Chapter Text
Collapsing onto the HomeHunter couch, Elena sighed, waving a makeshift newspaper into her face. “It was terrible… Oh my god, had I moved more than an inch or two, it would have…” she said excitedly, the after-adrenaline and horror finally jetting through her veins over her an hour or two later.
It was nearly noon, the majority of the children dressed, washed and in their normal attire. Breakfast was long since already served, but Jack was quickly fixing another plate for Elena, hoping to ease her discomfort. The house was cleaned up from the previous evening’s slumber party in a combined effort of the children, and the gifts had been put away in their proper places.
Kerry was by her side, grasping her hand tightly. “Mom, it’s ok… You’re ok! Everything will be fine! I know it’s scary, but it’s over!” he exclaims supportingly.
Sitting down next to her, Jack hands her a glass of orange juice. “So what happened? Did the police tell you anything? What happened?” he asked curiously.
She nodded, taking a long gulp of the beverage. “The police said the man had a stroke. Some horrible freak accident that ran him through the red light. That poor man’s family…. On Christmas, of all days…” Elena stuttered. Shaking her thoughts away, he took another long drink. “I don’t want to talk about it right now, sorry. Where’s Griffy? Shouldn’t they have gotten back by now?” she asked, looking around the room expectantly.
Jack smirked, patting her on the leg. “Geoff called about an hour ago. They’re on their way back, should be here before the big family lunch.” he replied.
Turning to his mother, Kerry tilted his head. “Griffy? As in… Geoff’s Griffy?!” he loudly retorted, opening his eyes wider. “The Griffy he’s been waiting YEARS to see?”
Elena nodded. “That’s right sweetheart! She came back last night while you guys were asleep, and they left early this morning to go talk. I-” she starts, stopping as her son dives off the couch and digging into a nearby desk drawer. “Kerry, what are you doing?” she asked oddly.
Popping his head up from the table, he begins scribbling into a spiral notebook he’d pulled from teh desk. “Are you kidding me?! I’m writing this stuff down! JACK! Where were they going to eat? What’d they say last night? Have they kissed yet? I NEED DETAILS MAN! DETAILS!” he shouts loudly, looking at them with a near frothing appearance.
Jack and Elena turn to each other, sharing an equally confused expression.
________________
Virtually nothing was open on Christmas Day, and the downpour of rain made it all the more ghostly. Walking along the streets of Austin under a shared umbrella for half an hour, Geoff and Griffon finally managed to come across a small cafe that was still open. Ran by a brunette with a funny English accent, he’d served them coffee and let them be. The cafe was otherwise empty, rain gently pouring with a pitter-pattter against the concrete streets. They had taken a seat inside nearly two hours ago, Griffon speaking the entire time to a silent Geoff, him taking everything in.
"And then… I guess things got a little fuzzy, but I remember that Burnie bought me a ticket. I left it at home by accident though, so I had to run all the way back to my apartment. Ran late to the plane, so I had to catch a later flight. I was lucky to get on the plane I did. Wouldn’t have made it otherwise…" she explained, huddling in Geoff’s borrowed clothes and jacket for warmth. "So… That’s how I got here, and where I’ve been." she finished, taking a long drink of her coffee.
Geoff smirked. “So Burnie… All these years he… He knew where you were…” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Griffon shot her head up. “No. Don’t blame him Geoff. He wanted from DAY ONE for me just to try and talk this out. He’s tried to get me back out here for years. It’s because of him that I’m here today.” she retorted fiercely.
He shook his hands defensively. “Nah, I’m not mad at him. Just surprised a loudmouth like him kept a secret for so damn long.” Geoff chuckled.
Smiling, Griffon took another long sip of her coffee, letting the warmth flow through her veins. “Me too… Me too…” she muttered in a lighthearted tone.
They sat in silence, awkwardly fidgeting in their seats.
"Griffy… There’s something I want to say to you." he says, looking up into her face sternly.
She shifts in her seat, biting the bottom of her lip.
Geoff’s stern expression melts, turning into a bright smile. “I’m sorry. For everything I put you through.” he says, shaking his head in self-disgust.
Her face raised up. “Geoff…” Griffon muttered.
"I was selfish. All I ever thought about was myself. I never thought about how my actions affected you. All I could think was how bad I hurt because you left. I never once thought… About how you felt. Not until… Not until I had my kids." Geoff said, gripping his mug tightly. "It hurt me when I saw Ryan not care about himself, feeling like he was worthless. It killed me knowing that Gavin wouldn’t talk because he was scared it hurt people. Seeing Michael hurt himself and others because he couldn’t express how hurt he actually was. Then Ray never telling anyone how he felt, because he didn’t want to get left behind again. Finally… Miles. I saw a smart kid nearly give up on himself because of what his father was doing." he said painfully, closing his eyes. "I wanted to help them Griffy. I wanted to make all the bad things go away, and just MAKE them happy and smile through all the hurt. But I couldn’t. Not until… Not until they helped themselves first, and learned to let people in." Geoff explained, sighing loudly.
Griffon blinked, watching him breathe in and out slowly.
Re-opening his eyes, Geoff stared at her with a pained expression. “I’m sorry Griffy. I sorry I never let you in.” he choked out, grabbing her hand and holding it tightly. “But thank you… For what you did. Because you left and sacrificed your own life, I had to face myself for the first time. It was a hard battle that took me years to get through, but one that I…” he muttered, gripping her hand tenderly. “I became a man because of. I grew up, and realized that I had to make my own happiness, not just expect it to happen on its own. So everything I have today is because of you. You… You gave me my life.” Geoff finished, grinning dorkily.
Gripping his hand back, Griffon smiled. “And that’s… That all I wanted. I wanted you to live a life. Not just have you blow through it and ruin everything because of how you felt for me, or because of your past. And you did… You did Geoff… And I-” she said, wiping tears from her face.
Their waiter returned, placing a large cheesecake between them and re-filling their cups. With a warm smile, he adjusted the bow-tie around his neck, patting a few wrinkles out of his bartender-like outfit. “Isaac” was written on his name-tag. “Happy Holidays. It seems as though you’re our only guests today, and this lovely cake will ruin by tomorrow. Please, share it between each other, on the house. You two lovebirds look like you could use it.” he winked, with a light British tone. He places a knife into the cake, handing two plates in front of their bodies. “An old saying my fiance used to tell me was that any argument or heartache can be solved with patience, love, understanding, and a large helping of chocolate. Hopefully it will work for you as well.” Isaac says, chuckling lightly to himself.
He walked away without another word, the two of them speechless from his act of kindness. “Thanks man!” Geoff said, waving playfully to him.
Griffon smiled widely, laughing off her earlier tears. “Chocolate cheesecake. My favorite!” she exclaimed, cutting into it immediately and serving herself a large portion. She does the same for Geoff, placing an equally large portion on his.
Grabbing his fork, Geoff spikes a large chunk of the cake, throwing it into his mouth and chewing quietly.
"Geoff… I know this is selfish to ask with everything going on in your life, but… It’s why I’m here, it’s what I want, and I’m just going to come out and ask it." Griffon muttered, dicing her slice into bite-sized pieces.
He swallows loudly, returning his gaze to her.
She spears a piece onto her fork, raising it close to her face. “Do you… Think that we could… Ever be… Together again?” Griffon asked, popping the bite into her mouth.
Thunder boomed loudly, reverberating in the cafe.
Geoff looked away from her. “Griffy.. There is nothing else in this world that I’d rather do then take you home, introduce you to the kids, and us two start dating. Start right back up where we left off.” he muttered quietly.
She turned away as well. “I hear a but coming on.” Griffon admitted painfully.
"BUT… I’m a full time dad with five kids that need me to be there for them. I have a baby company that’s just barely getting off its feet. My only free time is when the kids are at school, and I don’t have any outstanding bookkeeping or budgeting to do. Which is… Never." Geoff said, turning back to look at her. "And… I’m happy with the way things are right now. I’m doing what I want in life, and love being a dad. I’ve never felt anything more rewarding in my life." he explained, gripping fiddling with his cake, mashing it around.
