  
Meant To Be by Skye & Ruex
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Lex managed to get Saffron into Kay's office, hoping to get the panic attack to stop and figure out what had set Saffron off. "Saff...breathe...please..." Lex pleaded softly. He looked at Kay a moment in desperation. When Lex was having a panic attack, Kay was the best person to get Lex to calm down, next to Nate and Eire...
Saffron stumbled slightly, before flopping down on the edge of the couch, struggling to catch his breath. "I'm fucked, Lexi, I'm trying to tell you that!" Saffron cried softly, running a hand over his eyes and nose.
Lex bit back his own anxiety and sat down. "You didn't tell me anything, Saff. What's going on...other then the seal business..."
"The Seal business is the whole thing!" Saffron replied, with squeak. Lex bit his lip, as Kay came over to the couch.
Kay sighed softly and sat down on the other side of Saffron and reached out to stroke a hand through his hair. Saffron had never been one for shows of affection, and while Lex wasn't much for it either, Lex she knew how to comfort. "Saffron... baby, just breathe. Slow deep breaths until you can talk..." she said softly, stroking his hair. "I can understand that you'd be upset about the change, but you've known it was going to happen for a while now, baby."
"It’s not that! That I can probably deal with..." Saffron said breathlessly, not pulling away from Kay. He looked at Lex a moment, then at their step mother. "I am so fucked..." He muttered, shaking his head wildly a moment, before forcing himself to take a couple deep breaths. It took him a moment, but he managed to speak after a moment. "Matt and I... got drunk... I... slept with him." Saffron said rather softly.
Lex blinked, looking confused a moment, then gasped softly. "You're closer to the change..." Lex squeaked.
"I'm pregnant, yus!" Saffron squeaked, just about the time the door fell open, Mike and Nate falling in apparently laughing about some joke, Eire trailing in behind them.
Kay was frozen in surprise and took a minute to clue in to the interruption. She looked over at the three men. "Fuck off, boys... we’re busy.." she said distractedly, her gaze going back to Saffron.
All three men managed to straighten up and quiet their laughter, but it was Mike that clued in on the seriousness of the mood first, although Eire was right behind. "Hey now... what's goin' on?" he asked, a slight smirk still on his face, but more out of curiosity over what could have the three of them so serious, his gaze slipping to Saffron and staying there. "No one died on us, did they?"
Saffron hadn't even noticed the three of them, being so worked up, the panic attack coming back now that it was out. "I can't tell him, he wouldn't believe me in the first place, he doesn't even REMEMBER last night! And you know he's not into boys, especially his best friend...And Auron'll kill him when he finds out..." Saffron squeaked breathlessly.
Lex tried to pull his attention away from the guys to look at Saffron. "Well...you could always... you know... um...get an...abortion..." Lex suggested softly. "The change will be finished by morning...and...you're not that far along..."
"That word isn't even in my vocab, Lexine!" Saffron hissed in reply, covering his face, hyper ventilating. Eire had quickly shut the door behind him, before any one else came along.
Mike looked from Saffron to Lex and Kay, then cursed softly as he went to join them. Nate was hanging back wondering if he was hearing things right. "Saffron..." Mike said softly as he knelt on the floor in front of him. The sight of the death elemental panicing, the deep mossy green eyes wide in fear tugging at his heart in a way he hadn't felt since they were children. "Saff, are ye tellin' me yer far enough along with th' change tha'... yer pregnant?"
Kay bit her tongue at the guys still being there, an anger bubbling up at Saffron’s panic now that there was a source behind it. "Nate... can you ask Sylvie to arrange a meeting with Graves for me? In the training room... I feel the need to ... work out some tension..."
Saffron gasped for a breath, Lex had the feeling he wasn't going to be able to speak in a moment. "You'd be correct..." Lex answered Mike softly.
"An ye didn't... tell Graves?" Eire asked bewildered.
"They were drunk...he doesn't remember sleeping with Saffron..." Lex said softly, watching Saffron who was leaning back against the couch, eyes closed. It took Lex a moment realize Saffron had passed out. "Shit!" Lex caught Saffron before he fell over.
"I think...Graves is already gone..." Eire said. "Saw him take off a few minutes 'go..."
Kay stood up and helped Lex lay Saffron down, pulling the simple black throw blanket from the back of the couch and covering him with it. "Keep him warm, and if he wakes up, try and keep him calm... I'm going to call Doc and see what he says... Then I'm going to go find something to kill..." she said, bending to kiss Saffron’s forehead lightly. "You gentlemen will say nothing about any of this until Saffron wants it known, understand?" she asked, her voice gaining strength as she straightened up.
"Aye." Mike said simply, his gaze never leaving Saffron. Nate and Eire both agreed, Nate watching his brother curiously.
Lex settled down beside the couch, watching Saffron, before looking at the three guys a moment. Eire whistled softly. "Well, this is definitely a change..." Eire said.
Lex snorted softly. "You don't get it E...Saff's panicing cause she feels alone on this...You'll never convince Graves he slept with a very feminine boy, one that in the morning won’t be a boy any more, and pregnant...So Saff feels alone." Lex said softly.
Eire snored, crossing his arms over his chest. "Course she's not 'lone...she's gotta bloody well understand that..."
"Aye...he.. she's got all o' us. If she wants t' keep th' babe, there'll be no lack o' support an' help around here!" Nate said. "Even if th' little bugger's Da IS Graves... poor thing..."
Mike shot his younger brother a dark look over his shoulder. "Shut it, Natey. Yer no' helpin' matters." he snapped softly, not wanting to disturb Saffron. He heard the soft click of the door as Kay left and wondered briefly who'd she find stupid enough to take her on in the training room or gym.. or if she'd actually head out hunting.
Lex snorted softly, giving Nate a dry look. "Of course she's keeping the baby...it doesn't matter to her who the father is...well...we'd already considered the fact we'll have kids...we just kinda figured we'd be married..." Lex said, drawing his knees up, and leaning on them.
The office fell quiet for a moment. "Auron's goin' t' 'ave a fit..." Eire said after a moment.
Lex snorted softly. "Understatement...he'd rather her be married if she's going to have kids..." Lex muttered. He moved slightly at a soft moan from Saffron as he started to come around.
"Then she'll be married." Mike said softly, his eyes never leaving Saffron's face. He reached out to stroke one pale cheek tenderly. "Saffron... it's alright, darlin' . Lexi's filled us in... yer goin' t' be fine, sweetheart... don't worry."
Nate's gaze on his brother narrowed at his words and the tone of his voice. "Mikey..." he asked softly.
Saffron's eyes fluttered open, hearing Mike, looking up at him innocently a moment, before he realized Mike must have heard. "You...you heard...?" He breathed, eyes widening, moving to sit up.
"They came in when you said, Saff...it's alright..." Lex said, moving to sit up on the couch beside him.
Mike couldn’t shake the pull those fear filled eyes had on him. "It's alright, Saff. Yer not alone, sweetheart. Ye don’ have t' do this alone." he said softly.
Nate cleared his throat, that feeling that Mike was about to do something spontaneous, wonderful and incredibly stupid eating at him. "Mike... I think we need t' be goin'..."
Saffron gasped softly, managing to sit up. He looked at Lex a moment, who was sitting on his side. "Auron's going to kill me...and I have to factor in now, with the change...a baby...and then there's LiVed..." Saffron said a bit anxiously.
"And not to mention Rowen..." Lex said softly.
Saffron gave a dark laugh, giving Lex a look. "Yeah, and him!" Saffron replied anxiously.
Mike moved to sit beside Saffron. "Yer father isnae goin' t' kill ye, Saff... he might decide t' kill Graves if he finds out he's th' one responsible. " he said softly. "An' th' lot of us are still goin' t' make sure yer safe from LiVed... an' Rowen. Same as always." he added, and Nate sighed softly, glancing back at Eire.
Saffron blinked, looking at him a moment. He covered his face a moment, finally managing to get the panic attack under control. "Come morning, the change will be finished and I'll be a single mother to be..." Saffron muttered softly.
"Safe at least..." Eire said brightly. Lex sent a kick his way.
"Is it such a problem fer ye, Saff?" Mike asked softly. "Is it such a bad thing fer ye t' be a single mother? Yer not alone even if yer single, ye know... yer surrounded by tons of people who'd love t' help ye..."
"Aye Saff. "Nate said softly. "Ye'll have no shortage of babysitters an' ye know yer never goin' t' have t' worry about payin' th' rent an' bills and such..."
Saffron had his eyes closed, covering his face with his hands for a long moment. "You mean taking care of the child, raising it day to day...that's not the problem..." Saffron replied a bit darkly. Eire and Lex winced. Saffron shook his head, not holding back the tears. "I didn't want to do this for my child... a single parent bit. I wanted my child to have a family growing up...Not quite like this, don't take it personal." He added a bit tartly to Nate and Eire.
Eire snorted softly. "None taken..."
Mike reached out and wiped the tears off of Saffron’s cheek with his fingers. "If it's tha' important to ye, Saffron... then do it." he said softly. "Marry me... I'll help ye give th' babe a family." he said softly.
Nate just stared at Mike in shock. "Are ye bloody crazy, man?!"
Mike shot Nate a dark look. "I'm dead serious...." he said then looked back to Saffron. "Marry me, Saffron."
Saffron wasn't entirely sure he'd heard Mike right and blinked, turning enough to look at Mike. "Are...are you serious?" He asked breathlessly.
Lex was blinking from his spot and looked around Saffron at Mike, then at Nate and Eire. "Is he serious?" Lex asked them.
"Aye, luv... I'm serious." Mike said softly. "Mum's been hintin' I should be thinkin' of settlin' down an' addin' t' th' family... an' there's no one I know better then yerself tha' she'd approve of... or make a good mum fer tha' matter..."
"Holy shite he's serious....." Nate muttered in shock.
Mike ignored the muttering behind him and brushed the tears off Saffron’s other cheek. "Did ye know, Saff.... tha' when ye were just a wee babe yer mum used t’ bring ye t' visit...? I remember, I took one look at ye an' turned t' m' mum an' told her tha' I was gonna marry ye... " he laughed softly. "Guess it's about time I got around t' doin' it, eh?"
Lex actually slipped off the couch, thinking it was probably a good idea to herd the other two to the other end of the office. He gave them both a push in that direction, leaving Mike and Saffron one the couch.
Saffron stared at Mike a long moment, taking in his words. "You...saw me as a baby...?" He asked softly, some how feeling that the idea of marrying Mike was a good idea...
Mike smiled softly. "Aye... well.. I think ye were about one or so... Ye were th' prettiest wee thing I'd ever seen in yer little pink dress and yer hair all done in curls and bows..." he said, laughing softly at the look on Saffron’s face at that. "An' yer big beautiful sad eyes... ye'd dropped yer treat... a cookie I think it was... an' ye were all set to cry over it... so I gave ye mine. An' ye gave me th' prettiest smile... an' I turned t' mum an' said I was gonna marry ye." he said, laughing softly.
Saffron continued stare at Mike a long moment before gasping softly, blushing. "It was a cookie!" Saffron breathed, eyes wide, actually remembering it for the most part. "It was a chocolate chip cookie..." He added in the same breathless. A soft nervous giggle escaped him, lowering his eyes. "Pink huh...? I suppose being a girl warrants pink..." He added softly.
Mike snorted softly. "Yer mum thought so. I've never cared fer pink personally... but it certainly looked good on ye." he said softly, stroking Saffron’s cheek tenderly. "I'm still waitin' fer yer answer, Saffron." he said softly. "If ye'd like t' think about it... tha's alright. An' ifn' ye'd rather no one know... about Matt... I don’t mind takin' th' credit. After th' weddin', of course. Might stand a better chance of survival if no one else knows there's a baby on th' way until after we're married. That is... If ye decide t' marry me..."
Saffron groaned, remembering the situation at hand and sighed. He glanced at Lex who was smacking Eire in the shoulder over something, but affording them some privacy, and considered the options rather seriously, before looking back at Mike just holding his gaze for a long moment. "Alright...I'll marry you..." He replied softly.
Mike smiled at that and took his hand tenderly. "Everythin' will be alright, Saff. Ye'll see." he said, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
Nate looked over and saw them then cursed softly. "He said yes... bloody hell... mum's gonna skin th' bugger alive fer bein' so daft..."
Mike looked back at his brother. "Ye shut yer mouth about it, Natey. Both of ye. No one says anythin' until Saffron says it's alright... an' then ye only say what she wants ye to."
Eire groaned closing his eyes a moment, before looking at Nate. Lex smirked faintly and shook his head. "I'm not going to tell any one..." Lex said softly.
"Thank you, Lex." Saffron said softly.
Eire sighed. "I won’t say shit either..." Eire added, crossing his heart.
"Thank you, Eire..." Saffron added.
"Yer both bloody daft." Nate said then sighed heavily. "…but I won’t say anything either." he said simply.
Mike smirked softly. "Thank ye Natey. Than ye E'. Now... th' big question... what are we doin' fer th' weddin'? Are we just gonna elope an' surprise everyone, then in a couple weeks ye break th' news we're havin' a baby? Or do ye want th' white dress an' th' whole nine yards...? Because ifn' ye do.. we're probably gonna end up announcing th' baby before th' weddin'... those things take time to plan out th' way mums like 'em.."
Saffron blushed, deciding not to consider what he'd gotten himself into. Lex flopped down on the other side of him. "Well...if you want my advice..." Lex said softly. "Elope...take a portal straight to Vegas...Or go into hiding for the rest of the day and leave in the morning once the change is finished..." Lex said.
Saffron snorted softly. "Lex has a point. Should elope at the first chance."
"Mum'll skin ye alive as it is... cheatin' her out of a weddin' shouldna slow ye down any." Nate said sourly, a slight smirk starting to try to appear.
"She'll fergive me when we announce th' babes on it's way... ye know how much she's been looking forward t' havin' grandbabies, Natey..." Mike said softly then turned back to Saffron. "An' we can always have a fancy do afterwards fer th' family if it means tha' much t' everyone." he added. "So we'll tell Kay we're slippin' off, pack our bags an' run fer it... An' ... knowin' yer father... I think it might be best if we hide out somewhere fer a while until things cool down..."
Saffron gave a soft laugh before sighing, looking down at his hand still in Mike's. "Yeah...hiding out from Auron is a good idea." Saffron replied softly with a weary smile. "And for the record," He gave Nate and Eire a look. "I don't want it getting out about... Matt." He added softly.
"Not a problem, luv... ye said th' man doesnae remember, right? So we wait fer a couple weeks after we're married then announce it. Everyone will think I'm th' culprit.” Mike said softly. “An a day off of the conception date.. not even a full day... no one will even suspect tha' it's why we got married. Most people don’t know few a couple weeks at least when a baby decides t' enter th' picture... Th' only ones who'll know different are right here in this room... plus Kay. None of us will tell anyone. Now... I think one of ye should go find her an' let her know everythin's alright with Saff.. an' head off th' Doc incase she made him come over..."
"I'll go look for her." Lex said, hesitating a moment, before grabbing Nate's arm. "And I'll take these two with me..." Lex added, giving Eire a look.
Eire snorted and headed for the door. "Make sure ye do the full wedding later...I gotta fight with Natey o'er best man." He said with a grin, before leaving the office.
"Mum will never fergive me fer gettin' married in Vegas without her even bein' there, so we should consider takin' those three along... witnesses and cameramen. I'm sure one of th' buggers knows how t' operate a video camera well enough. Of course, tha' means we should dress up a bit too. An' we need rings... " Mike said softly.
Saffron snorted softly, "Might want to consider some where other then Vegas for eloping, although I suppose it is the only place to go for a quicky..." He replied, before blushing faintly. "I guess even eloping takes a little planning..."
"Well... there're a few places tha' th' wait time is shorter then here." Mike said softly. "We'll still need our birth certificates though, fer most of 'em. Most of them take at least three days t' a week I think... although... bein' a MacDonnell.. an' a right charmin' one at tha'... I might be able t' pull a string or two... or find someone who could do th' pullin' fer me..." he said, thinking for a moment. "Is there some place ye have in mind?"
