hair when Mr Perfection gets sanctimonious on him.”  he notes the scar on his hand.  “I’m keloid.  A lot of Greeks are.”  He dismisses it and looks at her scars.  “Yea … that cat of yours has issues.”  his hand is still out and sars visible as Mitch returns.  It’s not impossible .. even probably that Mitch at least heard the comment about the cat.  “Yea let’s play.  I can crucify you in front of the priest.”

Jack chuckles, liking this guy already “Oh yeah me too. We’re all flawed humans. God...the Creator...whatever people call their higher power will be waiting for us in the end. So you got a place in town did you say?” He stirs the stew again to prevent sticking and notices some action around a possible darts game starting.

Mitch overhears something about Sadie’s cat from Nico and blinks slowly glancing between them. Was she letting the poor old fucker outside now? He saw the hand and the scar and a little something starts to percolate in his thick skull but it hasn’t brewed all the way yet. He snickers about the trash talk but looks a bit wary and sets his jaw a little, handing Nico the darts “Ok asshole, you get first shot. I gotta take a piss…” And he stumbles off towards the restroom.

Liam nods in agreement and answers.  "Yes.  That apartment where Water Street dead ends?  A studio in the back.  Not much for a view but that helps me to reflect.  And it’s cheap.  I take my vow of poverty very seriously, indeed.”  he quips.

Nico stands, takes the darts and moves to  the spot where darts will be thrown.  Then Mitch takes off to take a piss.  He snorts.  Typical.  Dropping the darts in front of Sadie, he only says.  “Yea … I got to drain the old eight inch myself.”  and he follows Mitch into the bathroom.

Mitch is leaning into the urinal, one hand guiding his stream rather badly down low and one hand bracing himself on the top of it. He hadn’t remembered to locked the door and hears it open “Da fuck?!” He hollars now definitely sounding drunk. He can see Nico in his peripheral coming in “Caito...I’m pissin here…..”

Nico turns to the toilet, which is on a separate wall.  “No kidding?”  he replies.  “I thought you were rubbin one out.”  he unzips and takes his cock out, aiming into the toilet.  As the stream begins, he grabs the sink with his right hand, on which in the better light of the restroom, clearly has three scars which, if you were familiar with such things, were clearly a gift from a cat.

Sadie just nods in agreement to Meepers having issues. The cat had been though hell when she had got him and was alway on the defense even against her these days . she watches the exchange between Nico and Mitch before they both leave for the toilets biting her lip and looking amused but also winces abit  “This could get interesting ‘ she say to hersel’ she say as she watches her brother and Nico both go  . she looks over to the Priest as she picks up the darts. ‘ she  wasn't a bad shot being a cop with decent marksmanship but she did fair at darts.  ‘Hey Father .. did ya wanna come spot me a round while they're out ‘ she say looks over to Liam as she wanders to the dartboard doing abit practice throws and making half decent shots . she had two beer but she was tiny so it affected her aim alot . she was tipsy .

Jack laughs at the vow of poverty comment and while the darts game and subsequent exit of the other males had ensued he had told Liam he also lived simply and the barest version of the story of his migration from Cedar Point to Alexandra mentioning the oddity of the two earthquakes. “So now it’s me and Pete runnin this place….” He head jutted at Sadie as she addressed Father Liam about darts.

Mitch snorts “You fuckin wish man…” He finishes up before Nico but the floor is a little worse for wear under the urinal. Mitch heads to the sink and sees Nico’s scarred hand “Damn….what the hell happened to your hand Caito?” He reaches over to turn on the taps and start washing his hands.

Liam had listened to Jack's story with interest.  "An associate of mine.  Giovanni Bittetto, came here to live just before that last earthquake that made you all vanish.  it was horrible and very strange.  And then one day ... poof.  You're back."  he looks over at the small woman with the darts and he takes a nice sallow of the drink Mitch had secured for him.  "Sure Officer.  I'm not great at darts. I’m more into active sports with the kids in the parish, but I’ll do my best.”  he pulls out his phone and then sets it down here Jack can see a news article.  “Read this, if you don’t mind.  It took place while you guys were gone.  Just … an offering of my sincerity.”  and then he taps his half empty glass and looks at Jack.  “Don’t let anyone slip me a roofie, eh?” and he moves to where Sadie is and looks down at her from his considerable height of 6’7”.  “Ladies first.”