Griffon smiled. “You know… I like my life too. Voice acting, art, sculpting… It’s great.” she said reluctantly. “I guess I just hoped that you and I could-“
"BUT…" Geoff said, smirking. "That doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you. Griffy… I love you. I’ve never stopped loving you. I’m just letting you know what to expect in all of this. Not many women would find a thirty something male with no free time and chained down with a lot of responsibilities, very attractive. I’m not going to change who I am, or how I spend time with my kids and work. But if you’re ok with that, then I’d-"
She shushes him immediately, cutting him off mid-sentence with a finger crossing his lips. Her face is cracking with a bright smile. “You are such an asshole, you little prick! I thought you were about to kiss me off!” Griffon says, slapping his face playfully.
His face relaxes. “So you’re.. Ok with this?…” Geoff stuttered.
Griffon nodded. “Yeah. I am.” she finishes for him, returning back to her cheesecake. “So Geoff, you’ve heard my life the last few years! Let’s hear about yours! What happened after I left?” she asked, staring into his eyes plainly.
Geoff returned to his own mashed mess, scooping a large helping into his mouth. “Well, I ran away from the orphanage that night. The first step on the whirling tornado of dumb decisions…” he started, conversing with Griffon at length.
-
Far across the cafe, behind the register, Isaac grinned. “Finally. That just makes everything far more easi-” he cuts himself off mid-thought, watching an older teenager walk inside the cafe. In a dark black trench-coat and with dark brown hair, he stands inside for only a moment or two, watching Geoff and Griffon intently. “Can I help you?” Isaac asked.
The strange teen doesn’t acknowledge Isaac, instead shaking in a peculiar form of rage.
"Sir?!" Isaac says once more, the teen swinging back around and facing him with light green eyes. Recognition causes Isaac to stiffen. "You… You’re a…" he murmurs quietly, staring darkly at the boy.
Without another word, the strange teen exits the cafe, still staring firmly at Geoff and Griffon.
Isaac doesn’t take his eyes of the boy, squinting hard as he looks into the depths of the boy’s soul. Within a few moments, he gasped. “You’re a fade.” he whispered quietly, shooting his gaze back to Geoff and Griffon. Looking over them from a distance, he stares deeply into Griffon’s eyes, seeing a cloudy mix of black tendrils unknowingly grasping at her mind.
"No wonder you couldn’t make up your mind. I’m amazed you made it out here at all…" Isaac muttered angrily. With a single snap of his fingers, the black form in her eyes disappears, dissolving into thin air.
As they evaporated, Griffon’s face regained a tinge of color, speaking more openly with Geoff, and laughter returning to her voice.
"Who are you?" Isaac thought, recalling the teenage fade’s face curiously.
___________________________
Barbara’s home lacked the Christmas festivities of her other friends’s houses. Without time to dedicate, she’d more or less just skipped Christmas that year.
Fresh from the shower, she was in a fluffy bathrobe stretched out on the couch. In her lap was a photo album, flipping through the pages. On each page was photos of Barbara and her many “children” she’d helped over the years. A before and after photograph, from when she’d first met them and when they’d left her care at eighteen. She grabbed a glass of juice from her table, downing it quickly.
"Off in la-la land Barbie?" Gus asked, unlocking the door from the front and entering her home with a key he had from house-sitting during her vacations. He was in a business suit, carrying a large briefcase. "I’ve been knocking for the last five minutes! What’s up with you?" he asked incredulously, walking into her living room.
She rolled her eyes, tightening the drawstring around her robe. “Oh, just walking down memory lane. What brings you all the way out here? I thought you and Esther were heading back to Dallas for your family’s Christmas tonight?” Barbara asked, setting the photo album on the table and turning her attention back to him. ”More importantly, why are you in the monkey suit?” she asked curiously, giving him an odd look.
He nodded. “Yeah, heading that way. Had a little early morning meeting with our state senator, hence the outfit from hell. Was more than eager to have me paraded around at some Christmas charity function to praise him for his support of the HomeHunter project. I’ve never in my life seen more stuffed shirts in one place. Jesus Christ, it was painful. Actually, that’s why I’m here. I know you’re heading over to Geoff’s, and I hoped you’d give this to him and save me a trip.” Gus shot out, slumping back into the chair and slamming his briefcase on her coffee table.
Barbara sat up more straight, giving him a quizzical expression. “What’s that?” she asked.
Gus removed his tie, stuffing it into his pocket. “Like I said, talked to our Senator for the better part of three hours. Gave him a little earful about the HomeHunters progress, since our capital rep is a toddering old asshole. Did it while I was in front of his other political buddies too. Needless to say… They’re VERY interested in our program now that it’s working out so well. Especially this new business dude named… Lewie? I forget…” he said with a gigantic grin.
Sorting through the papers, her jaw drops. “You did NOT!” Barbara exclaims.
With a thumbs up, Gus winked at her. “Approval for HH3, HH4 and HH5. 2 two kid homes, and 1 one kid home. Typical foster funding for the kids on the government side, we have to come up with the rest, like on HH2. Geoff needs my approval on the form, and I have to see the budget before you can start buying house, but it’s not a big hurdle from what I understand by a recent donation spike.” he said, nodding knowingly. He stretched out, crossing his legs in a smug manner. “Bypassed half our usual bureaucratic shit in three hours. No applause, please. Just tell Geoff I like my appreciation in the form of a 24 pack and a free pizza. Triple meat.” he laughs smugly.
Shooting her hands up, she cheered. “Whee! This is wonderful! GUS! Oh my god, you brown nosing ass kissing god, I love you!” Barbara yelled, running off the couch and hugging him tightly.
With a false modesty, Gus pushes her off him gently, standing up and removing his jacket, hanging it off his arm. “Yeah well, I’m the Director. It’s my job to make sure you idiots get everything you need. And if you’ll excuse me on making this visit short, I’ve got my wife and two yapping dogs waiting back home for me to get going on our trip. Merry Christmas Barbie. Have fun with the HomeHunters for me and give them my regards!” he said happily. Gus picks back up his briefcase, making his way out of the home.
Barbara escorts him out, and the two exchange pleasant goodbyes as he leaves. She locks her door back, returning to the couch she’d been sat upon before. Touching the papers Gus had left behind, a pained expression covers her face. She flips through the photo album, to the very last page. A small boy with dark brown hair was cradled in her arms, burying his face into her chest and hiding from the camera. Dating themselves a bit, Geoff, Jack and Carter were standing beside her, comforting the child with kind smiles, and a much more youthful appearance. Unlike the other photos in the album, there was no “after” picture, and a pressed white lily was taped to it.
"I just wish we’d done all this sooner. Or had more than just a few homes… I know so many kids that could sure use it. Or… Who could have really used it." she said painfully, gently stroking the photograph with longing eyes.
___________________________
Ray was caught up in his room, playing video games by himself while the others watched Christmas movies in the living room, waiting for Geoff and Griffon to return. Beside him was Kerry, busily writing in a notebook full of notes about Ray.
"Anything else you wanna add? I really don’t have much to write about you buddy…" Kerry said pleadingly.
He shrugged. “I don’t know anything else! Mommy never talked about daddy much, and I don’t remember all the places we went… Um….” Ray paused, tapping the buttons on his controllers wildly. “OH! You can talk about me and Gavin playing X-Ray and Vav! We’re superheros, but just pretend!” he replied eagerly. He didn’t take his eyes of the screen, but had a bright smile covering his face. “We saved Joe the neighborhood cat from a tree! Stopped the mad scientist Ryan! And we tried to saved Prince Michael from the Evil Queen Lindsay!” Ray said excitedly.
Kerry scribbled down on the pages quickly. “That’s great! What happened then?” he asked kindly.
Ray paused the game for a moment, turning around to look at Kerry face-to-face. “Well Mr. Joe the Cat was stuck up WAY high in a tree! So it was up to me and Vav to save him! We got a ladder and Michael helped up climb ALL the way up there. But then Mogar the Meanie let go of the ladder and Joe jumped off the tree. Daddy had to come rescue us, and he wasn’t very happy…” he muttered embarrassingly.