Saffron snorted softly, letting Mike still hold his hand. "Not off the top of my head...would prefer just to get it out of the way...as much for my sanity as your life..." He replied with a faint smirk. "Auron and all. You really are serious about this, right?" Saffron replied softly, looking up at Mike. "I mean..." He trailed off, before blushing slightly. "Thank you, Mike..."
Mike leaned in and kissed Saffron's cheek lightly. "Could go t' Scotland and sweet talk th' family priest int' doin' th' honors... tha' way mum could be there. Have t' find a way t' convince her we just want somethin' small an' quiet fer now until yer father gets over th' urge t' kill me.." he said softly. "But ifn' we do tha'... we may have t' tell her yer pregnant an' tha's why we're in a rush."
Saffron snorted softly with a slight smirk, blushing even more at the kiss on the cheek. "Well it would certainly give you more credence..." He replied softly. "Well, I mean if we tell her that I'm pregnant...and that’s why we prefer something small..."
"Alright then... then there's just one wee problem t' discuss. Well.. two actually, but the one cannae really be 'discussed'. Th' one tha' CAN is... m' mum can smell a lie on her boys from a mile away. So I cannae actually tell her th' babe is mine or she'll know it's not. Tha's why I was hopin' to announce it a couple weeks after wards so th' question would never come up..." he said. "Now... I DO know a few ways to slip around it... as long as she doesnae ask out right... we should be fine. But if th' babe doesnae take after it's mum... we may have t' fill her in..." he said softly.
Saffron sighed softly, before nodding. "Yeah, I know... But I suppose...if it comes to it...then we can tell her the truth. But who's to say she'll ask out right?" He replied softly, looking at Mike, brushing the hair out of his face.
Mike gave a slight shrug. "If we phrase things th' right way... then she shouldna even ask... Just gotta make sure Natey isnae there when we tell her... th' little shite has a way of screwin' up a perfectly good con with her without sayin' a word... I swear she can read every little twitch th' lad makes..." he said then smiled softly. "So...shall we sneak off t' yer place an' pack some of yer things? I'll call ahead an' ask mum t' call Father Quigley an' set up a meeting an' t' be expectin' company." he said softly. "Unless ye'd rather go somewhere else fer a bit first? We can still go t' Vegas ye know..."
Saffron snorted softly, smirking a bit. "Nate can't lie...I'll remember that." He replied, before snorting again, "And take those two with us to Vegas? Lex'll be have, but Nate and Eire?" He replied. Part of him just wanted to get as far from Boston as possible right now, "Besides...Scotland...might be quieter...for dealing with the change..." He admitted softly, "We'll go by my place from here."
Mike stood and held out his hand to Saffron. "Nate cannae lie t’ MUM.. big difference there, luv.” He said with a smirk. “Aye yer right... what was I thinkin'... Natey an' E' loose in Vegas...?" he shook his head with a smirk. "An' we don’t have t' stay at th' house ifn' ye don’t want... we've got a cottage as well... Ifn' ye'd care t' be alone after we're married... we can go there. Claim it as a honeymoon retreat." he added.
Saffron sighed deeply, before taking a breath and taking Mike's hand, getting to his feet. "I think I'd prefer not being surrounded by a lot of people...I mean, I know it's going to happen...and...I know that's what I really am, but...it'll be different once it's finally finished... It’s still a lot to wrap my mind around...and added to..." He trailed off, his other hand going to his stomach.
"Then I'll ask her if she can call a head an' have th' cottage made ready fer us an' we can go straight there... then meet with her an' Father Quigley once ye've finished changin' if ye'd rather not see her before hand..." Mike said simply.
Saffron chewed on his bottom lip a moment, before nodding. "I think that's probably the best idea...it’d help...with any questions about...well you know...the baby...and us..." Saffron said softly after a moment.
He looked toward the door as Lex and Kay came back into her office, Kay was looking a little more calm, but eyed the two of them a moment. "I told mum...that you'd agreed to marry Mike..." Lex said.
Mike kept hold of Saffron's hand as Kay's eyes fixed on him. "Now before ye say anythin', Kay, just keep in mind tha' Saffron doesnae want t' raise this baby as a single parent. Tha' was what had him in such a state a wee while ago." he said. "I don’t have anyone special in m' life, Kay... an' about time I took life a bit more seriously, as everyone likes t' point out. Ye know Saffron an' her babe will be loved an' safe an'..."
"Shut up, MacDonnell." Kay said simply then looked at Saffron. "Are you sure you want to do this, baby? Marrying someone just so you won't be alone?"
Saffron was quiet for a long moment, thinking about his step mother's words, studying her carpet a long moment, before brushing the hair out of his face and sighing softly. He looked up at Mike for a long moment, studying him. "If Mike was any one else, I wouldn't have said yes." Saffron answered softly. "Maybe instinct just says it’s the right idea..." Saffron added, looking at Kay.
Kay studied Saffron’s face a moment longer then took a step closer to Mike and grabbed a fist full of shirt, hauling him closer. "You hurt her in any way and I'll toss your ass in the training ring and pretend you're Hogan... got it?" she asked softly and Mike smiled weakly and nodded.
"Aye... breathe now?" he asked hoarsely and Kay let him go. "Thank ye.." he said, his eyes sparkling slightly as he rubbed his throat then straightened his shirt. "We decided we're sneakin' off t' Scotland as soon as Saff grabs his things. We'll meet with mum an' th' good Father tomorrow an' tell them she's expectin' an' we need t' get married. We'll let everyone believe I'm th' cuplrit an' keep Mattias out of it."
Kay snorted softly. "I suppose while you're getting married, I'll be here keeping your father busy?"
Saffron smiled faintly. "I think it would be better...mum...to tell...him after Mike and I are married...and then announce I'm pregnant..." Saffron said softly.
"Question..." Lex raised a hand. "What do we tell him...about you and Mike...all of a sudden running off together...?" Lex asked.
Saffron snorted softly, looking up at Mike. "We were keeping it a secret." Saffron replied.
"Aye... plenty of reason's why we would, after all. Age difference bein' one... plus th' fact tha' I'm partners with her step mum... as well as technically her boss... See? Not lookin' very good there, is it?" he asked with a wry smirk. "Course.. ye don’ have t' tell him we ran off together... could just tell him Saff went t' Scotland t' see Helena.. an' I took her. Tell him she remembered bein' there as a child an' wanted t' see it again." he said simply.
Lex snorted softly. "Right...Saff went to see her god mother..." Lex noted.
Saffron snorted softly himself with a faint smirk. "Yeah, it works... and we'll break the news to him after the wedding, that...Mike and I were seeing each other..." He added. "Better go pack." He added.
~ ~
Mike finished showing Saffron around the little cottage and discovering that his mother had managed to get a hold of the caretaker in time to not only have the place cleaned and aired out, but fully stocked. He felt a bit guilty about not telling her who was there with him, but he figured he'd save that batch of questions for the following day. "Would ye like t' light a fire an' settle in fer a bit before bed? Or would ye like t' take advantage of th' evening an' go fer a bit of a walk? It's nice enough I should think, as long as ye dress right..."
Saffron looked out the window a long moment, and smiled softly before turning to Mike. "It’s actually really beautiful here." He said softly, moving over toward Mike. "I don't think I remember Scotland...despite knowing my mother brought me here..." He trailed off, from rambling before sighing. "I think a walk would be nice..." He added.
"It's just as beautiful in th' day light... but evenin' has it's own beauty." Mike said simply. "We're in th' country now, though... woods an' fields an' streams... so make sure yer comfortable with what’s on yer feet.
Saffron nodded before changing his shoes from the ankle boots, to a pair of simple tennis shoes. "This'll be a first...I don't wear tennis shoes much." He said with a slight smirk, before standing and grabbing his jacket. "Well...you know this place best..." He said to Mike with a soft smile.
Mike smirked. "Aye... we slipped away here a couple times a year at least, just to get away from th' Council an' school an' what not. It's not far from home an' all... but it feels like it is. Me an' Natey got t' no end of trouble out here... Hell.. Natey damned near killed himself here one summer." Mike said simply as he pulled on his own jacket then offered his arm. "My fault o' course...then again.. t' hear it told, pretty much everything Natey got int' was my fault somehow.." he laughed softly.
Saffron snorted softly. "And how did Nate nearly kill himself one here summer, that was your fault?" He asked, hesitating a moment before accepting Mike's arm. They'd hung out often around the office and had a lot of fun hanging out, so it just seemed as easy with just the two of them. He didn't think so much on the fact he'd agreed to marry Mike.
Mike led the way through the door, shutting it but not locking it. The old fashioned carriage lamp on stone wall of the cottage was already glowing and for a minute he considered whether to take a light with them then decided they'd be fine. "Well... he was just a lad at th' time... an' he was spyin' on me. Saw somethin' he wasna prepared t' see an' freaked out." he said with a soft laugh. "Brained himself a good one climbin' back in through th' window, but never even slowed down. Found him down th' path here by th' stream up in a tree, bleedin' like crazy an' barely conscious. Mum was furious with me.. Th' little bugger spies on me then hurts himself an' instead of getting’ help, runs off... but I'm th' one tha' gets int' shite! He gets coddled."
Saffron raised an eyebrow as they walked and looked at Mike a moment. "Can I ask what exactly did he catch you doing, that freaked him out so much? Or is something I probably am better off NOT knowing?" He asked, with a slight smirk.
Mike laughed, blushing slightly. "Not at all... as m' bride t' be, ye certainly have a right t' know..." he added with a chuckle. "I was on' th' roof... makin' out with m' boyfriend. A lad tha' Natey had no clue was more then just a friend..." he said simply. "Came as a bit of a shock fer him t' find out his big brother was int' lads... as well as lasses..."
Saffron blinked, looking at Mike a moment. "Ah... I guess that can be a shock..." He replied with a slight smirk. "Maybe as much of a shock as the fact he himself is apparently in to boys...at least until Lex changes anyway...Provided he can get himself to ask Lex out..." Saffron added with a smirk.
Mike smirked and patted Saffron’s hands. "Ahh... Natey came around. He wouldna even talk t' me fer a while... but when he did, it was t' tell me tha' he tried kissin' a fella... an' it was alright but he preferred kissin' girls.." he said with a laugh. "I don’t think Natey was as shocked as ye might think.. I think fallin' fer Lexi just felt so natural an' right he never even questioned it... An' maybe our hookin' up will give him tha' push t' tellin' th' lad he's crazy fer him." he added. "An' if not... we'll, we'll just have t' hook them up, won’t we?"
Saffron smirked more, his hands in his coat pockets as they walked, the cold breeze ruffling his black hair. "I'd feel terrible about it, but yeah...we should probably give them a push in each other's direction if they don't realize things by now..." He replied softly. They walked in silence for a long moment, before Saffron asked softly. "Did you really tell your mum, you were going to marry me?"
Mike smirked. "Aye I did. I think I was all o' nine years old.. maybe as much as ten. Mum just shushed me and laughed it off. Yer mum though... I remember she got a weird rather sad look on her face... But then... she had a rather sad look t' her th' entire time I knew her, I think..." he added softly. "Not 'sad' really... but..." he shook his head, "I don’t know.. as a kid I though’ she looked a bit sad..."
"I don't remember much of her..." Saffron replied softly. "I remember that she always smelled like sunflowers...and that she liked to laugh. And that she played the piano...my father taught me to play...before LiVed took me." Saffron replied. He smiled a bit more after being quiet a moment. "A whole nine or ten years old, huh...that's rather pervy, if you think about it..." He added, giving him a teasing smile.
Mike blushed at that, still smiling. "Aye... an' even though I told m' school chums I had a girl, an' described how pretty ye were... I didna dare tell them ye were only a babe... I'da never lived it down."
Saffron couldn't help but laugh at that before stopping, turning to face Mike. It was already dark; the moon just starting to rise, but there was still enough light to see him by. "Makes me wonder...what would have happened if things had never gone the way they had...? I mean...with mum and Auron. If they'd managed to stay together, I'd have been raised around Hawkscliff... and you wouldn't have had to lie to your chums..."
"Well... it's all come full circle, anyhow. My childhood sweetheart has agreed t’ marry me. How many men can say that?" he said lightly. "Although... tha' does bring t' mind tha' other thing." he said softly. "Th' one I mentioned in' th' office tha' couldnae really be discussed...."
"And what's that?" Saffron asked softly in reply, brushing the hair out of his face as he looked up at him, and pulling the coat a bit tighter around him against the cold.
"Well... here I am about t' marry ye... an' have a child with ye... an' I havnae even got t' kiss ye yet." he said with a soft smile. "Would it be alright if I kissed ye, Saffron?"
Saffron blinked a moment before snorting softly, though he blushed, lowering his gaze a moment. "You're the first to ask me if you can kiss me, Mike...but sure, what the hell? No need for our first kiss to be when the priest says you can..." He replied softly still blushing, but stepped closer to Mike, looking up at him. "You have a right to kiss your childhood sweetheart."
Mike smiled softly at that then brushed his fingers through Saffron’s hair. "Ye know... yer still just as lovely. Even without th' pink bows in yer hair." he added with a chuckle. Brushing the fingers of his other hand over Saffron’s other cheek, until he was cradling his face in his hands, then he leaned in to kiss him softly, letting the kiss linger as long as he dared.
Saffron had been tense as Mike leaned in, trying not to think to much about it, but Mike's lips touching his felt actually really nice; Wonderful actually. He sighed softly with a faint moan and let a hand come to rest on Mike's chest, leaning more toward him and gave into kissing him back a little more then softly.
For a few almost blissful moments Mike let the kiss deepen, one hand slipping down to Saffron's waist, then with a soft sigh he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against his. "Wow... thank ye, luv. I'll definitely be lookin' forward t' Father Quiggley givin' me permission t' do tha' again…" he said with a soft laugh.
Saffron struggled to catch his breath, leaning against Mike, his arms resting on Mike's shoulders. "Just remember, when Father Quiggley gives you permission, it'll be a girl you'll be kissing..." He replied softly with a faint smile.
"No it won' be. " he said softly, his arms wrapped around Saffron's waist loosely, enjoying the moment. "It'll be m' wife I'll be kissin'...an' she'll be one gorgeous lady... not a mere girl." he replied. "Good thing I swing both ways." he added with a soft chuckle. "Ye know, luv... we're not doin' much walkin'... if all ye want t' do is cuddle... can do tha' inside where it's warm..."
Saffron smiled softly blushing more. "You distracted me." He replied softly, looking up at Mike. He shivered despite himself, wondering what his mother had thought, at hearing Mike say he was going to marry her, when they'd been children. He watched him a moment before raising a hand, touching Mike's cheek. "I remember your eyes...from when you gave me your cookie..." He said softly after a moment.
Mike blushed softly and caught Saffron’s hand, kissing it lightly then tucked it though his arm. "Come on... let's head back an' get tha' fire goin'. We can grab a bit t' eat then sit by the fire an' discuss ideas fer th' future... where t' live, what t' name th' babe... well... tons of shite t' talk about... I'm sure if we're not careful we'll be up all night..." he said with a soft laugh.
~~
The walk back to the cottage was quiet, but comfortable. Saffron was surprised, despite the age difference, which really didn't matter to him, or the fact that Mike was a witch, and one of his bosses, he did feel very comfortable with him. Mike got the fire going, while Saffron put a simple dinner together; more just snack things like summer sausage and cheese, but still enough to be a small meal, taking the plate and two bottles of Guinness from the fridge, out into the other room with the fire place. "I wanted to tell you...other then thank you...that the baby...it’s...a boy." He replied softly as they settled in front of the fire.
Mike looked up at that as he accepted one of the bottles. "A lad... well.. that'll make choosin' names an' decoratin' a nursery easier... can ignore th' pink entirely." he said. "An' this is good." he said, using his own bottle to point to Saffrons. "A mum tha' knows th' odd drink while she's pregnant is fine an' won’ do th' babe any harm.. as long as she doesnae get carried away." he said.
Saffron smirked faintly as he settled down where he was. "I'm... not always one for drinking...The other night...was a bad night..." He said softly, blushing a bit as he took a drink from his bottle. "Other wise...there's still enough Irish in me..." He said with a smirk. "And French. A drink once in a while...is about all I'll indulge in...while pregnant." He added.