Nico is still draining the snake when Mitch mentions his hand.  Still peeing, the alcohol only partially leaves his body.  “Your sister’s fucking cat.  I’m OK … she had a first aid kit under her sink, so it didn’t ruin the night.”  he replies casually, finishing up, shaking dry and tucking himself back in his jeans.  He then looks at Mitch with the barest hint of contritement.  “So …  that happened.” he doesnt out and out say I fucked your sister but Mitch can’t be THAT drunk.

Sadie  pointed to her glass ‘think ill have one more.. Then ..” she say slowly ‘then that all folk ‘ she says more loudly the beers kicking her brain in the gut . ‘ she  looks over to the Priest ‘its okay .. i'm more of  a physical being myself but.Dart is the thing of the night ‘ she says nodding her head strong ‘and damn it Dart is what we do .. side .. i'm a bit tipsy so ya have an advantage.. ‘  she goes to hold out  the other set of dart for the Father ‘itll be fun so what the fuck right ‘ she say  laughly . she look up at him ‘fuck why is everyone so much taller then me ‘ she smiles at him. She turns and looks at the dart board ‘gracias Padre.. ‘ she says squeakily more annoyed being buzzed and throws the dart.. It lands not in where she aim at the 12 but its still on the board at 9 ‘ close enough ‘ youre up next Padre  she shuffles back to let him shoot

Jack smiles and nods and then looks at Father Liam’s phone, reading with interest and then finally he mutters “Holy shit…” Father Liam was listed in solidarity actions with the Wet’suwet’en Nation’s hereditary chiefs, David Suzuki, and the Mennonite Central Committee in speaking out against the RCMP. Jack had just been wrapping his head around all the pipeline conflicts as they came out of the fog.

Mitch looks between the hand and Nico’s face as the words begin to register. “So THAT happened?” He parrots back with a stare that could bore through titanium. And then his normally soft low voice goes from zero to one hundred in volume and he yells “Motherfucker, did you FUCK my SISTER?!!!” Which would be clearly heard through the bathroom door and into the bar.

Liam steps up to the board.  "If it helps, Sadie I am the tallest in my family.  My brother michael was only 5'11" but it gave him a bit of a Napoleon complex."  he is fine.  The beers have a decent amount of system to go through.  "All right now ..."  he aims and throws and the dart hits closer to center, but far from a bullseye.  he seems happy ith the results.  He opens his mouth to say something to Sadie when he heard through the closed mens room door 'Motherfucker, did you FUCK my SISTER?!’ and then takes in a breath, letting it out in a sigh.  “Oh … my…”  he glances at Jack, sure he heard it too.  His closet brother probably heard that yell.

Nico sighs.  He knew that this was going to be awkward.  Raising his hands, he tries to explain himself.  “I’ve been avoiding it for YEARS.  You KNOW that.”  and he had.  “But when I heard how she could squeak from a buddy, I had to find out for myself, that’s all.  Curiosity, Mitch.  Come on, you know your sister.  She likes fireman hose.”  he shrugs.  “If it helps she lost me with a kiss.”  he shakes his head.  “I mean it was a decent fu … time … but not the best and not worth our friendship.”  he hopes his concerted effort not to swear or be crass helps, because his friendship meant more than pussy.

Sadie  picks the last of her bread as she watches the Father then goes to eat. She smiles as he nails his shot.  She watches looking at him as he appears to start talk and  cough hard as the bread goes down hard, nearly choking . she attempts to cough it up  as she looks at the mens bathroom .  she manages through the coughs ‘the motherfucker .. ‘ she says in a wheezy voice .

Jack looks up from the phone, hearing the yelling in the men’s room and steps out from behind the bar “Oh come on….not tonight…” He mutters. He glances at Sadie and Father Liam. Well they were a seasoned barkeep, a cop and a priest, Aside from possibly being the start to a cliche joke….Jack sighed and braced himself in case he had to intervene. He was never much of a fighter himself but he could often talk people down.

A gasket blew inside Mitch’s brain. Nico fucked her over her squeak…..on the advice of some asshole who had done the same? Was his little sister just locker room fodder for notches in all their bedposts? He grabbed for Nico’s shirt and if he got hold of it and could manage it he would slam Nico back into the bathroom door so hard it could fly open from the force “You fucking BASTARD…….MY FUCKING SISTER…” He wailed at him pushing the whole force of his solid frame into the attack.