Writing at light speed, Kerry nodded quickly. “What about The Mad Scientist Ryan?!” he asked, a grin covering his face.
Ray folded his arms. “The Mad Scientist Ryan KIDNAPPED EDGAR! And his evil henchman Miles the Butler tried to stop us, but me, Vav and Mogar ran in and beat em all up real good!” he said proudly, animating the scene with punches and kicks into the air.
Kerry laughed. “Ok.. ok… Now what about the EVIL QUEEN LINDSAY? Did you guys beat her up too and save Prince Michael?” he asked in a playfully dark tone.
Becoming white as a sheet, Ray turns back around to his game, unpausing it and playing once more. He says nothing.
Prodding him with his pen, Kerry tilts his head curiously. “Uh… Ray?” he questioned, with a hesitant voice.
"We do not talk about those dark times…" he murmurs mysteriously, in a haunting tone.
Kerry looks at him incredulously.
Blushing, Ray turned away. “I said we TRIED to save Prince Michael.” he utters in a final tone of voice.
-
Sitting on the bed behind the boys undetected, Mishi smiled, watching them both display passion for their respective hobbies. A passion she’d once had for the arts, which creates a painful ache in her chest. She clutches her heart, sighing loudly, remembering the beautiful flowers she’d once been able to create.
Ray hops on the bed, re-gaining her attention. “OH! And one time, Miles and I played a video game all night long till Daddy walked in the living room Sunday morning! He wasn’t happy we stayed up all night, and said were in big trouble! We had to go to bed right then and not play video games the rest of the whole day… But it was ok, cuz we beat the game and promised not to do it again unless we asked first…” Ray explained, still completely focused on his game. Though his face was lighter, fondly smiling.
Kerry laughed at the comment, making several long swiping motions with his pencil. “That’ll be fun to write. You guys NEVER get into trouble, so it’ll make it more realistic! Any other times you guys got into trouble?” he spouts, looking at him mischievously.
Ray rubs his head, his eyes watering. “There was the time Michael and Gavin help me cut my hair in the summer…” he said, frowning at the painful memory.
Mishi chuckled to herself, remembering the hairstyle in vivid detail. The pain in her chest lessened a bit, and she took a deep breath, remembering her mission. “I gift unto you both the power to pursue your passions to their fullest. That you might pursue your dreams with a fervent heat, never faltering in your dedication to improving your crafts however different they may be.” she muttered, touching their backs gently. In a quick rush, the heat from her body vacates quickly, leaving an empty hole in her chest once more. She collapses onto the bed, falling back onto the pillows, a dizzy sensation overwhelming her.
As if a spark of light hit his eyes, Kerry popped his head up. “So Ray, what makes you like video games so much? Did your Mommy buy you any before? I don’t think I’d ever thought about that…” Kerry asked, flipping to an empty page.
Ray shrugged, his character on screen doing near-impossible feats of combat. “I dunno. They’re fun! I get to be heroes and save the day! Mommy never bought me games, but we went to places like Chuck E. Cheeses and played on the machines there. I played my first video game with Daddy and Ryan and my brothers, and then Miles came and brought me bunches of em’! And then Gavin likes to watch me play them too, so it’s like fun to hang out with him too! Everyone loves video games here, and I’m real good at em’, so that makes em’ like me better!” he said happily.
In a new fervor, Kerry scribbled in a much more precise shorthand. “That’s good! That’s real good!” he exclaimed. “What’s your favorite game to play?” he asked rapidly.
Mishi rose from the bed, composing herself slowly as the two continued to go back and forth, discussing material for Kerry’s book. Ray continued playing his game, blasting through a level at a breakneck pace, eyes intensely focused on it, gripping the controller far more tightly than normal. Kerry was filling entire pages of notes, making semi-outlines and circular references for future chapters.
She softly laughed to herself. “I may have created a few monsters…” Mishi said.
_____________________________
Ryan walked alongside Miles under their own individuals umbrellas in their local neighborhood. Wearing their new leather coats from the previous evening, they were warm in the winter’s cold. Due to the rain, they’d agreed to walking Edgar for Michael, and waited patiently as the dog sniffed in every possible location, never deciding on the right place to do its business.
But as they talked and talked, an hour soon passed, making another lap around the area. Ryan had done most of it, the discussion somehow being directed into his past.
"So then my dad sort of… Lost it. I mean, more than usual. When he was high, he was insane, obviously, but that one time… Jesus… He tried to eat the wall plaster, thinking it was pancakes. Took me a week to get that out of his system. In more ways than one." Ryan says, sighing loudly.
Miles shook his head. “My god…” he muttered.
He rolled his eyes. “And that’s why I will never drink, do drugs, or otherwise inebriate myself. I can’t understand why people would DO THAT to themselves. Fucking hell… Honestly, that was the week where I ALMOST told my teacher. I was done. Done with ALL of it. The only thing that stopped me was mom. Because she… She’d gone a week without drugs, and I stupidly thought it meant she was getting better… And I didn’t want her going to jail.” Ryan explained, stopping as Edgar sniffed a nearby flower bed.
Turning to face his brother, Miles stared at him firmly. “Have you… Talked to them since you moved here? How are they doing?” he asked hesitantly.
Ryan shrugged. “Dunno. Don’t really want to talk to them, honestly. Dad said Mom got moved out of ICU and into the regular prison. She’ll be out in a few years, but won’t have any custodial rights over me anymore. HomeHunter law 101, thank god… Probably won’t see her again, to be honest. Then my bio-dad shived a guard in prison. He won’t be out until I’m like thirty now.” he said, rubbing Edgar’s head as he finishes his business.
With a distraught look, Miles pulled Ryan into a hug. “Dude… Sorry. That’s just…” he muttered.
Shaking his head, Ryan laughed it off. “What? Don’t feel sorry for me. It’s over now. The worst is behind me, and I’ve got nothing but sunshine and rainbows to look forward to now!” he replied.
Thunder boomed overhead, rain pouring down harder than ever.
"Oh fuck you mother nature! You’re not THAT funny!" Miles shot out to the sky, the two of them laughing together.
-
Edgar walks slowly behind his grandson and his new brother. They didn’t notice him, or his veiled presence.
"So man, next semester… How you wanna tell people you’re my brother now?" Ryan asked, turning back to Miles on the home stretch back to their house.
Miles shrugged. “Dunno. I say we just don’t say anything. They’ll hear my name on roll call. If they wanna know, they can ask. I’m not ashamed of the truth anymore. I’ve got THE MOST kickass dad in the whole damn school.” he exclaimed loudly.
Ryan laughed. “Yeah man. JJ’s jealous as dicks. He always wants to come over nowadays.” he chucked out.
A gentle smile covered Edgar’s face as he touched both of their shoulders. “May you both be blessed with the gift of a warm heart that melts the coldness of those who know sorrow. With a desire to bring smiles and laughter to the world, and light to those nearest to you. May you be a beacon in the night, guiding those that need it most…” he says, as warmth flows from his body and into theirs. He begins to fall, Margaret catching him before his frail body strikes the ground.
"You ok?" she asked hastily.
He nodded. “Fine… Just fine… A little… Winded, of course.” Edgar muttered, standing alongside her. “How did… It go for Lindsay and her sister?” he asked, trying to regain his composure.
Magaret smiled. “Just fine. They’ll have compassion and love for others greater than anyone else in the world. But don’t worry about me. What about you? Edgar… You still with us?” she worriedly questioned, laying him down gently on the nearby grass.
Edgar groaned, rubbing his forehead. “Headache… Get me somewhere with tea, if you don’t mind? Somewhere… Quiet?” he muttered painfully.
Granting his request, Margaret and Edgar dissipated into the air, leaving behind the two older Ramseys to return home in peace.
_____________________________
Monty stood in the corner of the house, watching the children interact, taking down notes alongside a few cute sketches. He smiled, watching as little Gavin beamed giddily.