Mike helped himself to a slice of meat and adding a piece of cheese on top of it before taking a bite. After a minute he raised his bottle. "I'd like t' make a toast... t' th’ wee lad who as of tomorrow, becomes a MacDonnell... may the gods have mercy on th' world." he said with a laugh.
Saffron was forced to laugh softly at that, but tipped his bottle in Mike's direction. "To the wee future MacDonnell..." He replied softly, taking another drink, moving to get more comfortable, lying on his hip as he munched. "Another thing to thank you about." He said softly. "Accepting him. Not a lot of guys like you..." Saffron said softly. Before smiling, "What do you think of the name Jack? To simple for you? I have a sense of humor...I like the name Jack Daniel." He said, smiling up at Mike.
Mike laughed, choking on a mouthful of Guiness. "Oh ye do tha' an' Mum'll bloody well blame me fer it." he said, coughing. "Nah... ye can do better then tha'."
Saffron laughed softly, watching the fire. "Johnny Walker?" He asked with a smirk. "I do like the name Jack though...always fancied Jack Cairo. Like Indiana Jones...but... I have a couple other names I've seriously considered...what about you? Ever consider baby names?"
Mike popped another hunk of cheese into his mouth while he considered. "Aye... a bit I suppose. There's Colin, o' course, an' I've always rather liked th' more ...descriptive names, like River or Forest, or place names, like Arizona.. although I suppose tha's more of a girl name... but ye get m' drift.." he said, his gaze on the fire.
Saffron took another drink from his bottle, sitting it aside as he nibbled on a piece of cheese, watching the flames. "Hmm...River Cairo...River Cairo MacDonnell...I rather like the sound of that..." Saffron replied softly. "Autumn...I like the name Autumn...or Winter, for a girl..."
"Cairo River..." Mike said with a soft snort. "Ah.. got plenty o' time t' think it over an' try out names. Although.. River MacDonnell doesnae sound tha' bad, actually.." he said then looked over at Saffron. "An' aye...Autumn sounds right pretty fer a lass. But we're no' havin' a lass, now are we? So there's no use in thinking of girls names..." he said, munching on some more meat and cheese before grabbing a couple crackers too. "Saffron MacDonnell... hmm.. Saffron's a flower... no wonder I like th' nature type names.. Ye spoiled me from th' start..." he added with a slight smirk.
Saffron turned over on his back, after finishing his bottle, sitting it aside. "A saffron is reddish purple, looks like an orchid, it's in the same family...smells like jasmine." He replied softly. "And it's Saffron Eloa...my name...Eloa was the angel born from Christ's tears...an angel of suffering. Makes me wonder about my mother's choice in names..." He said softly, closing his eyes a moment. "I like River though...I like it very much...not sure I would have thought of it, if you hadn't said it..." He added, grabbing a cracker off the plate. "And we're not having a girl now...but...eventually..."
Mike was quiet at that as he finished off his bottle and set it aside. "Saffron... " he said softly. "Ye know... I don't expect ye to... I mean.. I'd love ye t', but... I .. I mean..." he blushed furiously as he drew a breath and focused his thoughts. "What I'm tryin' t' say an' butcherin' like mad here... is tha'... I'm not expectin' ye t' ... share m' bed or anythin' like tha'.. I mean... I hope ye will at some point... but... I'm not plannin' on rushin' ye."
Saffron snorted softly, finishing his cracker before opening his eyes to look up at Mike a moment. "Did you know, the spice Saffron that comes from the flowers, is the most expensive in the world...? And that the flower is used in potions and has been since the ancient Egyptians...? They say Cleopatra used it in her baths so that lovemaking would be more pleasurable." Saffron replied softly before smiling faintly, moving to sit up again. "I have to have a daughter eventually Mike...I think I would like to be my husbands child..." Saffron said softly.
Mike blushed a bit more, turning his gaze to the fire. "Aye... eventually. But ye don’t have to force yerself t' do what yer not ready fer, luv." he said softly. "I know we're just friends... an' not as close as Matt n' yerself are... But tha's more then m' parents had when they were first betrothed. By th' time they had th' weddin' they were friends an' over th' years grew t' love each other. I hope we can have tha' too, Saffron." he said softly, then cleared his throat and spoke a bit clearer. "O' course… first thin' ye need t' remember... I'm a witch.. I know all about potions an' th' prospective ingredients.." he added with a chuckle.
Saffron watched him a moment before moving, leaning over the plate between them and kissing Mike's cheek. "Then you'd remember Saffron is a rather passionate flower, in everything from love potions to enhancing sex. Passionate...but fragile." He replied softly, kissing his cheek again before letting his lips brush over Mike's. "You're not forcing me to do anything, Michael... you haven't from the beginning. "
Mike closed his eyes and smiled softly before he looked over at Saffron. "An' I never will, darlin'. Ye can be sure o' tha'." he said simply. "But I'd rather ye wanted me fer me... an' not because ye felt a sense of duty or tha' ye owed me fer anythin'. " he added, reaching out to stroke Saffron’s cheek lightly. "We can take it easy, luv. We already have a babe on th' way... we have plenty of time before havin' another becomes a possibility t' consider. Be m' friend fer now an' we'll work on cuddlin' an' kissin' an' such as if we werenae already married..."
Saffron smiled softly, watching him a moment before leaning in and kissing him softly again. "I told you, I remember your eyes..." He replied softly, having only pulled back enough to meet his eyes. "When I want you...it'll be for wanting you..." He added, raising a hand to touch Mike's cheek. He knew to any one else, this had to be absolutely crazy. But he was following his instinct right now and in the end, he couldn't just marry Mike for his name and the security it offered. He couldn't put Mike and this baby through that...
Mike drew a breath and kissed him softly in return. "That's all I ask, luv." he said with a smile. "Tha’ an' th' ye don’ name our son after an' type of liquor or m' mum will never fergive me.." he said and sat back. "If yer done eatin'... ye could sit next t' me... I promise not t' bite." he said, his eyes sparklin'. "Yet, anyhow.."
Saffron snorted softly before moving the plate, moving closer to Mike. "What is it with you men...? You all say you promise not to bite...what if some times we like it if you bite?" Saffron replied with a slight smirk, making himself comfortable next to Mike.
Mike slipped his arm around Saffron, his hand resting lightly on his waist. "Which is why I said 'yet'... when ye're ready fer me' t' be nibblin' on ye... I will be." he added, smirking as he watched the flames. "Saffron an' River MacDonnell... damn... th' more I hear it th' more I like it. An' we've got nine months yet..."
"Nine months will go rather fast." Saffron replied softly, stifling a yawn as he let himself get comfortable. "Nine months will be over faster then you think and then River will be here..." He added, watching the fire, his head resting against Mike's shoulder.
"Assumin' we stick with River.. other wise who knows who'll be here instead..." he said lightly.
Saffron snorted softly, closing his eyes. "I really do like River..." He said softly, but seriously, not bothering to stifle the yawn.
Mike smiled softly. "Come on, luv. Why don’t ye head on up t' bed. Ye've had a hell of a day an' tomorrow is goin' t' be another tirin' one. Ye take th' room on th' right, yer bags are already in there. I'll be right across th' hall." he said softly, turning enough to kiss Saffron’s forehead softly.
~~
Saffron didn't sleep much during the night; she'd tossed and turned fitfully most of the time, her dreams a confusing mess with nightmares trying to break in. She'd woken up before the sun even rose, and had just watched the sun rise, while thinking about things. The fact that she was calmer about the change having finished surprised her, though her thoughts were still a confused mess. She thought awhile, about Matt, and what he was doing right now. She thought about what she'd tell him, if and when the time came, but decided not to dwell on that. She thought about what Mike was giving up, to marry her...for a baby that wasn't his, but she didn't want to back out. The more she got to know him, the more she was drawn him. Once the sun was up, she finally moved from the chair by the window, deciding to make breakfast.
Mike lay in bed staring at the ceiling and the faded glow-in-the-dark stars Nate and himself stuck all over the place one summer when they were kids. A lot of them had peeled off but there were still quite a few up there. He was locked in an argument with himself over what the hell he was doing. Part of him suddenly realized how crazy he was acting... asking someone to marry him just so they'd have a father for their baby and they wouldn't be alone. It would be different if it was his baby, but he'd never even kissed Saffron before last night. Not that he hadn't wanted to.
Which was the other part of the argument. He was attracted to Saffron and he did want to help her and he was looking forward to being a father to River... And it wasn't really that much different from his own parent’s marriage... they hadn't been in love when they got married, they'd barely even known each other, and things had worked out for them. He sighed and sat up, slipping out of bed, padding over to the window to look out. Temporary insanity aside... he really did want to do this. He smiled softly and headed downstairs in just his pajama pants and a t-shirt, wincing slightly at the cold floor. The smell of coffee greeted him as he entered the kitchen and came to a stop, staring at Saffron. “Good mornin’, beautiful.” He said softly.
Saffron brushed the hair out of her face and glanced toward him, with a slight smile. "I couldn't sleep, I figured we could both use some breakfast." She replied softly as she cooked. "There's coffee of course, " She added, nodding to the coffee maker, blushing faintly. She'd avoided looking in a mirror so far, so she didn't really know how different she looked, only that she felt...more like herself.
Mike smiled at that and headed across to where she stood, the stone floor beneath his feet warmer closer to the stove. "Usually, I'm all fer a good breakfast... but I'm not sure I'm up fer much this morning. Thank ye though, luv." he said softly, reaching out to pull her hair back over her shoulders; the rich black locks looking longer, fuller and even curlier then they had last night. "Trick fer cookin' with long hair... if it's got enough wave or curl t' it... ye don’ need a tie t' hold it out of yer way... just do a wee bit of a braid... it'll hold itself long enough fer ye t' finish.." he said softly, braiding a couple inches of hair to hold it back, then bent and kissed her shoulder lightly. His own hair still fell in loose waves around him since he hadn't bothered to pull it back or anything, and he just pushed it over his shoulders out of the way before heading for the coffee. "Shall I pour ye a cup, Saff?"
"Thank you." Saffron said softly about her hair then nodded. "If you wouldn't mind. I'm only slightly functional in the morning with out coffee..." She added with a bit more of a smirk, "You'd also be a help if you'd peel those two apples." She nodding to the two large red apples sitting on the counter next to the stove. "And I assure you, it won’t hurt to eat breakfast today."
Mike poured two cups of coffee, then glanced at the apples and gave her a curious look. "Apples? An' just what are ye makin', darlin'?” he asked as he added a generous amount of sugar to the one cup. "Sugar, sweetness?" he asked with a smirk, his eyes sparkling.
Saffron snorted softly. "Two spoons please." She said about the sugar, deciding she didn't want straight and black today. She flipped the crepes in her pan and smirked at him. "French crepes, with sauteed apples; `course its easier to use apple pie filling, but I'll make it from scratch. I suppose you'd better get used to French cooking..."
Mike added the sugar to her cup and moved it closer to her. "Don' think ye'll hear me complainin', luv." he said simply as he took a drink of coffee before grabbing a knife and beginning to peel the apples. "Did yer Da teach ye t' cook? Or is it somethin' ye learned fer yerself..?"
Saffron took a drink of coffee before sitting the cup aside and turning off the pan of crepes, getting the ingredients to make the sauce for the apples. "I remember...my father making breakfast, like this...but I rather taught myself to cook...growing up." She replied softly. "I had kitchen duty a lot, in the Black Court...but I guess it became more a hobby afterwards."
"Mark of a survivor t' bring out any good they can from th' bad they've endured.." Mike said softly, setting one apple aside with its neatly coiled rind and started on the other. "Not sure I've ever had sauteed apples by themselves o’ with crepes... how would ye like them, sliced or diced?"
"Actually, either works just fine. And sauteed apples are a bit like baked apples, which...is one of my favorite things, in the fall and winter." Saffron replied, taking another drink of coffee. "As for taking any good from the bad...there’s a few things, good I took from it all...I had an excellent tutor despite the circumstances..."
"Well... I'll have t' make ye m' crisp then sometime. One of th' few things I can bake... well.. actually it's th' only thing I can bake, but I do it damned good." he said with a soft laugh as he set the second rind aside and set about coring them. "Nothin' as good on a cold day, as hot apple crisp with a bit o' whipped cream or' vanilla ice cream t' top it off."
Saffron smirked, taking another drink of coffee and then taking the first pieces of apple putting them in a skillet to sautee them, adding a generous amount of sugar and cinnamon. "Sounds like heaven to me." She replied softly, finding herself completely relaxed with Mike at the moment.
Mike laughed softly. "Aye... it can be... especially when ye use m' secret ingredient..." he added with a wink, his eyes sparkling as he enjoyed the rare joy of cooking with someone. Usually attempts to share the kitchen with anyone but his mother, resulted in bumps and spills and frayed tempers. Discovering this was something the two of them could share was just another good sign of things to come, as far as he was concerned.
Saffron had to laugh, as she cooked. "I won’t ask what the secret ingredient is." She replied, sauteeing the rest of the apples; the kitchen filling with the smell of apples and cinnamon. "Although, I use brandy in my baked apples."
"Damn... a woman after m' own heart. Should've known ye'd have th' same touches." he said with a wicked smirk. "Just a bit t' sautee them in, mind ye... an' ye have t' have knack fer blendin' th' right amount of brandy an' spice t' even things out so it's not obvious..." he said as he quickly cleaned up and rinsed off the knife. "But then... I'm willin' t' bet ye've got th' knack fer it."
Saffron laughed as she cooked, turning down the heat. "Brandy isn't the only alcohol I use in cooking." She replied, flashing him a smile. "Deserts are my specialty though." She added, smiling to herself as she took the skillet off the heat.
"Now.. ye'd best be careful then. I rather like m' stomach lookin' th' way it does... I start growin' one of those bellies tha' hang over m' jeans an' I'll be in trouble." he said with a soft laugh. "I can cook not too bad. Mum taught me... bakin's no' m' thing though. An' tha's th' only thing I can do fer dessert...aside from instant puddin'..." he said taking a drink of his coffee. "Anything else I can do fer ye?"
"You can get a couple of plates." Saffron replied as she finished cooking. "I suppose it's a good thing I can cook then, both meals and desserts. You'll just have to keep up with serious exercise." She added with a smirk.
Mike snorted at that as he grabbed the plates down from their cupboard. "Aye... chasin' after a wee one will help with that." he said simply. "Shall I set th' table or fill them up over here an' then sit down?"
Saffron snorted softly, nodding for him to set the plates on the counter, before filling them, with the crepes and apples over top. She'd also made some sausage adding a couple pieces to each plate. "You've still got awhile, before you have to be chasing a little one around."
Mike set napkins and silverware on the table then refilled their coffee cups and set them on the table as well. "Aye... got a while before bein' spoiled by yer cookin' will startin' showin' too." he said with a smirk as he returned to take his plate. "An' ye'd best be warned now... Never cook or make dessert fer m' brothers or cousin, unless ye plan on havin' them around ferever."
Saffron laughed softly as she sat down. "Hmm, I doubt I'll have to worry about Nate...I taught Lex to cook." She replied with a smirk, picking up her fork. She wondered if Lex had changed as well, or it was going to take a little longer for Lex to catch up...
"Then it's just Duncan an' Eire... ye're never goin' t' have t' worry about Conner droppin' in fer a visit... I plan on makin' it plain th' irritatin' little bastard's not welcome." he said simply as he started to eat despite a slightly nervous stomach. "Oh damn... these are good. Yer teachin' th' kids too." he said with a smirk.
Saffron laughed softly as she ate. "Thank you..." She said softly, blushing a bit. "Plenty of men I know will be envious of the fact that you're marrying a woman with great cooking skills..." She added with a slight smirk. "Conner hmm, I've heard Nate and Eire bitch about that name..."
"Sweetheart, th' last thing men will be envious of me marryin' ye fer is yer cookin' skills." Mike said simply. "An' aye... I promise ye I'll do m' best t' put off yer meetin' him an' keep any future meetin's to a bare minimum." he said softly. "So... we don’ have t' meet with mum an' Father Quiggley fer a few hours yet... an' since I'll be gettin' us there via portal, we have plenty o' time...what would ye like t' do? I'll pick up m' car at Hawkscliff while we're there an' we can drive back... could do tha' first… go shoppin'..?"