Liam purses his lips and moves a little closer to the bar, glancing at Jack.  “I’ve kept a couple of young men from throwing away their lives … if you need a little … help with one of these boys.”  He was tall and fit.  Not muscle bound but in shape.  If people could get over his being a priest … and that was not something just anyone could do …  they found he missed his calling as a bouncer, perhaps.

Nico isn’t really surprised when he is grabbed and actually a little impressed when Mitch slams him through a closed door.  Faintly he heard the crack of the wooden frame’s protest and breaking as no one used the knob this time.  He’s half drunk, and being an honest drunk, he tries to placate his friend.  “I used a CONDOM!  Calm DOWN, Mitch!”  he stumbles backwards and nearly trips on the chair Sadie had vacated.

Sadie finally after several coughs clear her throat but had a wheezy and very squeaky voice ‘Fuck it Mitch. ‘ she screeche ‘both of you  stop already ‘ her protests very aggressively ‘ its my fuckin night off  ..  Im a grown ass woman.. And can fuck or make love or whatever to whom i deem worthy . she looks at her brother ‘i appreciate the chivalry and coming to my defense ,, really mitch but Its okay … it happen move on , turn page .. next chapter . ‘she seems embolden .sadie wasnt one to ever back down from what she believe in ‘its fucking 2020 woman can do that now .. ‘ she stand puffing her little chest out . ‘even your little sister Mitch . she say looking back and forth to Nico and Mitch . ‘ she was drunk so her rant was abit more strong then she would have done on the job . ‘

Jack nods at Father Liam appreciatively and hears Sadie trying to talk some sense into her hotheaded brother. He decides to try and talk to Nico thinking maybe they can be separated. He’s not really close enough to do anything physically but he holds up a hand at the fireman “Just step back Nico…..back it up….let him calm….”

Between Nico’s condom ranting and Sadie’s talking about fucking who she wants and the 5 beers Mitch is now just blindy rabid. He completely tunes out Jack and the tall man. He looks between Sadie and Nico incredulously and lunges at Nico throwing a full right hook towards the side of his still wagging jaw. If he lands the punch, he’ll wind up again and try to throw another more towards the nose on the second.

Nico hears Sadie and would have laughed had the situation not been so dire.  What Mitch’s sister was depended on who was looking at what.  He’d already known that she was in the same position as he, Sam and Gareth within their departments, yet he, Sam and Gareth were men.  The lack of morals as treated differently for them.  It wasn’t fair, it was just the reality of their times.  Maybe in another half or full century things would change.  But currently, he was in a precarious situation.  His friend meant far, far more than a piece of ass and he listened to Jack, backing up a step.  However, by the time he began, Mitch was throwing a punch and it landed.  Nico was swung half around and into the fireplace mantel.  He grabbed on and took a minute to collect himself before he stood and turned to face Mitch.  “I can’t change it, Mitch.  It was a mistake and I’m sorry.”

Liam sees it all quickly and he acts, as Jack is behind him.  The punch is sung and landed, but Liam, moving fast gets behind Mitch, quickly and efficiently putting him in a solid hold, using his superior height to his advantage.  “That’s enough, son.”  his voice at priestly levels of calm.  “Go on home and sleep it off.  No need to lose a friend tonight.” and he begins to herd Mitch to the door.

Sadie winces shake her head ‘Mitch says softer gain back her sense from the drink ‘ she goes closer to him but keeps her distance trying looking up at him with her soft eyes brothers can't resist after all this ‘ You and Nico are friends .. Padre is right  . There's no harm done with what went on with me and him.. ‘ she said softly  and calmly ‘I meant to say.. .  Before the beer did my talking .‘I have to make a life for myself and I'm happy in it . you know me . I wouldn't just  let anyone take advantage of me. Like I let  that  happen.  I know you're just looking out for me .. and i'm very very appreciative of it ‘she is still assertive but takes the softer approach ‘i know you've done your best to make sure I don't let anyone use me  and no one has ‘ she say softly  as she tries to get his attention  “you taught me what it is to be strong  and independent now please big brother let me be that .. ‘ she smiles at him as she attempt to soothe him  . the action had stifled abit of her buzz and she was thinking clearer ‘i shouldnt just blurt it out like that and made you feel you had to come to my honor… but thanks anyways .Mitch ‘ he knew she was less leveledhead  and prone to say stupid shit when drunk “nico is right… its not worth losing a friend over it all .. ‘ she say softly

Jack looks shocked but then incredibly relieved when Father Liam takes charge and puts Mitch in a headlock. Who was this gentle giant who could take on burly bar dudes? He walked the distance around them towards Nico to see if he was alright.