"Thank you Michael!" Gavin shouted, hugging his brother tightly around the neck. In his hand was Michael’s old DS, with a new label reading "Gavin" taped on it..
Michael pushed him off effortlessly, blushing as they sat together on the couch. “It’s not a big deal Gavin! I don’t like Infernape. I’d rather have your… Bidoof.” he muttered insincerely, staring down at his new DS, with a goofy looking beaver staring back at him.
Sitting upside down by them, Dan groaned loudly. “I’m so booooored! I wanna go outside and play!” he whined, kicking his feet in the air like a bicycle.
Across from them on the other couch, Ryan snapped a picture of the three together discreetly. “Don’t worry buddy. Every storm runs out of rain. Eventually anyway… Always does. It’s science!” he said confidently.
Kerry and Elena, in the floor playing with Edgar and a small squeak toy, nodded in agreement. “Relax. Enjoy the quiet!” Kerry said, tossing the dog’s toy to his mother, playing a game of keep-away.
Hopping off the couch, Dan huffs loudly walking circles around the couches, pacing restlessly. “Meeeeehhhhhh” he groaned.
Jack chuckled. “Oh… It’s not that bad Dan. You need a hobby like the other boys. It’ll make the time go faster!” he said loudly from the kitchen.
Gavin nodded. “Yeah Dan! You wanna play Pokemonz? I’ll let you have a turn!” he said kindly, offering his DS eagerly.
He shook his head. “No thanks Gavin. Can we go play on your keyboard and you sing though? That’s fun!” Dan suggested quickly.
Looking towards Jack’s direction, he gives his father a longing expression. “Can I Daddy? I’ll be REAL careful, I know it was expensive!” he exclaimed loudly, in a pleading voice.
Jack nodded immediately. “Of course Gavin! Have fun!” he said quickly, still tending to the afternoon lunch cooking in their home.
Cameron shot up from the dining table, walking with the eagerly running boys. “Hey, I can teach you a little something Isaac showed me a long time ago! How bout twinkle twinkle little star?! We’ll see if you can pick that up!” he said supportingly, joining the two in the hallway.
A sly grin covered Monty’s face, finishing up a small doodle of Gavin, in a modified and re-colored version of his Halloween costume, holding a unique fluret with musical notes lining the length of the blade. Standing defensively in front of the child was a ferocious looking version of Michael, covered in barbarian like-furs, fauna-like bear ears atop his head, and a gigantic sword the length of his body. General sketched outlines of two others were with them, though lacked any definable features.
"Wish my brother had been that nice to me… Or parents who were that supportive of my hobbies and dreams. Or just… Had love in general, I guess." he thinks to himself, shutting the sketchbook and standing up. He stretches, plopping the book down on the coffee table.
"What’s that?" Miles asked, scanning the cover as he took a seat next to where Monty had been.
Monty shrugged. “Nothing yet. Just an idea I’ve been having lately. Mostly just a lot of art and sketches, no real story for it. Maybe a project in the future, but it’s just wishful thinking right now. Burnie’s got me tied up in projects for the next couple of years…” he muttered quietly. Returning to his seat next to Miles, he turned to the boy. “So what have you been up to lately? Besides, you know, taking charge of your future and ensuring your happiness with this family?” he asks proudly, patting Miles’s shoulder.
Barely blushing from the touch, he cleared his throat. “Uh… Well, me and some guys started a website for video game walkthroughs. Called it Achievement Hunters. We’ve got a lot of viewers, and we’re gonna try and start doing video segments. I’m learning about web stuff from my friend JJ, and I’m trying to learn video editing too.” he explained, animating his hands excitedly as he spoke.
Monty sat and spoke with the boy, listening intently as Miles’s passion shone through, warming his own heart.
________________
The cafe which Isaac had procured for Geoff and Griffon’s was closed down almost immediately after they left. Inside, the group of fades sat among each other, with the exception of Mishi, who was watching over the home.
"You’re sure?" Magaret asked hastily, sitting her coffee cup down.
Isaac nodded. “Positive. It’s him. The Fade who’d been messing with the kids and the adults. Got a good look at him too. Apparently he was dumbfounded that his little cloud of doubt failed to stop Griffon from returning, and let his guard down. If he gets close, I can track him.” he explained, pulling off his bow-tie and stuffing it into his pocket angrily.
Laying down in a booth, Edgar removed a wet washcloth from his forehead. “Is he familiar in any way? A relation to one of the parents? I just don’t see why anyone would want to hurt them in the first place, let alone try and-
"He wants to stop the HomeHunters from succeeding as a social project. It’s the only thing that makes sense." Allison replies sternly.
The group turn to her, facing her with incredulous expressions.
Allison sighs. “Just listen. Let’s review what he’s done thus far. Gave my Michael nightmares, to the point where he was nearly a comatose zombie. Pushed Ryan into the hallway, where he overheard Geoff talking to Burnie about leaving, which nearly ruined the poor boy. Was the one who prodded Brandon and Chris into bullying Gavin, trying to make him hate school or clam up forever. Then there’s Ray. He fought tooth and nail to try and get Ray found out by the Narveaz family, to the point where Edgar had to step in and watch over them on a daily basis.” she said, shaking her head angrily. “Tried to kill Elena Shawcross yesterday, which would have ruined Kerry forever and stuck him with his father. The he planted that unreasonable rage into Kyle Luna, which nearly drug Miles out of the house and would have devastated both him and his brothers. You see where I’m going with this?” Allison muttered, staring at the others with a knowing glance.
Isaac bites his lip. “He’s targeting the kids. Trying to make them miserable, or unable to move past their situations. Where they obsess over it, to the point where they can’t function. Where they…” he analyzed, gripping his teacup tightly.
"Where they can’t fulfill their lives. And likely live out their days in sorrow or anger. Much like Geoffrey did." Margaret finished for him, sighing loudly.
Isaac nodded. “Which would make the HomeHunters….” he muttered.
"A failure. And just another abandoned project to be forgotten." Allison murmured.
There’s a dark silence between the four of them, with a rumbling of thunder echoing in the tiny shop.
________________
The front door to the HomeHunters knocked in the early Christmas afternoon. Most of the children were in the bedrooms, playing with their new toys together peacefully as the adults setup the long unfolding tables next door, preparing for their many guests to arrive.
All except Michael, who was playing his new DS, by himself on the couch with Edgar laying in his lap. Most knew it wise not to disturb him in the middle of a gaming session.
With the knock gaining his attention, he swerves his head around so see Geoff walking through the front door. “DADDY’S HOME!” Michael yelled, smiling brightly. “MERRY CHRISTMAS DADDY, I-” he shouted, dropping his DS onto the couch and started to climb over the couch to run at him, but stops mid-sentence. Behind Geoff, there was a woman with bright pink hair, and a silver ring through her nose. She was in his daddy’s big coat, and was smilingly brightly.
Geoff escorted her into the home, maneuvering her towards Michael. “Hey Michael! This is my best friend from high school… Griffon Anderson. I invited her over, I… Hope you don’t mind.” he says simply. “Where is everyone?” Geoff asked, looking around the empty space.
Michael stares her over, as she wipes her hair from her face. “Hi Michael! It’s so good to meet you! Geoff told me all about you this morning!” Griffon said in a happy tone, extending her hand to him.
Still unsure of the woman, Michael takes her hand and shakes it. “Hi Griffon. Nice to meet you too.” he replied politely, like he’d been taught in school and from his father’s many instructions.
She released his hand, running her newly freed hand through his red curls. “Aww… Oh my gosh, you are just the CUTEST little gentleman EVER! I could just pack you up and take you home myself!” she screamed, picking him up from the couch and hugging him tightly.
It was with much willpower that Michael overcame an urge to bite her. “Griffon, put me down. Please.” he said in a suffocated, yet polite tone, barely able to breathe where he was lodged into.
Geoff snorted as she put him down, rubbing his son’s hair playfully. “Yeah, please don’t pick him up like that. Michael’s not really a touchy-feely kind of kid. Unless he wants it. Right?” he stated firmly, looking to Michael for confirmation.
He nodded. “Yeah. Don’t do that again.” Michael instructed angrily.