Saffron snorted softly as she ate before sitting her fork aside for a moment, picking up her coffee cup. "I'm not one for shopping, but I suppose there's some things I need to pick up...certain undergarments...like a bra..." She said softly with a blush.
Mike blushed himself at that, laughing softly. "Aye...suppose ye'll be needin' a few things. But at least ye don' have t' be worryin' about.. yer monthlies.. fer about a year." he added with a smirk and trying to hide it in his coffee cup. "So then... shall we head t' Hawkscliff first and grab m'car then sneak off int' town before mum catches us?"
"If we can sneak away before she catches us." Saffron replied with a slight smirk. "And I suppose I should start putting things together...baby wise...Maternity wear and baby clothes..."
Mike just shook his head slightly. "Now luv... yer not supposed t' know yet." he said with a soft chuckle. "We've got a bit o' time yet... how about we spend today just gettin' ye set fer bein' a woman.. an' a wife..?" he suggested softly as he finished his breakfast.
Saffron snorted softly with a slight smirk, finishing her plate and picking up her coffee cup. "Women connected the Seal can cheat..." She replied softly with a slight smirk. "Just because I might gravitate toward baby clothes and stuff that’s boyish, doesn't mean anything...No one else has to know..." She added with a smirk.
Mike chuckled softly as he leaned back in his chair with his coffee in hand. "True enough... And we can get th' weddin' bands too. I already have yer engagement ring though... even though it's not much of an engagement... still think ye should have it. Maybe we'll be lucky an' mum will be out an' I can get it fer ye before we head fer town..."
Saffron snorted softly, holding her cup between both hands and looked at Mike. "Only thing about the engagement ring, Mike, is just as long as it's not yellow gold, I find yellow gold tacky...and as long as neither engagement ring or wedding band is platinum. I'm...allergic to platinum."
Mike scowled softly. "Damn... th' one I had in mind was gold... hmm... Well, suppose I'll just let ye pick. Although, some of em' are rather old an' don' look 'tacky'... but.. there are plenty tha' do look rather... extravagant.." he admitted softly. "Not sure if we'll be able t' find one t' fit ye without takin' it t' a jewelers though... Although... there are a couple sets of bands in there too…ifn ye don’ mind wearin' heirlooms...? Can have them fit... if we're lucky they might even be able to have em ready fer th' weddin'. Father Quiggley will let us know how long it'll take today..." he said.
Saffron snorted softly, shaking her head before sitting her coffee cup down, letting her hand touch his. "You'll have to forgive me, I'm not used to...extravagant jewelry. I like...simplicity I guess...but I'd still wear it, even if it was gold, Mike. Just not platinum. Platinum to me is like iron to fae...enough of it would kill me."
Mike looked at her for a while as he drank his coffee. "Ye know, luv... there's wives tales an' stories about platinum bein' th' bane of angels..." he said softly, his eyes sparkling. "Iron fer Fae, Silver fer demon-kind.. an' Platinum fer angel-kind... or so they say... An' the first is right on th' money.. although I've never met a full demon t' try th' silver one out on.. it works well enough against th' demon touched such as were's an' vamps..."
Saffron brushed the hair out of her face, since it'd come on done. She blushed softly, glancing at him. "Platinum is best to use against angels." She replied softly. "And it'll also kill death elementals...Death elementals all come from a fallen angel, who was the first of our kind..."
"So... not only am I marryin' m' first love an' child hood sweetheart, an incredible cook an' breath takin' beauty... but I'm marryin' an angel, as well... damn." he said with a soft smirk.
Saffron snorted softly, but gave him a weary smile. "Fallen angel, Michael." She corrected softly. "I have the black wings to prove it." She added, before picking up her plate to take it to the sink.
Mike stood and collected his own plate before following her. "Don’ go sad on me, sweetheart." he said softly as he set the dishes in the sink and caressed her cheek tenderly. "Why don’t ye go get dressed an' ready t' go? I'll look after these." he said, brushing his lips over her cheek in a light kiss.
Saffron snorted softly with a bit more of a smile. "I'm not sad, just telling the truth. Death elementals are fallen angels." She replied softly, before turning her face enough his lips brushed over hers and she smirked playfully, before kissing him lightly. "Ask some time and I'll show you my wings."
"Definitely." Mike said softly. "Now go on... be girly an' hog th' bathroom fer a while so I can take care of these." he said with a light smirk, stealing another soft kiss.
Saffron laughed, but slipped away from him, "You've got a lot to learn about me." She replied over her shoulder, before heading upstairs to grab a shower and get dressed.
~~
Mike let the portal close behind them and waited, listening for any sign of life. "Shh.." he said softly as he took Saffron's hand. "If she's here... we might be able to slip past her..." he said as he led the way across the entry hall towards the hall that would lead to 'his' den. Formerly his fathers, it was the room that held the wall safe. "Welcome back t' Hawkscliff, Saff." he whispered.
Saffron took in the sights as Mike led her and felt a familiarity and an odd sense of comfort. She almost felt the need to explore, but figured she'd have time for that later. They were almost to the door of Mike's den, "Oy! Wha' are ye doin' here?!" Came a rather amused voice, rather loudly, behind them, making Saffron jump with a squeak as Duncan caught sight of them as he came out the library. "Hey Auntie Hel! The prodigal son's returned...an' he brought a girl with 'im!" Duncan called toward the kitchen, grinning wickedly.
Mike leaped towards his cousin and clamped a hand over his mouth too late. "Shite.. ye bloody prat!" he hissed. "Stall her, damn it! Tell her... damn ye man..." he growled, giving Duncan a shove and yanking open the door to the room and ushering Saffron inside. He cast one last dark look on a rather stunned Duncan before following her and locking the door behind him. "Damn it... Saff.. I'm sorry.."
Saffron blinked a bit wide eyed, trying to get her heart to stop beating so hard. A soft giggle escaped her after a moment and she ended up leaning against Mike a moment. "Don't apologize...he just...surprised me..." She replied softly, hearing Duncan getting whacked up side the head and chided by Helena for yelling in the house like that.
"No.. I mean ..." he sighed softly and slipped his arms around her, holding her. "I was hopin' t' save th' whole... confrontation... until Father Quiggley was here... " he said softly then brushed a light kiss over her ear before letting go and heading around the desk. He moved the painting that hung there, revealing the safe and quickly had it open. "Just a minute, mum... we'll join ye in a bit.... please.." he called out at the soft knock, then looked over the neat contents of the safe for a moment before slipping two simple black cases out. He set them on the desk and opened the one revealing a few sets of wedding bands that had been saved upon request rather then buried with their previous owners. His gaze went to a dark gold set with faint etching around them and ran a finger over them with a soft smile then drew a breath and opened the second case. "Here ye go, luv... come have a look."
"I think it was unavoidable, Mike." Saffron replied softly finally getting her racing heart under control, before moving over to look, her eyes falling on all the rings. She hesitated a moment, before letting her fingers brush over some. A soft reply from Helena said she'd be in the kitchen, then they heard her smack Duncan upside the head again and tell him to move on. Saffron smirked faintly at that, as she eyed a simple silver and emerald ring.
Mike sat on the edge of the desk and watched her. "Go on an try em on if ye like... won’t do ye any good ifn it doesna fit ye.. although if ye really like it, I'm sure tha' can be takin' care of. We have a damned good jeweler in town..."
Saffron snorted softly before plucking the emerald ring from the box, trying it on, a bit surprised that it was a perfect fit. She liked that one the most. "I guess I should take that as a sign." She said softly, looking at Mike.
Mike reached out and took hold of her hand, slipping the ring off as he stood. "Aye..." he said simply as he went down on one knee and looked up at her. "Then I'll do this again th' right way..." he said with a soft smile and took hold of her hand, the ring held in his other hand. "Saffron Eloa Azreal Mordant... would ye do me th' incredible honor of becomin' m' wife?" he asked softly.
Saffron blushed darkly, though a soft smile came to her. She started to tell him he really didn't have to do this, he had already asked, but she didn't feel the need to ruin the moment. "Yes, I'll marry you." She replied softly, deciding even if it had started out as a marriage of convenience, she could be happy with Mike. And could see herself falling in love with him.
Mike slipped the ring on her finger, kissing her hand softly before getting to his feet and kissing her deeply. "I was a wee bit worried ye might say no tha' time, t' be honest... but I though’ ye deserved a real proposal done proper... plus it'll make m' eavesdroppin' cousin feel like shite fer callin' mum down on us..." he added with a soft smirk.
Saffron smirked softly, kissing Mike back rather deeply, leaning against him. She had no problem seeing herself falling in love with him, she had a feeling she already was. "I was going to tell you, you didn't need to ask again; I’d never say no." She replied softly smirking. "Maybe we should go tell your mum now."
"Aye.. just a second... " Mike said, closing the one case. "Any of these catch yer fancy? They're all gold though... although some aren't as shiny as others.." he said with a soft smirk. "Maybe we should just buy our own... "
Saffron snorted softly, she stayed leaning against Mike, but turned her eyes on the case with the wedding bands. She let her fingers run over them like the last time, feeling ever faint ties back to the people who'd worn them before. Her fingers paused at a old pale set, with celtic knot work engraved in them. They were actually rather beautiful and tugged at her. "These are beautiful..."
Mike reached down and plucked up the smaller one. "Aye... my great great granduncle had these made fer his eldest son and his bride... and they asked fer them t' be kept with in the family rather then buried with them. They've been worn... once more after them, I think... and never had t' be resized." he said softly then slipped the engagement ring off her finger and held it up to the band. "I'd say that's th' same size..." he said softly, before slipping the silver ring back on her hand. He picked up the larger band and held it beside his own finger. "What do ye think, luv...? Do we have our weddin' bands..?"
"Guess it should be taken as another sign." Saffron replied, picking up the woman's band, trying it on her right hand. "And makes the planning a lot simpler." She added with a slight smirk, handing it back to Mike. A soft knock followed by Duncan apologizing, made her laugh softly.
Mike quickly slipped the band on and flexed his hand, smiling softly as he slipped it off again. He took a small empty ring case out of the bottom drawer of the desk and slipped the two bands in place, ignoring his cousin for the moment. He returned the two ring cases to the safe and relocked it, then replaced the painting and pocketed the wedding band case. "So... shall we forgive him or make him grovel fer a few days...?" he asked softly, his eyes sparkling as Duncan knocked again, repeating his apology.
Saffron snorted softly, watching Mike with a smirk. "I think you'd have more fun at making him grovel a few days." She replied softly, before looking at the engagement ring.
"Oh undoubtedly... but he'll be yer cousin too... an' I wouldna want ye feelin' like yer gettin' off t' a bad start with him or somethin'." Mike said then slipped his hand through hers. "Come on... I'll make him feel like shite fer a bit more an' when ye've had enough ye can be th' good cousin an' tell me t' let him be.." he whispered as they headed for the door just as the soft knock came again. Mike opened the door, glare already in place. "No. Yer not bloody fergiven. Ye damned near ruined somethin' important..." he said, heading past Duncan towards the kitchen, not bothering to introduce her.
Saffron managed to bite back the smirk, Duncan falling into step behind them. " `ow was I supposed t' know?" He replied innocently. "Natey said ye'd been pullin' somethin' stupid, called 'ere last night." Duncan added. Saffron snorted softly, which got Duncan's attention to her. He'd been to the offices a few times. "Holy shit!" Duncan remarked after a moment, before slapping a hand to his mouth, looking around before lowering his hand. "Aren't ye Saffron Azreal?"
Mike stopped at Duncan's words and his cousin walked into him. "Natey called... t' say I was bein' stupid?" he asked softly. "In tha' case… Eire wins." he said simply and started walking again. "Th' both of ye can consider yerselves lucky if I even invite ye.." he said simply.
Duncan recovered his balance, following after them. "He jus' said ye were jumpin' the gun 'gain an' he didn't think ye'd really thought it out." Duncan said.
"And Lex probably smacked him for it." Saffron put in, giving Mike's hand a squeeze. "And yus, I'm Saffron Azreal." She added, to Duncan.
"I thought...ye were a boy...? No offense..." Duncan said quickly to Saffron, eyeing the hand holding.
"She used t' be." Mike said softly. "An' Natey had no right t' call about myself or m' decisions." he said as they walked. "I know what I'm doin'... An' while he's right... I didnae think it out at th' time... I stand by it. An' I'm glad I did it." he said, his eyes sparkling slightly as he could almost feel his cousin’s curiosity.
"He was jus' worried about ye. Wha's with that hand holdin'..." Duncan said.” An’ what’s with all o’ yer holdin' hands with one o' yer bosses..." He said to Saffron who was forced to laugh, giving Duncan a look as she slipped closer to Mike.
"I'm a serious brown-noser." She told Duncan, making him blink a moment in confusion.
They entered the kitchen and Helena turned from the counter to look at them. "Sorry fer tha' mum... but we were just plannin' on slippin' in quick an' headin' in town before we met with ye an' Father Quiggley. Duncan caught us by surprise... I really didnae mean t' be rude.." Mike said simply.
Helena raised an eyebrow, eyeing them a moment. "Not sure why ye felt the need t' sneak through, Michael." She said. "Hello Saffron." She added warmly.
"Hello again, Helena." Saffron said softly, noticing Duncan still trying to work it out.
Mike gave Saffron's hand a gentle squeeze. "Because I was hopin' fer a bit more time with m' hide in place before ye removed it." he said simply, earning another raised eyebrow from Helena. "I asked ye t' set up th' meetin' with the father... because I asked Saffron t'marry me.. an' she said yes."
"Wait...yer marryin' yer boss?!" Duncan said to Saffron who laughed.
"I told you, I'm a serious brown-noser. The ultimate raise." She told Duncan, who cracked a grin.
"Damn, more women in the work force need t' be that career minded." Duncan said.
"Duncan!" Helena snapped, before turning her attention back to Mike and Saffron. "I didn't e'en know ye were datin', Michael." She said. "Or that ye were seein' any one, Saffron." She added.
Saffron blushed, but smiled softly. "One of the reasons we were keeping it quiet...Mike being my boss and all...and the age difference..." Saffron said softly and leaned against Mike, just saying what was instinctual.
Helena smiled softly, shaking her head. "Ye have me congratulations...But what's the rush?" Helena said.
"Tha' would be th' reason ye'll be havin' m' hide..." Mike said softly, and slipped his fingers between Saffron's. "Our... sneakin' around .. wasna quite as careful as we'd thought... an'... yer gonna be a grandmother in about nine months..." he said softly.
Helena blinked a moment, before raising an eyebrow, looking between the two a moment. Duncan had blinked too, "Dude, yer gonna have a baby!?" He said after a moment. "Holy shit! No wonder Natey said ye weren't thinkin'!" He added, before getting smacked by Helena.
Saffron blushed darkly and found herself slipping into Mike's arms to be closer. "It’s not a matter of not thinking...just an unexpected...but WELCOME surprise." Saffron replied, giving Duncan a look. Helena eyed Mike a moment, before shaking her head.
Mike held her close and looked at his mum a bit sheepishly. "Ye have t' admit mum... I did give ye plenty o' warnin' this would happen... After all.. told ye twenty some odd... almost thirty years ago I was gonna marry this lass..." he said softly. "Just took me a bit longer then I thought... an' a bit of a push t' get around t' doin' it…" he added, looking at Saffron with a soft smile.
Saffron was forced to smile herself at Mike's smile, letting her left hand come to rest on his chest. "Shit..." Duncan said from his spot, before ducking out of way of being smacked. "Congrats, Mikey...kinda always thought it'd be Natey first..." Duncan said.
"He hasn't got the courage up to ask Lexi," Saffron replied to Duncan.
"Yer not jus' gettin' married fer the baby's sake." Helena said softly, suddenly, watching the two of them.
"No, mum... although.... it was th' babe tha' got me askin'.." Mike said softly, his eyes still on Saffron before finally looking back to his mother. "I love her, mum... ye know I've always loved her." he said quietly and feeling the truth of it as the words came out.