Mitch is completely taken by surprise as the tall stranger grabs him in a highly effective headlock. “Fuck me…” he mutters, struggling at first but to no avail as he gets herded. He hears Nico’s words of apology and then Sadie starts talking. Mitch goes silent and still. On some level he knew he was out of order but it was buried deep between layers of his own ideologies and blurred by booze. He didn’t hate Nico. He hated what he’d done. He couldn’t hate Sadie. He loved her. In his mind she was innocent, a pawn among pigs, but he knew she didn’t see it that way. He couldn’t get into it right now with the hold and with the muddle of his head so he just addressed the man holding him “K fuck I’m done...let go….”

Liam is all calm in voice and manner .. for having another man in a headlock.  After getting the door open, he gently shoves Mitch out of it.  "Good night and God bless."  are his parting words as he closes the door of Statutes with him on the inside and Mitch on the outside.  He stands there for a while, to make sure Mitch doesn't try and reenter the fray, then heads towards the fireplace to make sure the other man isn't too badly damaged.

Niko straightens half hearing Sadie’s words as the priest herds Mitch out of the building.  He rubs at his chin and blows out a breath.  Sadie as a woman and it appeared she didn’t understand men like him and others like him.  But he isn't worried about that and rolls his shoulders.  “Gimmie a whiskey, Jack.  Don’t care.  Bushnell or Jamieson.  Whicher pours fastest.  He moves to the bar and sets his card on it.  “And settle up my tab.”

Sadie just watched her brother feeling bad but she was just living her life . She wasn't ashamed at her action with Nico but felt bad that this is why Mitch had to open his eyes to her being a woman .  she knew in his eyes , she was alway going to be some kid sister  . She looks down, stretching at her fresh tended to meepers scratches and remembers the times she was rough housing with the neighborhood kids. He tried to bandage her and then she being independent even at a young age would protest .   She looks at the priest ‘thanks father . she says softly appreciating his kind word and bit less peppy due to the alcohol and action taking a toll on her . “i'll settle my tab, Jack. she says as she approaches the bar, keep a careful and polite distance from Nico. She wasn't afraid or ashamed of what they did but more sorry for the effect they had cause on Mitch . She pulls out her phone and texts Mitch  still looking up a bit at Nico  ‘you know he cares about your friendship alot . He's just being a big brother . i know it'll work out  ‘ she say apologetically and looks sincerely  as she put down her card to pay still texting

Mouser: sorry i pulled you into all this ,don't be mad a nico.. Love you bunches and give mel and the baby my love.. Call when you're up to  love Mouse

Jack just watches Liam handle Mitch with poise and grace. He even blessed the man which made Jack guffaw as he nodded to Nico and Sadie and went to tally and print their bills, He came around with the whiskey and his portable debit machine to Nico first “$21.20. The whiskey’s on me. You ok Nico?” He would make his way to Sadie after and settle hers up too, thanking her for playing her brother’s tab.

Nico snorts and takes the whiskey, finishing it in literally 2 seconds.  "Yea.  I'm good Jack.  Lesson learned, right."  he blows out a breath and turns to Liam.  "Thank you, Father.  I didn't want to fight him.  I really didn't.  Not over nothing.  Not over a woman."  he blows out a breath not even aware Sadie was there and would hear him.  He takes his card and heads for the door.  "Night Jack."  and he's gone.

Liam looked around at all of the patrons and returned to his beer, downing it.  “Jack, it’s been a wonderful evening, but I really have to go.  You take care and maybe I’ll see you around.” he pays up and heads out into the night where it has begun to rain.

Mitch gets shoved out and looks at the closed door in front of him for a full minute before taking out his pack of Players and lighting up. He takes a deep drag and blows it out at the door and at the man on the other side who chucked him out “Fucker…” He whispers and then turns to walk home. About a block away he feels his phone vibrate and takes it out, seeing Sadie’s text. He doesn’t answer it but looks sadly at it “Little Mouse…” he says quietly, his voice back to it’s low soft register. “You don’t have to squeak for any of these motherfuckers….”. It begins to rain.  He butts out his cigarette and walks the rest of the way home with the rain doing it’s best to cleanse him of his righteous anger.