She gave him a thumbs up. “Got it, sorry. I’m a very hands on person. Especially when there are cute little kids involved!” Griffon says, giving him a little more space.
Just as they begin to share pleasantries, the backdoor slams open, Elena standing in its frame with fierce eyes.
"GRIFFY!" Ms. Shawcross screams, jolting from the door and running towards her. She clings to the woman’s neck tightly, choking the life out of her. "GRIFFY! OH MY GOD, IT’S BEEN WAY TOO LONG! I’M NOT LETTING YOU GO EVER AGAIN! WHY DIDN’T YOU CALL ME YOU LITTLE SHIT! I AM SO PISSED OFF AT YOU! BUT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, AND AHHH! YOU’RE BACK! YOU’RE BACK!" Elena screamed at full force.
Griffon struggles to breathe, sputtering. “G…Good to see you too!”
Smugly, Michael folds his arms. “Not fun is it?” he said smarmily.
"Nope." she managed to choke out, smacking Elena several times on the head to get the message across.
-
After the introductions and reunions were made, Griffon found herself welcomed immediately into what she could only describe as the warmest home in the entire world. Across the tables in front of her was a lavish spread of home cooked foods, a large turkey, and plenty of drinks. The friends and family spoke lovingly to each other, with bright smiles, jovial faces, and just and overall amazing atmosphere.
Turning her attention to the side of the table, she hears as a more heated debate begins to unfold.
"So like, I’m saying we’ve GOT to watch "It’s a Wonderful Life". That’s got to be our thing! Every family has to have a "thing" at Christmas!" Miles shouted loudly across the table.
Joel groaned, slamming his head dramatically on the table. “I have seen that godforsaken film so many times in my life, that I think it might actually give me cancer. Don’t give me cancer Miles. Think of the children!” he replied seriously.
Chuckling, Ryan forced down a huge helping of stuffing, swallowing quickly. He raises his hand up. “Ok, then how about we watch the Grinch that Stole Christmas? I remember my grandpa and I watched that one year, and I liked it!” he said warmly.
Piping up, Gavin wipes his gravy-stained mouth on his long-sleeve shirt. “Let’s watch RWBY!” he suggested loudly.
"NO!" echoed Jack and Geoff simultaneously, which offered them a dirty look from both Monty and Burnie.
Belching loudly, Barbara giggled alongside the other boys laughing at her. “Does it have to be a movie? Why not go caroling or something? HEY. We can setup Gavin on main-street, put a little basket or something in front of him, get him some really sad looking Tiny Tim getup and get SUPER RICH off his beautiful voice! Then we buy cookies! Lots and lots of cookies!” she replied jokingly, clapping her hands together.
Cameron shot her a dark look while the children cheered her decision on. “Barbie, hun, I love you, but I can and will end you in the most horrendous way possible. No way are you parading my Gavin around in some funky costume for the masses to throw money at him!” he said darkly, in a playing, yet serious manner.
The elder Eberles share cute glances with each other. “When Kara was little, we used to get her all dressed up in formal-wear and take her out for a family portrait! AHH, it was the most adorable thing ever! And then we’d go home and listen to our dear cousin play Mozart on the piano…” Caroline offers in a dreamy voice, pulling out a wallet from her purse, and photographs cascading down from it in an almost comical fashion.
Kara froze, gulping. “Uh… OR we could do something that doesn’t suck the life out of us.” she shot, her own father laughing in a shared agreement.
Watching them all bicker back and forth, in such a warm, friendly way, Griffon’s heart leaps. Whatever clouded confusion that had obscured her mind the earlier months, was gone. With a single smile, she knew she belonged back in Austin. Back with Geoff, Jack and everyone else she’d come to know and love as a child.
"You know… When Jack, Griffy, and I were little, we did this thing on Christmas Day, since we never got any presents or stuff at the orphanage, and Griffy’s parents were poor." Geoff says, the room silencing immediately.
Griffon turned to him, watching his face form a bright smile.
"At the time, I thought it was stupid, but looking back… I think it was the best thing ever." he explained, taking a moment to turn to Griffy and give her a warm pat on the leg. "We always agreed, that no matter what… The three of us would spend Christmas Day together, telling our happiest stories we could remember from that whole year. It was supposed to be for… Well, you know. Making us feel better about our crappy situation." he said in a soft voice.
Silence fills the room, with only a few clattering of plates and forks providing noise. There’s an awkward moment or two, which Ryan chooses to break as he raises a glass in the air.
"My favorite thing this year… Was when Dad took me to the courthouse and adopted me. Then coming home and having my whole family there to celebrate my birthday. That was the day I KNEW everything was going to be better from now on!" Ryan said, looking at his dad with a priceless smile.
Michael put down his fork. “My favorite thing was when Gavin came over that first night to read with Jackie, and I got to be his brother. Cuz he’s my best friend, and if that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have him!” he said honestly, Gavin smiling at him with a toothy grin.
"My favorite thing was when Miles moved in for good! Cuz then we got our whole family complete, and I got all my brothers and bruvs and daddies!" Gavin exclaims.
It was with reluctance that Ray raised his head up. “My… Uh favorite thing was when Jackie and I made the fort in the living room when Dan stayed the night. Cuz that was fun, and… I started feeling home again. But I liked it when Miles started playing games with me too…” he said quietly.
With a fierce determination, Lindsay stood atop her chair. “My favorite thing was when Jay came and saved me from Mrs. Eldridge and let me come stay with him again! Cuz now he’s my Daddy, and I know that’s what Mommy wanted for me!” she said in a sincere tone.
Dan smiled proudly. “My favorite thing was when I went to school and got to meet Gavin and Michael and Ray! Because they’re my best friends, and we have lots of fun together!” he stated firmly.
Wiping her hair out of her face, Courtney sits with her hands in her lap quietly. “I guess…. My favorite thing is when Caiti let me go to school, and took me to my new home for the first time. Cuz I got my sister Lindsay, and big brother Dan. And… Mommy Kara and Daddy Joel.” she mumbled sadly.
Miles grinned. “My favorite thing was… Last week, when Dad adopted me, and I became Miles Ramsey, getting four of the best brothers in the world, and two amazing dads. And.. I got to be a member of this home… For good. Forever.” he affirmed quickly.
After being punching in the gut from his mother, Kerry raises himself from a spontaneously appearing notebook, halting his notes. “Uh… My favorite thing this year was when I started coming here after school. It’s like I’m part of the family too, and I love that. Oh, and for you guys being great sports about all my writing crap.” he replied, returning to his notes immediately.
With the children finished, the adults exchanged looks with each other, pleasant expressions covering the table.
Griffon turned her head to Geoff. “Sounds like they’ve all been through a lot.” she says quietly between her and him. He swings to speak with her privately. “But despite that… They see the brighter side of things. And that makes them all leaps and bounds ahead of any of us when we were their age…” she says, smiling happily.
He nods. “A good home full of people that love you goes a long ways Griffy. And it’s a two way street. If they’re happy. We’re happy.” Geoff replies quietly.
Her hand intertwines with his. “Yeah… It sure does.” Griffon said, sharing a loving look between them. The two lean into each other, resting on the other’s shoulder.
"I missed you Griffy. Your heart, the way you talk, and… Just… Everything. With you here, everything just… Seems complete, at last." he says softly.
She nuzzled into his shoulder. “I feel the same way.” Griffon said simply.
"Daddy? Can I have some dessert now? I’m done with dinner!" Michael asked, poking his father in the arm and interrupting an otherwise tender moment.
Geoff released Griffon’s grasp, and she gave him a knowing nod. Turning his full attention to Michael, he gave him a big smile. “Sure thing kiddo. What’d you like? Cake? Cookies? Pie? Whatever you’d-“
"THE RAIN STOPPED!" Dan screamed loudly, leaping from the table with only a half-eaten plate. He runs to the door, and sure enough, the sun was peaking out of the clouds, light shining through the glass windows. Dan rips open the door, waving quickly to signal the others. "Come on Daddy! Help me put up the goals! We wanna play!" he yelled, running to the door.