Saffron looked up at him at his words, just looking at him a long moment and realizing her earlier thought, that she was falling in love with him, as crazy as it seemed. She closed her eyes, leaning against him, seeing the ten year old boy handing her a cookie, with those deep green eyes and smiled softly. Helena watched the two of them a moment, especially Saffron, before nodding softly. "Alright then, ye have me blessings...congratulations Michael, Saffron...How far along are ye, Saffron?"
Saffron opened her eyes, and blushed softly, but smiled, "A week." She lied effortlessly.
"Her step mum an' Lexi know... as do Nate an' Eire since they kinda ... stumbled in on the news...But no one else knows yet. Includin' her father. We thought it might be safest t' slip off an' get married before he finds out she's expectin'... and.. an' ocean between us an' him is nice as well..." Mike said simply.
Helena snorted softly, shaking her head. "I'm sure Auron will have a fit." She said, reaching out to touch Saffron's hair. "Lillian would be..."
"Amused." Saffron finished for her with a smirk.
Helena snorted softly, but smiled and nodded. "Aye." Helena replied. "So yer wantin' a small weddin' here? Wouldn't it 'ave jus' been easier t' go t' the Justice o' the Peace?" She asked.
Saffron shrugged. "With my father...maybe, but...an ocean between us like Mike said...and...plus I thought it would be kind of nice, to have a small wedding...can do a bigger ceremony later on."
"An' havin' it here... just feels right." Mike added simply. "It's still just a small simple thing... but it's here. With Father Quiggley presidin' th' same as he did fer Da an' yerself... an' ye'd be with us.." he added. "Plus th' rings were here." he added a bit lighter, smiled as he did.
"Are ye wantin' any sort o' plannin' t' it?" Helena asked.
"Not really...I mean...I...was thinking...about wearing a white dress..." Saffron said softly, realizing she could certainly get away with it...despite being pregnant, she was a virgin since the change had finished.
Helena eyed her a moment. "But ye don't 'ave one..." Saffron smiled sheepish but shook her head. Helena sighed lightly. "Come with me, lass." She said, taking Saffron's arm.
Mike reluctantly let go of her hand and offered her a wink. "I'll take ye shoppin' after th' meetin' then... go on." he said softly with a smile. He was aware of his cousin practically bursting as he waited for Helena to leave so he could pounce on him.
~ ~
Helena led Saffron from the kitchen and down the hall to the stairs. "Iffin ye'd rather buy a gown, I can call the dress shop in town," Helena told her. "But plenty o' the MacDonnell women's gowns are kept up stairs...ye might find somethin' there ye'd like t' wear...an' they're kept in good shape." She added leading Saffron up stairs.
Saffron blinked. "I...think it'd be an a honor...to wear one..." Saffron said softly, but honestly.
Helena led Saffron up to a bedroom that wasn't used, but kept clean with a large walk in closet, basically filled with nothing but wedding clothes. "See iffin' there's any thing ye like." Helena told Saffron, stepping out of her way to look.
Saffron explored through the gowns in their clothing bags and such, some where extremely extravagant and definitely not her taste. There were some that were very pretty, but a little too much for a small wedding, though she wouldn't rule them out for a bigger family wedding. It took her a moment, before she found one; a simple, thin strapped floor length white gown with French lace trim on the sweetheart bodice neck line and the bottom hem. It was simple, yet elegant and beautiful at the same time. She pulled it off the rack, looking it over, moving over to the floor length mirror, testing it out. Helena smiled at seeing the gown.
"Do you think one is okay?" Saffron asked Helena, who smiled softly.
"Fer a small weddin' I think it's jus' fine..." Helena said, stepping up. She took the bag off the dress, letting Saffron see it closer. "It was me own gown, when I married Colin..." Helena said, looking at the dress fondly.
Saffron blinked, looking at the gown herself, before smiling softly. "Everything seems to be proving this was the right choice..." Saffron said softly.
"Oh," Helena looked at her.
Saffron blushed softly, but nodded. "The rings...now this...I...I mean, I'd be very honored, to wear this..." She said about the gown.
"I think ye'd look lovely in it..." Helena replied with a smile. She looked at Saffron a moment. "Do ye love Michael?" She asked softly.
Saffron had blushed, but expected the question at some point. She looked at the dress for a long moment before looking at Helena. "I'm falling in love with him..." She replied rather softly, some how knowing it was the right thing to say.
Helena took this in, before nodding, touching Saffron's hair. "Ye'll be happy t'gether. He's loved ye fer a long time."
Helena put the gown in another dress bag, and offered to hold it for Saffron when she needed it. She figured she could arrange for Father Quiggley to do the ceremony that evening if they wanted it so quickly which Saffron agreed with. "Then ye should get yer shoppin' done an' be back 'ere." Helena said as they headed back down stairs. "We'll 'ave a family dinner, rather then a reception. But I'm sure Agnes will be wantin' t' do a small cake..." Helena said.
~ ~
Duncan seemed to watch Helena leave the kitchen with Saffron, just as much as he seemed to be bouncing on his heels.
Mike sighed. "Do ye still think Natey was righ' an' tha' I'm doin' somethin' stupid?" he asked softly. "I cannae believe he called an' said tha' ! He knew I wanted t' talk t' mum about it m'self... why th' hell would he..." he sighed heavily, scowling slightly. "Like I said...Eire wins. Ye can call an' tell him I'm pissed at him fer callin' an' sayin' that an' tha' Eire won."
"Well he didn't talk t' Helena...jus' me." Duncan replied, giving Mike a look. "An' he said he was worried ye weren't thinkin'...An' really...kinda has a point...ye always 'ad little more sense when sleepin' with some one..." Duncan muttered, before shaking his head. "Ne'er mind, mate...ye love 'er, that's the important thing..."
Mike blushed at Duncan's comment. "Aye well...th' possiblity o' babies really weren't in m' head at th' time..." he said softly. "Mum's goin' t' have her busy fer a bit... once she's done with the dress thing she'll be haulin' out th' baby shite.. ye wait an' see. I'm gonna go check on m' car an' make sure it's runnin fine an' ye havnae dinged th' shite out of it again..."
"'Aven't touched it." Duncan replied in his defense. "An' wha'd'ya mean wasn't on yer mind..." Duncan added, before cluing in. "Ah...er...so she was a boy...?" He said, before shaking his head. "Seal business, I take it." He added. He eyed Mike a moment. "So...she really the lass ye kept claimin' all these years ye were gonna find 'gain an' marry?"
Mike smirked softly and shot Duncan a smirk. "Aye.. surprised ye remember... havnae said anythin’ in a long while..." he said he headed out the back door and around to the garage, Duncan trailing after him. "If ye remember tha'... then surely ye can remember me describin' her..."
"Ye tended t' talk about her eyes a lot. An' the black curly hair with pink bows...Not seein' any pink bows on that one..." Duncan replied with a slight smirk, carrying a cup of coffee. "But she's a right gorgeous lass...bit too gorgeous fer ye..."
"She's got such beautiful eyes... I hope th' babe has her eyes..." he said softly as they walked, then suddenly realized just how true that was. If the baby had his fathers eyes there'd be no doubt as too who his real father was... They'd have to come up with some way to hide it... a glamour spell or something in case that was the case. Mike pulled open the small door that lead into the side of garage and turned on the lights before walking past his mothers car to where his own sat covered.
"Yeah...an' the drunker ye get, the more ye talk about her beautiful eyes..." Duncan said. "Ye know...the first time I met Saffron at the offices...her bein' a boy an' all...Wasn't quiet sure ye thought it was the same Saffron an' all...Knew it wasn't the fact she was a boy...cause well, that's ne'er stopped ye in the past an' now we know that's true...jus' thought ye didn't recogize 'er or somethin'." Duncan added.
Mike carefully began pulling the cover off the car as he spoke. "Aye... Bein' a lad... at first I didnae think it could be th' same one... until th' first time I looked at those eyes..." he said softly. "I was datin' Janice at th' time though... had t' break it off with her before I could really let m'self think about anything..." he added as he folded the cover as well as he could and set it on a shelf at the back of the garage. He popped the hood and set about checking the oil and making sure every looked good. "Which reminds me... did ye get around t' askin' ... what was her name... Kelly? Callie... Aye Callie... did ye manage t' ask th poor lass out yet? Yer gettin' t' be as bad as Natey..."
Duncan sent a light kick Mike's way as he stayed out his way for the most part. "I asked 'er out." He replied simply. "An' wha's this bout, Natey any way...this doesn't 'ave t' do with that red head he's been fawnin' o'er is it...Wait...isn't that yer bride t' be's little brother or somethin'?"
"Soon t' be little sister, unless she already is..." Mike said softly. " An' aye... Natey's been crazy fer Lexi an' too blind t' see she feels th' same. Saff an' I figured if he still hasnae gotten around t' askin' her out by th' weddin' we're hookin' them up." he said simply, closing the hood and heading back to the work bench to clean off his hands and grab the keys. "Open th' door would ye, Dunc?"
Duncan snorted, before moving to open the door for Mike. "Wouldn't a good crack up side the head, work jus' as well fer Natey?" He asked with a smirk. "Wha' bout E’...? He still trailin' after cat girl, or he'd come t' his senses?"
"Cat girl?" Mike asked curiously, pausing as he was about to get behind the wheel, then snorted. "Ye mean Davina?! Lards... havnae heard him even mention her in quite a while... I think yer a wee bit out of th' loop... maybe ye should take up gossipin' an' keep o top o' these things..." he added as he shut the door and started the car, then pulled it out of the garage.
Duncan followed the car out, shaking his head. "Nah, I meant...Orea...I think that was her name." Duncan replied. "Ye know...the twins that started workin' fer ye guys a while back...I know the bastard expressed interest in the girl."
Mike shut the car off, leaving it close to the house. "Orea..." he repeated softly then just grinned. "Ahh... ye mean Kay's cousin.." he said with a wicked smirk, chuckling at the look on Duncan's face. "And no, as far as I know he hasna asked her out... Then again... ye never know. E' tends t' keep alot o' tha' t' himself... Natey would know."
Duncan snorted, shaking his head as they headed back inside. "He hasn't asked 'er out then...iffin' Natey knew, ye'd know..." Duncan replied, as they headed back toward the kitchen. "Kay's cousin...damn..." Duncan just shook his head seeing Helena and Saffron back in the kitchen.
"What about Kay's cousin...which one, Orea or Tiran?" Saffron asked. Duncan raised an eyebrow then remembered the twin brother.
"Orea." Mike said simply. "Dunc was wonderin' if Eire had asked her out yet... Well.. no he asked' if he was still traillin' after her... Not tha' I ever remember E' 'traillin' after her..." he said with a snort.
Saffron snorted. "Rather think it was the other way around for awhile. But not that I know of." She replied.
"So, they're workin' out I take it...the twins I mean..." Duncan said, trying not to blush.
"They're currently working in security..." Saffron said.
Duncan raised an eyebrow, Saffron snorted. "They insisted on working in as many positions as they could be allowed, to try them all out...see which one fit them best...though they are supposed to work their first case with...Matt...eventually." She said. "I should know...he bitched about the idea of having to...baby sit."
Mike barked a soft laugh at that then covered his mouth. "Sorry.. just... wonderin' who'll come out of tha' match up th' winner... I've heard some grumblin' about workin' with Orea from some of th' 'tougher' types in security.. as well as from the secretaries. Th' lass just does th' job th' way she sees fit an' t' hell with' how it's 'supposed ' t' be done... an' usually ends up makin' th' fellas look like fools in th' doin'. She's a very tough one t' impress, apparently an' doesnae even notice most of th' flirtin' they're attemptin'..."
Saffron laughed softly, leaning against the counter. "She's Kay's cousin, what do you expect? She's also a bit naive, and some times...out there, and blunt...so...Matt might could end up a bit scratched up...She's already called him a pompous ass...He was more stunned by her choice of insult, more then the insult itself...He'll most likely get along with Tiran better then Orea...as long as Tiran doesn't tear up the seats in the hearse..." Saffron said with a smirk.
Mike smirked softly. "So.. how'd it go with mum? Are ye dress shoppin' as well or is our luck still holdin'?" he asked simply. "Rather surprised yer back down already... told Dunc I figured ye'd be int' th' baby stuff by now... Although ye'd have t' content yerself with stuff fer boys, fer th' most part...Th' MacDonnell Clan is a bit light on th' girl children...."
Saffron snorted softly and thumped Mike lightly in the shoulder. "I imagine the MacDonnell clan will continue there, another boy to add to the books." She replied lightly. "And as a matter of fact, I found my gown...I'm borrowing your mum's wedding dress."
Mike paused at that. "Ye are?" he asked. "Damn ... ye shouldnae have told me tha'... I've seen photos of tha' dress... th' grooms not supposed t' see th' gown... or th' bride in th' gown..." he said softly, but smiled as he caught her hand. "It's a lovely gown though... I cannae wait t' see ye in it..." he added softly. "I rather hope Father Quiggley can get get thing's straightened around fer us in a couple days. I know there's lots of shite like postin' th' bans an' counselin' an' of course th' license an' all tha'... I have no clue what can be skipped..."
Helena snorted softly. "Fer one, it's a matter o' seein' the bride in real life in the gown, ye'll be fine. As fer how quickly...with a little arrangin' we can 'ave a simply ceremony done t'night, since Saffron has...expressed just wantin' t' do the vows right now. It’s not normally the right way, an' Father Quiggley'll be the first t' tell ye that, but considerin' Saffron bein' one o' the Daughters of the Seal, it can be done t' night an the bans an' rest can hold off until a full family weddin' later on." Helena said. "I'll let the pair o' ye decide when that'll be..."
Mike blinked at that. "Tonigh'? Seriously?" he asked then turned to look at Saffron. "Good thing we found th' rings an' th' dress then... Guess I'd better make sure I have somethin' suitable t' wear..." he said then smiled. "Damn... just as quick as Vegas but a thousand times better." he added. "Do ye think we have time t' head in an' do some shoppin' before the father gets here, or should we leave it fer later?"
"If ye go pretty soon, ye should be able t' get yer shoppin' in." Helena replied. "Agnes'll be wantin' the kitchen so she can make a full family dinner an' a cake." Helena added. "Ye want me t' call yer brothers or will ye take care o' that yerself...an' any o' Saff's family she wants 'ere."
Mike looked to Saffron. "Ye can call th' lads an' Saff's... sister by now no doubt... But I'm not sure about Auron... an' Kay might be needed to keep him distracted..." he said softly.
"I think...just Lex and the guys, for now." Saffron replied with a nod. "I wasn't going to tell...my father just yet...he'd try to kill Mike...especially if he knew I was pregnant..." Saffron said softly.
Helena snorted softly. "Of course." She said nodding.
"If ye want him here, sweetheart... t' walk ye down th' aisle... invite him." Mike said softly. "I'm sure between Mum, Kay an' yerself... he won’t be able t' hurt me tha' much... an' I'm sure I'll still be able t' get through th' weddin'..." he offered with a slight smirk.
Saffron snorted shaking her head. "He can wait for the bigger wedding." She replied.
Helena chuckled softly. "Get on ye two, I'll make the calls an' arrangements. Make yerself presentable t' night, Michael." She added.
~~
Lex had come with Nate and Eire and like Saffron had already changed. She told Saffron that she and Kay hadn't really told Auron where Saffron had disappeared to, just that she was safe. She'd worn a simple off the shoulder green gown and low heels and Saffron had the feeling that Nate wouldn't be able to take his eyes off Lex. With Helena's help, Saffron changed into the gown, and Helena loaned her a pearl necklace and earring set. She'd opted to just pin up her hair, letting loose curls fall around her face. They were using the family chapel, with the guys already there. And once Saffron had slipped on the white satin shoes, and Helena had placed the veil, shifting the lace to cover Saffron's face, they headed for the chapel as well.
Mike stood in the bathroom, giving himself one last look over, his stomach in knots. He'd stopped at the barber while they were in town and had the already neatly trimmed beard touched up and his hair trimmed a bit. He'd been tempted to have a bit more cut off, maybe take it up to his shoulders or just below, but in the end had just had an inch taken off the bottom, which still left it around mid back. Since Saffron was wearing his mother’s gown, he'd decided to wear his father's wedding outfit. He was comparing the image of himself in the mirror with the memory of his parents wedding photo and couldn't decide if he should pull his hair back in a respectable braid, or leave it loose... which he rarely did. Despite the more formal look to it being pulled back, the long wavy hair combined with the close cut beard and the kilt... looked really good... Cursing softly he snapped off the light, refusing to think about it anymore, and headed out of the room.
Mike slipped into the chapel and was relieved to see just the guys and Father Quiggley. He'd kicked them out from 'helping' him a while ago and had been worried that he'd taken too long and was holding every one up. Nate looked him over, and shook his head softly. "Still think yer daft fer doin' this, Mikey." he said softly.
Mike snorted softly. "Which is why E' get's t' be m' best man. Whether' he thinks I'm bein' a fool or not... he didnae go around sayin' so t' everyone." he said simply. "I know.. ye just told Dunc an' ye didnae go int' it... " he said softly before Nate could complain. "I know it might seem nuts t' ye Natey... but I'm happy with m' choice." he said simply and Nate pressed his lips together and sighed, shaking his head again.
"I hope ye are, ye stupid bugger." he added softly, and hugged him quickly. "Ye look good, Mikey." he said simply.
"Thank ye, Natey."
Eire snorted from his spot, lounged on a pew for a moment, before Father Quiggly gave him a look and he got up, straightening his jacket. "The bugger'll be fine." Eire said, before glancing at the door as Lex slipped inside. Since Saffron had decided not to have any one give her away this time, Lex would stand with her, they just weren't doing a procession. Eire smirked, taking in the red head before elbowing Nate with a smirk. Helena came in behind Lex and eyed the boys. "I suggest ye get up front, Michael."
Mike and Nate both glanced towards the door, and Mike smiled at seeing Lexine and gave his baby brother another nudge before taking his place. Nate was still staring at Lex when Eire arrived at his side. "Ye better still have those rings, E'... I'll skin ye alive an' make a nice jacket fer Saffron outta yer furry hide ifn' ye pull any shite.." Mike whispered.
"I got em." Eire replied softly with a slight smirk as he took a place beside Mike, patting his jacket pocket and what was obviously the ring case. Lex blushed, but gave Nate a soft smile, before taking a place at the front as Duncan opened the door, revealing Saffron, the dress fitting her curves very nicely, the veil stretching almost to the garden picked wildflowers. Father Quiggly took his place, nodding and Saffron took a deep breath, but approached. She took in the sight of Mike, in the kilt and with his hair loose and couldn't deny he looked very good. Nor could she deny that she felt happy at the moment.
Mike found his eyes glued on Saffron the second he saw her, and the butterflies in his stomach suddenly went mad. He swallowed hard wondering how in the hell he was going to continue to be as supportive and understanding as he had been when he kept falling deeper and deeper every second he was with her. "She really is an angel.." he whispered softly.
A soft chuckle came from Father Quiggley at Mike's remark before Saffron had reached them. "Join hands." Father Quiggley told them. Saffron handed her bouquet to Lex slipping her hands in to Mike's, looking up at him through the lace. "We're gathered here t'night, in the sight o' God an' the company o' family, t' witness the union o' these two souls. If there are any among us who has reason why these two should not wed, let him speak now or hold his peace." Father Quiggley said in a gentle voice. Saffron found herself waiting on baited breath and refused to glance at the door, though she really couldn't think of any one who'd come busting in...not at Hawkscliff anyway. Helena was already dabbing at her eyes.
The feel of Saffron's hands in his seemed to help sooth the butterflies slightly, although the touch made it a bit harder for him to think of anything else except how beautiful she looked and how much he wanted the veil out of the way and everyone to be gone. When no one said anything, Father Quiggley nodded, turning a page in his small book and clearing his throat softly. "Do you, Michael Andrew MacDonnell take Saffron Eloa Mordant as your wife; to love, honor and cherish? Do you promise to hold no other above her, to protect and keep her happy, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, to death do you part?" Father Quiggly asked. Helena was biting her lip, a handkerchief clutched in one hand. Duncan slipped an arm around his aunt's shoulders.
"Aye.. I do." Mike managed to say softly, his fingers tightening slightly around Saffron's. He was vaguely aware of a soft sniffle and realized his mother was crying and was once again so glad that things had fit so perfectly for them to be here like this for her.
Lex looked a little teary eyed from where she stood. Despite still not being sure Saffron was doing the right thing, she had to admit, Saffron seemed happy, and this seemed wonderful. They did look like a couple in love.
Father Quiggley gave a relieved sigh and winked at Saffron, before continuing. "And do you, Saffron Eloa Mordant, take Michael Andrew MacDonnell as your husband; to love, honor and cherish? Do you promise to hold no other above him, to obey and keep him happy, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, to death do you part?" He asked her.
Saffron found she didn't even have to think about it, it just seemed to come to her naturally, when she replied softly. "I do."
Father Quiggley nodded. "Do you have the rings?" Eire pulled the ring case from his pocket, opening it. Father Quiggley blessed the rings, and motioned for them to slip them on each other's fingers. Once that was done, he said. "With the power vested in me, by the church, country and queen, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Mike's fingers brushed over the wedding band on Saffron’s finger again before reaching up to lift the veil, letting it fall behind her. He reached out to stroke the backs of his fingers over her cheek lightly before leaning in and kissing her, letting it drag out until his brothers and cousin started to whoop and pelt him with something, rice no doubt, and even then he still held her, unable to take his eyes off of her.
By the end of the kiss, Saffron was left a bit breathless, blushing deeply, but leaning against Mike, her arms around his neck. She smiled up at him. "All those day dreams as a child about marrying your childhood sweetheart, just came true. Thanks for giving me your cookie all those years ago." She said softly. She was aware some one crying softly near by and wondered if it was Helena or Lex.
Mike smiled at that. "Yer welcome... best damned decision I ever made." he said then kissed her again, wrapping his arms around her this time and holding her close, laughing softly as he broke the kiss. "Lards ye've made me so damned happy, Saffron... I promise ye... I'll make ye feel this happy someday too." he said softly before turning to Helena. "Don’t just stand there weepin’, woman... get over her an’ say hello t' yer new daughter.. an’ newest MacDonnell."
Helena snorted softly, but approached, hugging them both and congratulating them. Saffron had started to point out she was happy, but decided it could wait.
Lex slipped from where she was standing, going over to Nate, carrying the wildflowers with her. "Are you happy for your brother?" Lex asked him softly, hiding most of her face behind the flowers, inhaling their scent.
Nate blushed furiously, managing to look away from her. It had been hard enough before, but now... "Aye...he seems happy enough.. so does Saffron. I'll have t' trust tha' this is th' right thing fer them..." he said softly. "Ye look lovely, Lexi." he managed to say. "Absolutely breath takin'..."
Lex blushed, but smiled softly behind the flowers. "Thank you, Nate. Sit beside me at dinner?" She asked softly, deciding to be a little more bold. "And I think it'll work between them...rather think Saffron's already falling in love..." Lex added, looking back at the bride and groom. Father Quiggley was having them sign the wedding certificate, but Lex couldn't deny how Saffron seemed to stay close Mike, even for that.
~ ~
Once the wedding certificate was signed, they left the family chapel, going to the more formal dinning room, where things had been set for a rather elegant, yet still simple dinner. A small two tiered chocolate cake had been made by Agnes, covered in chocolate covered strawberries, which just looked fantastic to Saffron. Helena had a bottle of the best champagne brought up to go with the check, and a bottle of some of the best wine in the cellar to go with dinner.
As everyone took their seats, Nate managed to tear his gaze away from the red head at his side long enough to look at his eldest brother and had to admit, the man did look happy. He was just worried about the fact that his new sister in law was pregnant with another mans child and if that man found out, there was going to be hell to pay.
Mike couldn’t seem to keep his hands to himself, and found himself continually reaching out to stroke her cheek or brush a curl off her face or just place his hand over hers. No sooner had everyone gotten settled at their place then the sound of a door closing rather loudly reached them and the brothers exchanged looks, along with their cousin. Duncan started to excuse himself to find out who it was when the door to the dining suddenly opened and in strode Conner. "Aww shite." Mike and Nate both muttered softly at the same time.
Helena did not look amused by her nephew's sudden appearance and raised an eyebrow as the kitchen maid, Beth was still pouring the wine. She seemed to hesitate, but continued making her way around the table. "I came t' extend me congratulations." Conner said cheerfully. "Although I jus' found out." He added, making his way to where Saffron sat, catching her hand. "I don't think I've 'ad the pleasure...o' meetin' the bride yet." He said smoothly kissing Saffron's hand. Saffron blinked, and felt a strange ticklish feeling.
Helena suddenly spoke in gaelic, telling Conner how rude he was to be casting a finding spell. "Jus' figured we had a right t' know...why he was marryin' 'er so fast." Conner replied to Helena in English. "Rather or not she was connin' him int' marriage."
Eire was growling from his spot and looked ready to get up. Lex was watching rather wide eyed, and confused. Saffron on the other hand, got the meaning of Conner's words. "Excuse me?" Saffron said softly.
"Well there was no news...bout the two o' ye bein' engaged...usually means a shot gun weddin', pardon my language." Conner replied evenly.
Mike slowly got to his feet. "Get out of m' house, Conner. Yer no longer welcome within these walls." he said simply and the room went silent. Conner started to smirk and looked towards Helena. "Don’ bother looking an' m' mother t' save ye this time. I'm th' eldest son... an' as of tonight I'm married... which means, accordin' t' family law... I'm th' head of this house now. Not her. This is th' home of th' MacDonnell family, Conner... an' yer no' a MacDonnell. Get out." he said calmly. His stomach was a tangle of knots and butterflies at what he was doing; claiming his inheritance and ousting his mother... not that she hadn't known, but still... to state it so simply and kick her nephew out...
Helena slowly sat her wine glass down, rather calmly and simply looked at Mike and Conner. Duncan, Eire and Nate seemed to gape at him. Even Conner looked taken back a moment. But family law was family law... Conner swallowed then seemed to decide he wasn't going with out a fight and cleared his throat, adopting the smug cocky attitude again. "Ah...so ye did knock her up...Tell us somethin'....did ye ask her t' marry ye BEFORE she told ye she was pregnant, or did ye panic an' ask her t' marry ye for self redemption o' yer lost honor an' all...all that time spent buggerin' boys an' all..."
Eire pushed his chair back slowly, his growling a little more heard as he got to his feet. "Ye should know better then t' talk like that in front of ladies." Helena said softly, with a cold tone.
"Honestly, Auntie Helena," Conner said with a mock sigh. "She's obviously some trailer trash gold digger an' he was probably drunker then an Irish leprechaun when he slept with her. The red head probably isn't any better, considerin' the collar." He added, the verbal blow clearly present on Lex's face
"An' now, mum.. ye see why we cannae stand th' little bastard." Mike said simply. "Congratulations, Conner... ye just ruined yerself in th' eyes of yer only relative tha' still gave a shite about ye. The lass ye just called a 'trailer trash gold digger' ....is m' mothers goddaughter, an' th' red head is m’ wife’s sister." he said simply. "An' fer th' record... m' honor never needed redeemin'. I never made a secret out of m' sexuality, Conner. An' m' wife knows all about it. An' in case ye ferget... Th' engagement was not really all tha' 'quick' when ye consider things... seein' as how I've been tellin' th' world I was plannin' on marryin' her since we were children. Lads... would ye mind showing Conner out please?"
"Oh come on! It's probably some one else's kid, rather bloody doubt ye could get it up fer a girl anyway, e'en an easy one." Conner fired back.
Lex had already slipped from the chair, to hide, heading for the closet door out and away from Conner. Saffron couldn't believe what she was hearing and had half a mind to get up herself, her eyes already starting to go black. Eire and Duncan arrived at Conner's side, grabbing a hold of him, Nate not far behind. "Ye were told t' leave, Conner." Helena said coldly from her spot.
Mike stepped between Conner and Saffron. "Sweetheart.. go see t' yer sister." he said softly, before turning back to Conner. "Yer a nasty, mean tempered little weasel, Conner... that's all ye ever have been... an' all ye ever will be. I pray one day we'll discover tha' yer mother screwed around an' yer not really related t' us at all, an' so save mum a bit of disgrace at havin' t' call ye family."
Saffron had to struggle with the urge to stay and get in a few words with this man, but knew Lex was more important and headed after her, her catching up to her sister in the kitchen, Lex looking more upset then Saffron did. Saffron wasn't entirely sure Conner's words had made a full impact with her yet. She figured that would come later.
Conner snorted, rolling his eyes and tried to take a step away from Eire who was snarling in his ear. "I think we could say the same 'bout you, Mikey." Conner replied. "Can certainly say the same 'bout Natey...So tell us, who's kid is it..."
"Get. him. out. of. this. house." Helena hissed, having stood.
Mike wanted nothing more then to beat the living shit out of the man, but managed to keep still. "Yer righ' about one thing, Conner. She is pregnant. An' I cannae tell ye how happy I am tha' she is. An' tha's th' real reason yer bein' such an ass righ' now... Because in a few months.. there'll be yet another MacDonnell in this house. An' judgin' by th' family's record... it's be another MacDonnell male, at tha'. I hope ye choke on yer own jealously, ye wee bastard." he said and broke one of the warding spells in order to open a portal. "Toss th' little snot out o his arse before I disgrace m'self on m' weddin' day and beat th' livin' shite out of him."
Duncan and Eire nodded and shoved the man through the portal, letting Mike close it behind him. Helena looked livid and it took her a moment to regain her composer before she got up, heading toward the kitchen to check on the girls. "I should jus' go kill the bastard." Eire said when Helena was out of the room. "Quick an' clean. Slit his throat from ear t' ear. Wha' say ye open up that portal 'gain an' let me go take care o' it." Eire added to Mike.
"No one's killin' any one on m' weddin' day." Mike said simply then looked to where Nate was watching him as if he wasn't sure who he was anymore. "Stop starin' Natey... why don’t ye go check on yer girl... she seemed pretty shook up by Conner's speech... she could use ye." he said and Nate blinked and nodded, glancing at Eire and Duncan, before turning and heading after his mother. "Dunc... would ye mind findin' Mr.Brown an' tell him t' get th' bottle o' whiskey I was savin' ready fer after dinner? O’ maybe fer before dinner… I think th' lot of us are gonna need it." he said then looked to Eire as Duncan nodded and headed out of the room. "I dumped his arse on the lawn at his families place. He won’t be botherin' us again tonight... no doubt mum will be layin' int’ his mother over tonight as well. Ye keep an eye on th' bastard though... he pulls any shite with Saffron or Lexine again... ye do what ever ye damned well want t' him." he said softly.
"Aye, works for me." Eire replied simply with a nod.
~~
Lex and Saffron looked up as Nate came into the kitchen. Helena was speaking with Agnes softly in the corner a moment, though she still looked angry. Lex still looked shaken up. Saffron hesitated a moment, before letting Nate take over with Lex, then slipped back out to the dinning room, to Mike. Duncan was back with the whiskey and getting a set of tumblers from under the side bar while Eire had disappeared from the room. "So now I can see why Eire and Nate never spoke highly of him." Saffron said softly going to Mike's side.
Mike let out a breath at Saffron's voice, letting himself relax a bit, and only then realize he was shaking slightly. He'd never been so angry and held it back so completely before. He slipped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Aye ... luckily thanks t' his bullshit tonight ye won’ have t' be worryin' about him anymore. No more awkward family dinners with him present." he said then kissed her softly. "I'm sorry. How's Lexi doin'? I should go apologize fer Conner... an' make m' peace with mum as well... " he added.
"She's shaken up...I left Nate to deal with her." Saffron replied softly, laying a hand on his chest. She looked up at him after a moment, before smiling softly and leaned up, kissing him. "Thank you for defending my honor." She said softly while smiling. "I'm glad you didn't have to resort to physical violence to do it, either..."