Gavin’s face lit up as well. “YAY! Come on Michael! Come on Lindsay! Let’s go! We’ll play some footy!” he said excitedly.
Lindsay rolled her eyes. “It’s called soccer Gavin! Geez, you talk weird!” she said, grabbing Michael by the hand and pulling him away from Griffon and Geoff.
"But PIIIIEEEEE!" Michael retorted, not having much say in the matter as he’s drug along.
Ryan and Miles both stood up at about the same time. “We’ll do it Dad. You guys sit and talk. I’m sure you and Griffy have a lot to talk about!” he muttered slyly, winking at his father.
Tugging Kerry out of his chair mid-chew, Miles drug him to the back yard with the other kids. “Come on Kerry! You too! I sense book material involving muddy children having happy fun times chasing around a ball!” he said seriously.
Stretching out just before he’s drug away, Kerry manages to snag his notebook from the table. “I’m coming, I’m coming!” he replied, being drug against his will.
With the children running out of the house, and the sounds of children laughing playfully outside. Geoff sits back down at his seat, turning back to Griffon. “So did you tell Burnie yet?” he asked.
Perking his ears up, Burnie turns around to face her. “Tell me what?” he asked nervously.
A nervous chuckle leaves her lips. “Uhh… Well… To be honest Burnie… I’m…. Probably moving back to Austin now. I’ll commute and stay at your place when you need me for voice acting or to visit, but I’m-“
Burnie spews his drink out of his mouth, covering Joel’s entire shirt and face in cola. “You’re WHAT?!” he shouts.
A confident smile covers her face. “It’s my choice. I want to come home.” Griffon says, in a tone of finality.
Flinging herself across the table, Elena hugs Griffon around the neck. “GRIFFY! AHHH! YES! You come right NOW. You can stay with Kerry and I until you find a place!” she squealed loudly.
And just like that, plans for Griffon’s return were quickly underway as light refracted on the watery windows, creating rainbow-like lights on the walls. The afternoon went on pleasantly enough, the sound of happy children echoing from the outside, and the loud laughter of adults on the inside.
It would forever be remembered as the best Christmas the HomeHunters ever had together. Because it was on that day that they became whole.
___________________________
Mia giggled in the corner of the new Narvaez home, playing with Maddie, the two in a heated game of Monopoly Jr.
Situated only a block or two from the HomeHunters neighborhood, it was an average two floored dwelling, furnished with cozy brown leather furniture, and the floors were covered in plush red carpeting of the finest material.
Situated across from each other in opposing recliners in another room, Emilio and Luis were both enjoying cold beverages, watching some televised Christmas movie. Though their attention was more focused on each other, rather than the screen.
Luis rubbed his forehead, laughing to himself. “So the Jones’ weren’t opposed to us taking over completely? I find that hard to believe. Tom was always a hardass with his little meth industry here in Austin. Took father years to arrange a deal with him. How’d you manage to buy everything lock, stock, and barrel?” Luis muttered quietly, in a serious tone.
Emilio smiled. “Made things easier when I showed them a few addittional zeros on our existing contract. And reminded them of who was boss of a nearly nation-wide criminal syndicate with millions at his disposal.” he replied smugly.
Luis shook his head. “You’re blowing through father’s money like it’s nothing. Can’t be good for the future of the business…” he commented sarcastically.
"That’s the point Luis, you smart-ass. Here’s to… The eventual bankruptcy of a once great criminal empire. Spending father’s bloodied money to better the world around us. And to the birth of a new righteous business to a better tomorrow." Emilo said cheerily, raising his beer bottle, clinking with Luis.
They both drank deeply, slamming their respective bottles hard against the table between them.
Fidgeting nervously with his now emptied bottle, he sighs. “Think this will work? Seems like a longshot. We’ll surely be caught in the transition from underworld criminals to… Forbes…” Luis whispered.
Emilio chuckled to himself. “Far from it. We’re good. We have the best and brightest in business on payroll. Many who are… Sick of the darker path they were forced into, and eager to make the change. We can bribe the rest for their silence, and re-create a new reputation that’s flawless. And maybe soon enough, we’ll be the respectable family we should be…” he replied. Recognition strikes him, and Emilio snorted. “Oh, that reminds me. Speaking of “respectable” families. Tom and Linda’s boy… The Joneses? Well, his name is JJ, and he’s friends with the HomeHunters. Talked about Ray and their family with him for a while a few weeks ago.” he remarked.
"Oh?" Luis said, perking his ears up.
His brother nodded. “Indeed. Your son is apparently quite the video game enthusiast. He’s really good at getting these things called… Achievements? I think they’re like points or something… But he likes “speed” running games? Trying to beat them real fast? I don’t get it, to be honest.” Emilio said oddly, not sure on the proper terminology.
Luis chuckled for several moments, with a huge grin on his face at the mentioning of his son. But that warm smile soon melts into a curved smirk. “Wait a minute… You’re letting the son of the two biggest meth dealers in Austin INTO Ray’s HOUSE?! EMI!” Luis shouted, turning to his brother angrily.
Emilio rolled his eyes. “The boy knows nothing about their family business, and certainly isn’t part of the smuggling ring. I doubt he ever will either. Besides us, the late Crawfords, and their liason with us, nobody knows about their little double life. They’re just raking in the money letting their underlings do all the dirty work, keeping their hands out of it. And besides, I just bought the business from them. It’s not like they’re even connected anymore…” he retorted, yawning loudly.
A flash of long black hair swings into view. “Daddy! Daddy! I won! I beat Maddie!” Mia clamored, jumping up and down excitedly in front of Luis, holding a huge wad of play-cash in her hands.
Luis patted her head. “Very good! Very good! You’re such a smart little girl!” he said, picking her up and putting her into his lap.
She hugged him tightly, cuddling into his chest. “Daddy, is mommy coming home for Christmas?” Mia asked, her voice still in its playful sing-song manner.
Looking away from her, Luis pats her gently on the back. “No… No sweetheart. Mommy Sara… She… She lef-….” he clamored, lowering his voice to a near whisper.
"MIA! Where’s Uncle Emi’s hug, huh? Don’t I get any love!?" Emilio hastily announces in a jovial tone. Without thinking anymore of the earlier question, Mia hops off Luis’s lap and rushes for Emilio. She hugs him just as tightly as she had her father, Emi patting her on the back soothingly.
Madeline joins them, having finished picking up the earlier board game, and stands between the two brothers. “Anyone want some hot chocolate? Some cookies? It’s so cold and rainy, I think we could all use a nice cozy treat!” she asked in a sweet voice.
"I DO!" Mia yelled loudly, raising her hand.
Smiling gently, Madeline nods. “Well come help me then! I’ll let you pick out the dough, and you can stir the cocoa mix!” she says, picking Mia up from Emilio’s arms and hefting her into the kitchen.
Once the two women were out of earshot, Emilio turned to his still frowning brother. “Luis… When are you going to tell her that Sara’s left? You don’t have to tell her that her mother abandoned her for some briefcase of cash and a new identity, but… Just tell her SOMETHING. It’s painful watching her look out the window every night, hoping her Mama comes home. I know it’s going to be hard, but… She needs to know the truth.” he whispered quietly, placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder supportingly.
Luis nodded. “I know Emi… I know…” he muttered quietly.
___________________________
The McCormick office was open as per its usual hours. Despite the Christmas holiday, there was always time for someone to be sluethed. Sat in his chair, Shannon was in a thick hoodie, and in a much more casual attire than he usually would have worn otherwise. Across from him was a man of extravagant wealth, and amazing appearance, but of little importance to the human race as far as Shannon was concerned.
”..so… Can you do this?” he asked desperately, in a nasally tone that signified his dignified manner of speaking.
Sighing, Shannon nodded reluctantly. “Tail your wife and see if she’s cheating on you or neglecting your children in any legally discernible way. Get photographic evidence for your custody case. Not a difficult task. I’ll have you something by next week.” he murmured, signaling to the door.