Mike smirked softly. "Tha' m' job, Saffron. T' up hold m' families honor." he said softly. "I'm rather proud of myself too... think tha's th' first I've ever had words with tha' man tha' I didnae end up punchin' th' little bastard. An' here we are surrounded by fragile an' delicate things that could have very easily been ruined by a fight... an' a situation tha' woulda normally resulted in th' room bein' destroyed... an' not a single punch was thrown... Lards I think I'm gonna be sick.." he said with a weak smirk and sat down. He pulled Saffron down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her, laying his cheek against her hair a moment, letting the veil and its pins poke and tickle. "Our weddin' dinner an' our weddin' cake survive.. as do th' toasts... although I think before we even consider eatin'... we all need a shot o' whiskey t' calm our nerves..."
Saffron snorted softly with a smirk, though she turned enough on Mike's lap to face him. "I am proud of you." She said softly. "I know the MacDonnell boys aren't afraid to throw a punch when needed, but you handled that wonderfully...and saved the evening." She gave him another soft kiss, having the complete urge to tell him that she loved him.
Mike smiled softly and looked around. "Aww shite... I hope E' didnae think I meant right now... hopefully he went t' cool down.. Need m' brothers here fer dinner..." he said then sighed. "Alrigh'.. as much as I'm enjoyin' this... I think I need t' find t’ th' other ladies an' extend m' apologies...."
Saffron snorted softly, but got up after another soft kiss. "Kitchen. I'm sure by now, Nate has Lex out of her shell again. Want me to go with you, or make sure Duncan doesn't drink all the whiskey?" Saffron asked.
"Hey! I heard that." Duncan said from his spot across the room and Eire appeared a moment later, looking much more calm.
"No one open's th' damned whiskey. Tha's my job. Leave it... have a glass o' wine if yer tha' thirsty." he said, jabbing a finger at Duncan. "Yer welcome t' come with me, luv." he said as he stood, his arm staying around Saffron’s waist as he set her on her feet. "Feelin' better, E'?" he asked as they headed for the door, patting the man on the shoulder as they passed. "Dinner will be soon.. then we'll get plastered." he said. "Except fer m' wife... seein’ as how m’ son is too young t' drink yet..." he added with a smirk.
"Be glad I won’t limit you on your alcohol consumption either." Saffron replied with a slight smirk, as they entered the kitchen. She caught site of Lex sitting on Nate's lap, still looking a bit lost, fingering the ring on her collar.
"Not tonight, angel..." Mike said softly. "Ye can try tha' some other night..." he said as they headed to Lex and Nate. Mike reached out and stroked Lex's hair tenderly. "Lexi... Little sister..."he said softly. "I'm so sorry fer Conner bein' such an ass. Don' ye pay th' little bastard any mind... he hates th' lot of us... an' since we obviously love you... he figured it would hurt us more if he targeted ye. He's gone.. an' he'll never be settin' foot here again. I promise ye."
Lex blushed darkly but shook her head not looking at Mike, her fingers still toying with the ring on her collar. "He didn't say...say anything...just...just noticed my collar..." Lex muttered softly. Saffron sighed, before leaning in and whispering something in Lex's ear, that caused Lex to blush, but smile. Saffron turned her head enough to whisper in Nate's ear. "Nate...do my sister a favor...and yourself, and kiss her...shock her out the submissive nature she's slipping into."
Nate blushed furiously at Saffron’s words and looked at Mike. His gaze slipped back to Lex and he held her a bit closer. "Would th' audience please fuck off..." he said softly and looked up at them with a slight smirk.
Mike smiled at that. "Go on Natey... be brave an' a bit stupid.. worked fer me." he said lightly before turning around. "Let's find mum." he said to Saffron softly.
Saffron snorted faintly with a slight smirk snagging Mike's arm and tugging him away from the two, leaving them in peace. She glanced back at them however, in time to see Nate kissing Lex, who's eyes had widened a moment in surprise, before fluttering closed, a soft moan escaping Lex, before she did something not quite herself and kissed Nate back a bit more deeply. Saffron blushed a bit, looking away but smiled softly, having a feeling those two would be fine.
~ ~
They found Helena not far from the kitchen, gazing at one of many photos that were scattered along the walls. "Mum?" Mike said softly. "Lards I am so sorry..." he said then sighed as he let go of Saffron and went to slip his arms around hid mother from behind. He held her, peering over her shoulder at the photos of his father she was staring at. "I hope ye can fergive me... I really am sorry..."
Helena snorted softly, coming out of her thoughts. "For wha?" She asked in reply, patting his arm. "Yer the oldest male MacDonnell...ye stepped up an' said wha' ye had to." She replied, falling quiet for a moment. "Yer father would be proud o' ye tonight, Michael." She added softly.
Saffron lingered behind them, not really wanting to intrude, but looking at the pictures herself. There were two of them, that had Helena and Lillian. One of those, was the two of them with their children. Saffron was maybe a little over a year, black curls and big eyes. Lillian was holding her on her hip, but Saffron's attention in the picture seemed to be the boy standing between Lillian and Helena, who's attention seemed to be on the baby Saffron as well. Saffron snorted softly with a slight smirk seeing this picture.
Mike snorted softly before letting go, moving to stand between her and Saffron. "I shouldna have just blurted it out like tha'... what I really wanted t' do was deck th' little bugger..." he sighed. "I wish Da coulda been here." he added softly then kissed Helena's cheek. "Come on then ladies... dinner's waitin'. I think we'll all have a drink of whiskey t' settle our nerves before we get int' th' food an' toastin' t' follow..."
Helena snorted softly, patting Mike's cheek. "Ye didn't jus' blurt it out. An' ye handled it much better then jus' beatin' the snot outta him." She said. Saffron smirked faintly from her spot, before slipping her hand into Mike's, squeezing his hand gently. "Yer father would've been proud o' ye fer handlin' it like that...an' fer marryin' such a beautiful lass...might've hided ye fer puttin' her in the family way so soon though..."
Mike smirked at that and gave Saffron’s hand a return squeeze. "Aye.. he mighta... but then he'd have been crazed about becomin' a grandda... an' we'd never hear th' end of when we're havin' th' next one.." he added with a laugh and offered his arm to his mother. "Ye do realize, mum... tha' ye don’ get t' retire just yet. After all... I've been away from it all fer too long t' just.. handle it m'self... an' Saffron, while I'm sure she'll be able t' handle th' house an' family end of everythin' quickly enough... she's no' a witch. An' of course... ther's th' council seat... Which I think I'll be leavin' t' ye a while longer yet. I'd end up killin' th' lot of th' buggers.."
Helena snorted softly, taking his arm as they headed back toward the dining room. Saffron wondered if Nate and Lex had slipped off some where, to continue kissing and smirked faintly to herself about that. "Well this is certainly yer chance to refresh yerself. Ye've got a young family now...it'd do ye good to settle down an' retire from the business o' hunting monsters." Helena said evenly.
Mike sighed softly at that, and pulled Saffron to his other side. "Aye... guess so. Well.. actually I don’t have t' retire from th' company... just sit back as a hunter an' join Dominic in his 'silent partner' deal." he said as they reached the dining room. Eire and Duncan were standing by the cake talking softly and snickering, immediately raising his curiousity. "Mum... think yer brave enough t' see wha' those two are up t' with Agnes's cake?” he asked softly. Nate and Lex slipped into the room behind them, both of them blushing but smiling, and holding hands.
Saffron eyed Lex and Nate a moment, before snorting softly and shaking her head. Lex caught her look and blushed even more, but seemed to step closer to Nate. "Hmm, well here's hoping you get to plan a big wedding for those two, Helena." Saffron said softly to her god mother...and now her mother in law. Helena snorted softly, but smirked, patting Saffron's cheek, before going to see what Duncan and Eire where doing, both looking immediately to innocent for their own good, hurrying to their seats.
~ ~
The portal opened on the front step of the cabin, releasing the sounds of laughing and hollering a minute before Mike stumbled through and ended on sitting on his ass on the cold stone, laughing like crazy. He heard the chorus of good nights and congratulations that rang out, the words mostly slurred, then Saffron stepped through and the portal closed behind her.
Saffron eyed Mike sitting on the cold stone and shook her head, as she took the veil out of her hair. She tilted her head to her side, taking in the fact he had his knees bent...in a kilt. "So you Scotsman really DON'T wear anything under those...that's good to know." Saffron said, before stepping around Mike to unlock the cabin door. She'd had a couple drinks, but for the most part, stopped after two. Helena wouldn't have let her drink that much anyway. Lex on the other hand, had gotten unbelievably tipsy and Saffron could just imagine where her twin was going to find herself come morning. "Coming in, Michael, or are you going to spend the night on the front porch?" She asked, looking back at him.
Mike lifted his kilt a bit higher then laughed and struggled to his feet. "I'm comin'... frozen arse now..." he managed to say as he wavered a moment before managing to get inside and aimed for the couch. "Wow...I'm gonna be fuckin' ill tomrororor..." he scowled as he tried to figure out what was wrong with the word. ".. in' th' mornin'..." he finished instead.
Saffron snickered softly, closing the door and locking it again. "Maybe you should let me limit your alcohol from now on." She said, moving to slip off the white satin high heels. She still loved the feel and look of the gown and really couldn't wait to see the pictures. "Maybe you should go on up to bed, Mike..." She added softly, setting the veil aside some where safe and taking off the jewelry set.
Mike leaned back and watched her, smiling. "Ye married me." he said softly. "Saffron an' Michael MacDonnell..." he said and tried to get up off the couch. Two more attempts and a giggle fit that stole his breath and he managed. "Ye cannae stop a man from celera... celebrad... from drinkin' on his weddin' night.." he added. "Ye married me.."
Saffron snorted with a smirk, watching him. She shook her head, before patting his cheek lightly. "Oh, I never said I'd stop you, Michael...just that I'll be telling you I told you so, first thing in the morning." She replied, before playfully stealing a kiss. She was happy, just a bit on the tired side right now. Still, she didn't mind that he'd had too much to drink.
Mike caught hold of her and hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry... ye can bitch at me all ye want... Didnae mean t',, get... quite this knackered..." he said with a soft chuckle and wobbled a bit having to let go of her so he could grab something else to hold on to. "It was th' bloody shang..shang... chamm... th' bubbly shite..." he said then laughed again. "Ye married me..." he said again, a look of dazed wonder on his face. "Ye really did... "
Saffron was forced to laugh, before giving him a gentle push, sending him tumbling backward onto the couch. She leaned down and gave him another playful kiss. "Yus, Michael, I married you." She said softly with a smirk. "Michael and Saffron MacDonnell. And in nine months, Michael, Saffron and River MacDonnell."
Mike eyes her with a smirk from where he was laying, his legs over the arm of the couch and the kilt flipped up. "Ye only did tha' t' see th' lads..." he said, shaking a finger at her. "An' now I'm bloody well stuck..." he added with a chuckle then looked past her towards the stairs. "Time fer bed, righ'?" he asked then when sitting up failed, rolled off the couch onto his hand and knees and managed to climb back to his feet again. "Just a few steps... I.. I can do tha'..." he said, as if trying to convince himself. "I married ye..."
Saffron laughed, though it was more of a soft giggle and shook her head. "Oh, you think you can make it upstairs to the bedroom?" She asked. "Maybe you should just sleep down here...I'm your wife now, I'm not going anywhere." She added softly.
"Th' marriage bed .." Mike said, waving a finger at her then getting distracted at the finger. "Itz important..." he added. "An' no more bubbly shite.." he added as he reached the stairs and slowly started to haul himself up using the wall and the hand rail.
Saffron still giggled watching him go a moment, before following him. She wondered if he was even capable of romance in his state, though he was a Scotsman, and Rue was always telling her and Lex, that Scotsmen tended to be very amorous in bed when drunk, they just tended to pass out afterwards and have trouble remembering in the morning.
Mike somehow managed to get all the way up the stairs, then started to turn into his old room before stooping, catching himself on the door frame. "Nope... no' in here.." he said before managing to get himself turned around and into the master bedroom, where he ended up sitting on the foot of the bed. "Tada!” he said, his arms held out wide, chuckling softly. "No more bubbly shite, angle .. angel.." he said, then started to try getting undressed.
Saffron snorted softly, putting the jewelry in a small antique box on the fire place mantal. "What bubbly shit?" She asked, sitting the shoes aside and watching him amused, as he struggled to get undressed. She decided she'd take matters into her own hands and see how far things went before he passed out.
Mike blinked and looked up at her. "Th' bubbley... shite...were drinkin'..." he said as if she should know exactly what he meant. "Th'... shammmm paaainnn." he manage to sound out slowly. "Th' bubbley shite." he added, then managed to get down to just the kilt. "Don' get this fucked up over whiskey...."
Saffron went into a fierce giggle fit that stayed soft sounding, but managed to go silent after a moment, even going so far as to cover her mouth with her hands. She supposed she was a bit tipsy herself, but two or three glasses of champagne did that to her, just like Lexi. "I'll make sure there's no more champagne. At least when it's not a special event." She managed a bit breathless after getting the giggles under control. She found her eyes widening innocently as she took in the sight of him standing at the foot of the bed in just the kilt, letting her gaze travel over him slowly. She'd seen him shirtless before, and had admired his body then. He wasn't quite as muscular as Matt, but Mike certainly had a nice body. The girls liked to talk about him, just as much as they did Nate and Eire. She found herself finally moving, though her eyes drifted back to him plenty, she walked slowly over to the vanity, taking the pins out of her hair, and undid the zipper on the dress, with little problem, sliding it off. That left her in the white lace bustier, the rather transparent white lace boylegs, garter belt and stockings. With a white satin and French lace wedding garter around her left thigh.
Mike managed to get the kilt undone and off without ending up falling on his face and looked up to see her. "Holy shite.." he whispered softly as he gaze slipped slowly over her. "I married ye... ye married me..." he repeated softly and dropped the kilt, then suddenly remembered it was his fathers and bent to retrieve his clothes, damn near falling as he did. He managed to put his bundle on a chair then turned back to Saffron. "Damn..."
"Yus, Michael...we're husband and wife." Saffron replied softly with a soft smirk, pulling her hair back with a red silk ribbon. "Think you can handle the idea of consummating things, or do I go take a bubble bath?" She asked in a coy tone, giving him the innocent doe look Lex had perfected, but Saffron found came naturally to her.
Mike blinked at her then smiled softly. "I love ye, ye know." he said quietly as he moved closer. He reached out to catch her hand, pulling the ribbon and letting her hair fall free again. "I wish it'd me been tha’ knocked ye up... I wish I'd have been th' one ye wanted first..." he said softly, running his fingers through her hair. "But I'm the one ye married." he finished with a smile. "I get t' kiss ye now.." he added with a smirk as he kissed her tenderly.
Saffron closed her eyes, sighing softly behind the kiss, just letting it stay soft and tender for a moment, as she considered his words. She some how knew Mike was telling the truth, and he did love her. And hearing him say it just felt...so very good. She knew she was falling in love with him and shoved everything else out of her head for now. Tonight it was just her and Mike. She leaned into him raising a hand to caress his cheek as she kissed him back a little more passionately. "You should probably know something," She said softly as she kissed him. "Despite me being already pregnant, now that the change is completely finished, I'm a virgin. It was physical glamour that night with Matt...my last time as a boy..." She added softly blushing, but pulling back enough to look up at him, the blush staining her cheeks pink. "You'll be the first man to touch this body."
Mike took that in then smiled softly but stepped away. "No' tonigh'.." he said, shaking his head slightly. "I cannae... " he shook his head again as he backed up enough to suddenly find himself sitting on the bed. "Tha's big... tha's... I should be sober fer tha'..." he added softly.
Saffron snorted softly with a soft smirk, before pulling out the vanity stool enough to prop her left foot up on it, to get the garter off and start on the stockings. "It wouldn't matter if you were or not, Mike. We have our whole lives together from here on out...but it's up to you. If you want to sleep it off, I'll go take a bubble bath."
Mike eyes fastened on Saffron's leg as the stocking was slowly rolled down and he groaned softly. "First time... tha's special, angel.." he said softly.
Saffron glanced up at him, her hair hanging in a curtain around her face as she finished rolling the first stocking off, laying it on the vanity before switching legs and taking her time about undoing the garters for the last stocking. "Michael, you love me. That's special enough to me, beyond that, it wouldn't matter." She said softly but seriously, before looking back down.
Mike gave another groan as he watched the second stocking was removed. "I won’ remember..." he said softly, his eyes on her legs. "I might hurt ye..."