The two exchange pleasantries, and his client was soon out the door and out of his life. Shannon slinked back into his chair, reaching for a bottle of brandy to his side. Not bothering with a glass, he downs it straight from the tap. Gasping for air as he comes up from the drink, he turns to the side of his desk, where a single photograph laid. A much younger looking version of himself, a small boy with dark brunette hair, emerald green eyes, and his late wife.
"…it doesn’t get easier…Why’d I lie to that kid?" he slurred to himself, slamming the bottle of alcohol onto the table. As redness overtakes his face, he rests his head upon the top of the desk, using his client’s file as a makeshift pillow. "Can’t even take my own damn advice and just move on. They’re dead Shannon… They’re dead, and they’re never coming back. The sooner you accept that… The better off you’ll… Be…" he stammered, feeling the effects of the alcohol already dulling his senses.
The phone to the office rings, but he doesn’t bother to answer it, forwarding it voice mail. After the pre-recorded message, a familiar voice echos over the line.
"Shannon, it’s Tom Jones. Listen, I need for you to get back to me on the Narvaez people ASAP. I want to know EXACTLY how deep they’re rooting themselves here. I’ve already seen that bastard Luis at the schools, and I swear he was at the Senator’s lunch reception today, talking like they were some old friends! Call me back. TODAY." the voice demanded, ending the call with a loud slam of the phone.
Moaning loudly, he unplugs the phone and shuts off his cell phone. Laying back onto his desk, he merely closes his eyes, drifting off to sleep as he stared at his family’s portrait.
-
The teenage fade watched as the man slowly slipped into unconsciousness as the evening drug on. He’d fought sleep tooth and nail, but eventually gave way as the rain stopped, and a bright sunlight shone through the office windows. Stepping forward quietly from the corner of the room where he’d appeared, the fade retrieves a blanket from a nearby couch, draping it over Shannon gently. He also sets a small glass to the side, filling it with water from a nearby water cooler, and setting several painkillers to the side from the man’s desk.
"You always have the worst hangovers. Gonna regret that bottle, I promise you that… Bloody git. It’s why you stopped drinking in the first place… It doesn’t make it any better either." he muttered quietly to himself.
"….Maria…. B… W….Wait for daddy…." Shannon mumbled in his sleep, a pleasant smile covering his face.
Hearing the words, the fade shuts his eyes painfully, walking away from Shannon quickly. Lips trembling, he shakes his head, nearly tripping over a chair. The fade grips his fists tightly, anger bubbling up from his body once more, enveloping his previously tender heart. “Don’t worry… I’ll… I’ll make those bloody monsters pay. For everything they did to us… I’ll see to it that they never get their happy ending.” he spat out, disappearing from the office as quickly as he’d appeared.
___________________________
Christmas came and went, and within only a few days, the families were already gearing up for New Year’s eve. The children were outside in the front yard, playing with sparklers and waving them around like magic wands. Ryan, Miles and Kerry were having bottle rocket contests, attempting to strike targets from a distance, but mostly trying to blow each other up. Watching from the porch, the parents and friends watched, sipping various beverages of differing alcoholic content.
Cameron stood with Barbara leaning against the rail, the two of them downing bottles of beer at a fast pace. The two had spoken at length about Mishi since Christmas, becoming drinking buddies during the many family gatherings.
"So Cammy… Have you tried to date since… You know. Isaac? Surely there’s somewhere you’d rather be than out here with a bunch of old fogies watching kids play with sparklers? It’s New Year’s! There’s gotta be a great party for you somewhere!" she asked, staring into her bottle awkwardly.
He shrugged. “Not really. Not big into partying, never have been. Isaac and I always would rather stay at home with Gavin, watching movies, playing music, or playing board games.” Cameron said. His face relaxed, fondness covering it.
Barbara poked him. “So no dating?” she pressured curiously.
Sighing, Cameron rubbed the back of his head. “Had dinner with a nice girl one night I had class with, she wasn’t really my type. One drunken weekend fling with a guy I knew from theater club, regretted it immediately. But really, I just don’t have time for a relationship right now. Too much schoolwork, about to try and find a job, student teaching, my move… The whole nine yards. Then there’s Gavin to worry about. Too many promises I made to Isaac, and that Isaac made to Gavin. He means the world to me, and I can’t leave him. That boy and Isaac was going to be my family. And Gavin all I got left of it…” Cameron said, leaning over the rail and splaying out like a ragdoll.
Barbara turned to him. “Aww… Cammy! That’s so sweet! But honey, I think you shouldn’t forget to make yourself happy too! All work and no play, or whatever they say. Because if you don’t, you’ll NEVER be able to help anyone else. Don’t be afraid to take some time for yourself too. I’m sure Gavin would understand! And I’m sure Isaac would hate to see you so stressed out all the time!” she says, pulling him into a side hug.
Rolling his eyes, Cameron shook it off. “Meh. Relax. I have fun! I… I… Uh…”
"Don’t bullshit her Cameron. You spend pretty much every weekend here with us. Or working. Or taking Gavin out to see shows. I don’t think I’ve EVER seen you do anything for yourself since you first came here that night." Jack said as he walked by, returning to sit next to Caiti on the porch swing.
Eyeing him darkly, she shook her head. “Cammy….” Barbara muttered angrily.
"Like you’re any better Barbie! You put in the overtime like Ray plays video games!" Caiti yells from the peanut gallery.
Cameron smugly grinned in her direction.
Barbara flipped off Caiti, from behind, not taking her eyes off of him. “That’s not the same. I’m an old lady! Cameron’s a young buck! He should be out having fun!” she says angrily, in a defensive tone.
"Barbie, if YOU’RE old, then I’m about to croak any moment now. I leave my worldly possessions to Edgar the dog. Take that down Kara, I mean that." Joel cracks from the sidelines.
Griffon, sat beside Geoff on the front steps, turned to them with a pleasant smile. “Well, the solution is obvious then! You two should go out and have fun together, and make each other have fun! Maybe take Kara with you! Or one of the other parents! No kids, no distractions, no work… Just make a little friendly night out! Go drinking or something! See a movie? Just something to take your mind off everything and blow off steam!” she offers, in a kind tone.
Snorting, Barbara laughs. “Oh my god, Griffy… You can’t be serious. There’s no way Cameron would want to hang out with a few old fogies-“
"I’d like that." Cameron said instantly, turning his attention back to the kids. He smiled as Lindsay chased Gavin and Michael around with a handful of morning glories, popping explosives in their general direction.
Barbara’s face fell, swinging back around to Cameron with a confused expression.
"I don’t really have a lot of friends in college. I mean, besides Casey, but we’re just acquaintances, and she’s got her own circle of friends. And I’m moving out here, so… It’d be nice to have someone to… Show me the spots? Have my own friends?" he asked meekly. He turned to face her. "And… I like you guys. You’re not like anyone else I’ve ever met. Being around you all… Reminds me what it was like to have Isaac still around." he said sadly.
There was a silence on the front porch, while everyone stared at him woefully.
Cameron smiled, taking another long swig of his beverage. “And… Maybe you’re right Barbie. Maybe I do need to…”
"GUYS! IT’S ALMOST MIDNIGHT!" Gavin screamed from the front yard, tapping on his tiny watch loudly.
-
The adults, after loud pressure form the kids, join them all on the front yard, looking into the night sky for the city fireworks display.
Geoff held Griffon’s hand, smiling at her. And like the little cockblocker he’d been all week, Michael shoved himself in between the two, motioning for Geoff to pick him up.
Without hesitation, he does, pulling up Michael on the shoulder opposite of Griffon.
"ONE MINUTE!" Gavin yelled, still staring down at his watch.
Michael whispered into Geoff’s ear. “Daddy… Do you like like Griffy?” he asked cautiously.
He turned to his son, giving him a curious glance. “I do. Is that ok with you?” Geoff said, his voice serious and firm.
His son shrugged. “Sure, just… You don’t like like her more than you like like me or Gavin or Ray or Ryan, or Miles, right?” Michael asked, his voice jealous and low.
Geoff laughed, hugging the child tightly. “Of course not. I love you kids more than anything else in this whole wide world. And that will NEVER change.” he explained, rubbing the child’s head playfully.
Michael nodded. “Ok… That’s good, cuz I like Griffy.” he said in a hushed tone.
"HERE IT COMES! TEN SECONDS!" Gavin screams, starting the countdown for them all.
"TEN! NINE! EIGHT! SEVEN! SIX!" yelled the kids.
Michael tugged on Geoff’s shirt. “You’re supposed to kiss the pretty lady on New Years, ya know. They did that in a movie…”, he whispered into his father’s ear, a little more loudly than was necessary.
Snorting, Griffon stifles a laugh.
Geoff, however, laughed hard, patting his son on the shoulder. “You know what… I think you’re right.” he said, shifting Michael to his opposite side, pulling Griffon into his body. Her face was grinning from ear to ear, following his movement.
"FIVE! FOUR! THREE! TWO! ONE!" the group yelled once more.
Geoff and Griffon kissed on the lips, the children clapping as fireworks shot far into the Austin sky, exploding in a rainbow of colors. Booms lit up the city in loud explosions, and the start to a new year was already in full swing.
"Eww…." Michael moaned, making gagging noises in such close proximity, and pushing himself out of Geoff’s arms, dropping to the ground.
Appearing beside him was Lindsay, who was smirking mischievously. “Happy new year Michael!” she exclaimed loudly, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"EWW! LINDSAY! I SAID NO MORE KISSING!" he yelled loudly, wiping his face off exaggeratedly. He runs off as she chases him, and the crowd before them all laugh at the sight.
Geoff chuckled to himself as he pulled away from Griffon. “Here’s to a fresh start, and to… New beginnings for everyone.” he said happily.
_
In a dark black trench coat and matching hat, a tall teenager stands outside the HomeHunters, watching them from afar. Fireworks exploded overhead, coloring the world around him in vivid light.
"I won’t allow it. Like bloody hell am I going to allow it." he venomously commented. Swinging around, he stops immediately as Isaac appeared directly behind him.
"Back the hell off. We’re on to your damn game, whoever the hell you are… You get near ANY of them again, or hurt one of them, and we won’t hesitate to make your afterlife a living hell." he scathed.
With a gentle scoff, the boy pushes past him carelessly. “This coming from the man that arranged for his own mum and dad to perish? I find that… Bloody brilliant.” he says darkly.
Isaac grabs him by the scruff of his coat. “Just tell me why then. What the fuck is wrong with you? Why these kids? Why THIS project? What do you have to gain from ruining the HomeHunters?” he yelled.
Walking down the porch, he laughed to himself. “Life’s not fair. You know that as well as I do…” he cackled.
Standing in front of the house protectively, Isaac eyed him with a dark glare.
"I’m just making sure that nothing changes in that regard." he says in a mocking tone. "You may have the players and pieces in position for your little… Game… But I assure you… This is far from over. And… I’m not afraid of you. Any of you. You don’t know what real fear is…" the stranger finishes. Wordlessly, he disappears on the front sidewalk, fading into thin air.
Isaac balls his hand into a fist. A chill runs down his spine, watching as the male falls out of his range of detection. He shakes his head, biting the bottom of his lip. “I don’t know what happened to you… Or why you’re doing what you’re doing… But I won’t let you touch them… Not now… Not ever.” he says harshly, staring angrily into the sky..
____________________________
Appearing halfway across the city, the fade chuckles to himself as he walks quietly in the small suburban home, occupying a small bedroom. Snoring loudly in a shared bed were two adults in silken nightclothes. The darkness of the room obscured their faces.
"Yes… They’ll do just fine. Already so far gone on their own, it shouldn’t take too much to push them over the edge…" he announced darkly, placing his hands upon their foreheads. A devious grin covers his face. "May avarice overtake you, forever bathing you in a sea of envious delusions." he chants, as a bitter cold escapes his hands and flows into their bodies.
The two adults shift painfully in the bed, faces scrunching in discomfort.
Removing his hands, the male disappears, re-appearing in the other end of the house. In a lit room with a soft glow of a large television screen, two small boys were playing a game together under shared covers in their beds.
"Chris, how’d you get so good at games?!" Brandon whispered, giggling as the two finished in first and second place for another online Mario Kart match.
Chris grinned. “Cuz we play so much together! It was boring before playing by myself. But now it’s REALLY fun to play with you! It’s really fun having a brother! I’m glad mommy and daddy got married now!” he said happily, turning to smile at his brother.
Brandon nodded in agreement. “Yeah! We’re never alone anymore! We’ve got each other, Nanny Stella, and have Mommy and Daddy too! Everything’s perfect now!” he says brightly.
As the next match queues up, they return their focus to the television screen, their virtual karts already revving loudly.
"Yes… They’ll do JUST fine… They’re just what I need to work around those damn pests…" he comments giddily, eyeing the two children like a piece of meat. Chuckling to himself, the fade swings around to exit the room. "And that just leaves him…."
_____________
Clinking their champagne glasses together, Carter, Caleb, and Caleb’s father cheered together as the clock hit midnight. The three had celebrated New Year’s together, with a nice dinner, a movie marathon, and talk of Caleb’s future.
"I’m still not sure this is the best for you son! Not going to college? Shouldn’t you think about this more?" Mark asked, leaning back against the leather sofa.
Caleb rolled his eyes. “DAD. We’ve been over this! It’s a good, steady, state job. I’ll have a legal certification. I know you’re worried about the piss-poor salary, but if they grow, I’ll get more money too! Then there’s good insurance, benefits, and I get my own house!” he exclaimed.
Shrugging, Carter sighed. “I know that’s attractive for a teenager, but really… I agree with your father. You should still at least apply, take the ACT and work on getting good grades. Think about it until you graduate, and by then I’m sure you’ll know what’s right. But don’t just resign yourself to just one path.” he said, setting his glass on the table.
Mark nods quickly. “I agree with Carter. If that’s what you want, I’ll support you. But son, don’t give up on everything just yet.” he added.
Standing up, Caleb stretches out. “I’m not giving up on school, JEEZE guys, relax! I’ll do whatever you want, so just… CHILL!” he moaned, walking towards the door with a loud yawn. “Dad it’s late. I know you’ve got work in the morning, ready?” Caleb asked, grabbing his father’s keys from the table.
Mark downed the last of his beverage, hopping up from the table. “Yeah, yeah… Thanks for having us Carter. Have a good evening, and happy new year!” he said, shaking his friend’s hand as he makes his way towards the door.
The two make their way out the door with final farewells, and Carter begins picking up the few items still littering his living room. He smiled, re-arranging the pillows on the couch. “Can’t say I don’t blame Caleb. I feel the same way the boy feels. I’d take Geoff on his offer and take the curriculum myself, but… Well, those kids need me at school. Someday though… Someday… I’ll rejoin them.” he says wistfully, a warmth spreading across his heart.
There’s a lightness in his step, and a hum in his voice. A gleeful expression hadn’t left his face since the truth about Caleb’s mother was made known. Much like he’d expected, Mark hadn’t wanted to go to the press without more conclusive evidence, and he didn’t push. Knowing the truth was enough. Carter began singing a light Disney tune, tossing trash into the kitchen, with several glasses in his hand. “I should give Caleb some of my psych books. Some child development things. Let him see what college could give him… He’s a smart boy. He’d do-“
But mid-rant, the front door is knocked on. Carter throws the glasses into the sink, opening the door without checking. “That you Caleb? Did you forge-” he says, voice cut off immediately as a gloved hand is thrust into his chest cavity, gripping his heart. Instead of blood or a physical wound, a gaping black hole is left where the hand remained stuck.
Pushing him forward, the fade smiles gleefully. “Mr. Reed… So good to see you again. It’s been FAR too long. The two of us should have a little… Chat.” he chuckled.
Stuttering, Carter’s body begins to convulse, and his eyes begin to roll into the back of his head.
"B….B….Be….Ben….." Carter manages to choke out, just as the last of his consciousness leaves him, and he collapses to the floor in a heap.