Saffron laid the second stocking aside before unhooking the garter belt, dropping it on top of them, before tossing her hair over her shoulder, eyeing him a moment. She snorted softly at seeing him turned on. Pushing the stool back under the vanity, she walked towards him slowly in the lace knickers and bustier putting enough sway in her steps. "I doubt it." She replied softly about him hurting her.
Mike reached out as she came close enough and ran his hands over the bustier lightly before leaning for ward and kissing her chest. "Kick m' arse ifn I do..." he said softly with another kiss, his hands slipping down over the corset then back up to cup her breasts. "Ye gotta stop fuckin' dumb ass drunk bastards, angel... we're so fuckin' bad fer ye..."
Saffron snorted softly, before pushing him back on the bed, leaning over him, her hair brushing his chest. "Quiet." She said softly, kissing him playfully. She didn't want any reminders of that right now. All she saw was Mike. She moved her kisses from his lips, down over his neck, as she straddled his legs for a moment, letting her hands caress down his chest.
Mike raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly as he slid his fingers over the bustier again. He watched her a moment, just enjoying the feel of her fingers on his skin, then pulled her down close enough to kiss her again. This time, the tenderness quickly faded into hunger as he kissed her deeper, his fingers tangling in her hair.
Saffron closed her eyes, moaning softly behind the kiss, her own fingers tangling in Mike's hair as she kissed him back just as hungry and passionate, leaning against him, still straddling him. She squirmed slightly, her body rubbing against his, the lace boylegs rubbing against his erection. She mostly remembered the sex with Matt and knew it'd been wonderful, but she was willing to be it'd be just as fantastic with Mike, since she knew she could trust him, completely. Despite what he might think, she knew Mike wouldn't hurt her, even being a virgin.
Mike groaned at the feel of the lace against him and kissed her harder before breaking the kiss for a gasp of air. "Off." he said, slapping her backside lightly, before kissing her again, his hand rubbing over the spot he'd slapped. "Hmm... no.. off.." he said again.
Saffron snorted softly but moved, sliding off Mike and stretching out on her stomach on the bed beside him. She bent her knees, her feet in the air crossed at her ankles and propped her head up, her chin on her hand with her hair falling to one side; a perfect cheese cake pose. She knew even with the white lace and white satin ribbons that laced up the corset, enough of her wings could be seen, the tips visible under the sheer lace of the boylegs, on her bottom.
Mike managed to push himself up until he was sitting again then turned around and froze. "Ye said ye had wings..." he said softly then bent over her to kiss the exposed bits of the tattoo. Completely forgetting he'd been planning on moving on to the bed fully, he tugged on the laces until they came undone, then began working on baring more of the tattooed wings.
Saffron lowered her legs, keeping her head propped up, but brushing the hair out of her face and letting Mike work the corset off until it fell on to the bed under her, revealing her back and the wings. Along with the scars that lay under them, the longest stretching from her left shoulder, to right hip, under the ink but was certainly pronounced enough. "I told you I had black angel wings..." She replied softly.
Mike slid his hands over her back tenderly. "Ther lovely..." he said softly, then bent to kiss the middle of her back lightly before he moved his hands down over the white shorts. "M' gorgeous angel...." he added softly he moved to kiss a material covered cheek.
Saffron was glad he didn't mention the scars, very few actually knew about the scars and Eire was still ashamed for being the reason for the longest. She sighed softly, lowering her arms and her head, letting Mike do what he wanted. But his touch was certainly turning her on.
Mike made himself stop kissing the material and warm flesh beneath long enough to start sliding them downward. He resumed the trail of kisses, tattoo, scar and unmarked skin alike. "Beautiful..." he said softly and he sat up long enough to pull the panties free the rest of the way before sliding his hands up over her backside and over the tattoo. "Breath takin'.." he whispered softly.
"I'll be happy to lay here as long as you want so you can stare at me, but maybe you'd like to do more, before you pass out?" Saffron replied softly with a slight smirk, feeling the blush over her body at Mike's words. She decided to take the initiative and rolled over on to her back, stretching out for him, her hair fanned out on the pillow. She wondered if he'd still enjoy looking, in the later months when she was rounder.
Mike groaned softly and bent to kiss her stomach, his hands slipping over her breasts tenderly. "Lards yer so beautiful..." he said again, his mouth closing over a nipple lightly.
Saffron gasped softly at the sensations, a hand tangling gently in Mike's hair while her other hand ended up clutching the sheets. She whimpered softly, her eyes fluttered closed as she arched off the bed slightly, becoming more turned on.
Mike moved to pay her other breast some attention while his hand slipped down over her stomach to slip through her curls, caressing the slick heat they encountered. At Saffron’s soft cry at the touch, Mike caught her mouth with his own, kissing her passionately as his fingers explored teasingly.
Saffron moaned wantonly behind kissing him deep and passionate, her arms slipping around his neck, as her body bucked against his hand, the sensations unlike anything she'd felt before and she felt an intense coiling in her stomach as the climax started to build from his teasing.
Mike drew the kiss out, taking his time and enjoying every second of it as his fingers stroked and teased.
Saffron squirmed, more whimpers coming from her at his teasing and she had to pull back from the kiss. "Don't tease so much..." She begged breathlessly.
Mike just smiled softly and kissed his way over her breasts again, his fingers never ceasing their play. He gave one pert nipple a gentle nip followed by a kiss then suddenly moved her legs enough to let his mouth replace his fingers. He gave a soft moan at the taste of her and then settled himself more comfortably as he enjoyed himself.
Saffron bucked with a soft cry, her fingers twisting the sheets around in white knuckles. "Oh gods...Michael..." She moaned, arching a bit more. She'd never felt any like it, it was pure bliss. The knots in her stomach, tightening pleasurably as she felt the orgasm building.
Mike chuckled softly, enjoying himself even more by her reaction and brushed his hair out of the way before he slipped a finger back inside her to add to the sweet torment.
She moaned, twisting and squirming as he continued, but she didn't think she could stand it if he stopped. The orgasm was building intensely and she wasn't sure if she was ready for the release, but gods she didn't want him to stop. "Oh...Mike...oh gods..." She moaned, before crying out as the climax hit her, arching under him.
Mike pulled his fingers free as he continued with soft teasing licks and kisses, and mostly just watched her a moment, his fingers occasionally brushing lightly over her curls so he could watch the ripple of pleasure go through her. When she seemed to start to come down a bit, he moved above her and brushed his lips over hers a couple times before kissing her again, his body pressing lightly against hers. When he couldn't stand it any longer, he moved enough to press gently at her entrance. "I love ye, Saffron MacDonnell." he whispered between kisses, then gave a quick short thrust to slip inside her.
Saffron gasped, arching against him with a soft moan. She looked up at him, as her body started to adjust to Mike. She caught her breath, before opening her eyes, looking up at him as her arms slipped around, letting her legs wrap around his hips. Her eyes met his as she stared at him a moment, before leaning up at kissing him tenderly. "I love you too, Michael..." She replied softly, but seriously.
Mike looked down at her and smiled at that, then kissed her hungrily as he started to move. He kept his pace slow at first, giving her a chance to get used to him.
She hooked her legs around his hips, letting him control things, her eyes fluttering closed again. "I do love you..." She breathed softly behind kissing him back, tangling the fingers of one hand into his hair. "I've fallen in love with you..." Her body adjusted to him and she began moving with him, feeling the orgasm starting to build again, loving the way he was making her feel.
"Ye have no idea how happy hearin' ye say tha' makes me, Saff." he whispered through another kiss, His thrusts becoming deeper and quicker in response to her urgings.
Saffron moaned softly, pulling back from the kiss to struggle for her breath, feeling things build even more intense. "Oh...Mike..." She moaned softly, her fingers tangling a little tighter in his hair, while her other hand dug a bit into his shoulder. It didn’t take her much more, before she cried out again. "Michael!" The orgasm hit her hard, but so much pleasurably, her body arched against him as she experienced the climax, her body clenching around his.
Mike quickened his pace even more as he caught her mouth with his, kissing her hungrily until his own orgasm hit him, forcing him to break the kiss with a sharp cry. When the room had stopped spinning enough for him to see again, he was still struggling to catch his breath. He kissed her softly, rolling onto his side, then with a groan twisted enough to shove the blankets the rest of the way down so they could slip beneath them. With a satisfied smirk, Mike turned back on his side and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her again before he cuddled against her. "Yer an amazin' woman, Saffron MacDonnell... thank ye fer wantin' t' spend yer life with me..." he said, his voice growing more tired sounding as he spoke.
Saffron giggled softly, catching her breath but snuggling against Mike. "Thank you for asking me." She replied softly, still a bit breathless. She smiled softly, looking at him. "I was serious, Mike...I have fallen in love with you." She said softly.
"Wasnae expectin' it, ye know..." Mike said softly as he held her close. "Hopin'.. but no' expectin'... certainly not so fast..." he added, and kissed her softly. "Go t' sleep, m' beautiful wife... "
"Just because it's a little fast, doesn't mean it’s not really." Saffron replied softly, snuggling against him. She closed her eyes, already feeling sleep coming on, considering the long day, and the alcohol at dinner. And how comfortable she felt in Mike's arms.
~~
Mike was flipping through another old grimoire he'd come across, in hopes of finding a glamour spell that he could use or alter easily enough to use for River in case the child's eyes gave their secret away. That was the only thing he was worried about. Slightly pointed ears could be pinned on Saffron’s fae blood, brown hair was explainable through the MacDonnell's who did have a share of brunettes in the family tree. And height and build were easily attributed to Saffron's father, who was pretty much Matt's size. No... the worry was the eyes.. so he needed to find something subtle and not easily detected or broken that could be cast quickly and without drawing any attention. After four months of searching and experimenting, he was beginning to think he'd have to design his own from scratch. It was with a sigh of frustration and relief that the soft knock on the door distracted him and he tucked the marker in place before shutting the book. "Aye... come on in.." he called out as he slipped the book out of sight beneath his desk.
Saffron slipped into Mike's office, a few envelops tucked in the pocket of the apron she was wearing, since she'd been in the kitchen, baking with Helena and Agnes when Mr. Brown brought the mail to her. She was four months along and a soft rounding was clear through her top and skirt, under the apron. "Still looking?" She asked softly, going over to him and stealing a kiss. Everyone was still shocked at seeing how much Saffron had fallen in love with Mike, but she was happy. It was quieter, living at Hawskcliff, but Lex tended to visit every weekend, along with Nate, if he wasn't working. "You know...once River is born, you'll have four or five months to keep looking, his eyes won’t change color for that long...they'll be blue or dark when he's born..." She said softly, perching on the edge of the desk.
"Aye... I know... I just keep havin' these nightmares where th' wee bugger is born with... " he snorted and smirked softly and moved his chair enough so he was in front of her, then leaned down to kiss her stomach lightly before slipping his hands over her waist and looking up at her. "I'm just bein' paranoid, I know... but I don’t want anythin' t' risk me losin' this wee lad. I love him too much already t' risk someone else bein' his Da.."
Saffron sighed softly, but smiled a bit, running the fingers of one hand through his hair, leaning down to kiss him softly again. She hesitated a moment, "You know...even if River's eyes turn...purple...it doesn't mean it's from him, or his side of the family...could be from my side of the family." She said softly, optimistically. "A grandparent or something." She added. "I'm just saying Mike, it really shouldn't matter...you are his daddy." She added softly but seriously.
Mike smirked softly. "Do y' HAVE any one on yer side of th' family with purple eyes, angel?" he asked softly. "Sweetheart... ther rare enough tha' people will wonder...especially seein' as how yer.. former best friend has th' same eyes... And if River turns out t' be a big lad.. or a brunette as well..." he sighed and shook his head. "People would talk enough tha' he'd get t' wonderin'.. an' sooner or later, some one would know. An' I doubt he'd be cold enough t' not want t' know th' lad..." he said softly.
"I don't know...I barely remember my parents, but I remember enough to know their families are already gone, so...you never know...I could." Saffron said softly, before sighing, shaking her head, running her fingers through his hair a moment. "Really, Mike...it shouldn't matter, you'll be the daddy in his life...the one raising him...we can worry about...Matt later. And besides...he's not the only child we'll have..." She added softly.
Mike gave a soft groan and lay his head on her stomach a moment. "I know, luv. An' his appearance doesna matter to me... I just.. I just cannae bare th' thought of someone tryin' t' take him from me. Call me paranoid ifn' ye want." he said then kissed her stomach again. "So luv... did ye just sneak away t' come make m' feel silly... or did ye need me fer somethin'?"
Saffron snorted softly and smirked, leaning down enough to kiss him again. "I always need you. And no one will take River away from you." She said softly, before straightening up. "Actually, you got a letter." She said, taking the mail out of her pocket and sorting through them a moment, before holding a personal envelope up, decorated in flowing script and a fairy sticker. "Old girl friend looking you up?" She asked, handing him the envelop.
Mike raised an eyebrow as he took the envelope then laughed as he saw it. "It’s from Brian..." he said softly, smiling as he grabbed a letter opener off the desk and sat back in the chair to open it. "When we were still kids, he'd write me letters an' shite when we were apart... He was addicted t' red ink, an' loved bein' fancy with his writin'... so he started addin' these fairies t' every letter so mum would think I had a lass sendin' me love letters." he said, tossing the letter opener onto the desk lightly. "He must have got m' letter with our weddin' announcement in it an' finally decided t' write back... We've been... not as close since his last boyfriend passed... he moved away shortly afterwards." he said, his voice growing softer. He turned the envelope upside down and gave it a sharp shake to make the letter slip out, sending a couple photographs fluttering to the floor at Saffron's feet.
"Your mother did think it was from a girl, when she saw the envelop when Mr. Brown gave it to me." Saffron replied, before slipping off the desk, to bend down and collect the photos. It took her a moment to bend down and she figured it was only going to get more difficult, the rounder she got. She picked up the photos, turning them over and blinked, looking at them, a young boy pictured in them.
Mike snorted. "Oh come on... she must have caught on about them by now.. she knows I was datin' Brian fer years.." he said and glanced at the photos in her hands, seeing a familiar face and smirked. "Lards, th' bugger must have decided to haul out some old photos of me t' share with ye... he should know mum would've already shown ye all her embarrassin' ones.." he said with a snort before starting to read the letter. The smirk on his face slowly slipped away as he read, and he sat a bit straighter in his chair as the mood of the letter became clear.
"Time date, on the back of the photos, Michael...these are much more recent then when you were a kid..." Saffron said softly, a bit surprised, before looking at Mike, noticing the change in his face. "Something wrong, luv?" She asked softly, leaning against the desk.
Mike swallowed hard as he read, flipping to the next page, his eyes starting to burn with unshed tears. "Aww shite... " he whispered softly, a hand going to cover his mouth a moment before forcing himself to speak. "He wrote t' tell me... he fergives me fer sleepin' with his cousin.. an' tha' he's sorry he took so long t' tell me, but tha'... he was enjoyin' bein' a father figure too much t' care t' share.... " he said, then looked up at her, the letter held in trembling hands. "She died fours years ago... cancer, a year after Brian went t' stay with her... an' help raise her son. My son, apparently..." he added in a whisper. "She didna want me t' know about him... figured I was too... fun lovin' an' immature t' handle being a father. Brian's only lettin' me know now... because he's dyin' an' wants th' lad t' have family." he added, tossing the letter onto the desk and looking at it.
Saffron blinked, staring at him a moment, taking in the implications of Mike's words. She looked back down at the pictures a moment, realizing she was looking at Mike's son before blinking again, looking at Mike. She had no idea what to say, saying I'm sorry seemed wrong at the moment. So she did the only thing she could think of and leaned forward, hugging him.
Mike lost what little control he had as her arms wrapped around him, and he held her tightly, giving in to the tears, "Lards angel... He’s too damned young t' die..." he said softly. "Fuckin' Roland... I told Brian tha' bugger was no good fer him... told him he deserved better... Bastard killed himself when he found out he was H.I.V. positive an' left Brian alone, an' now he's got A.I.D.S..." he hissed through the tears.
Saffron sighed softly, wrapping her arms around him, holding him. She refused now to say I'm sorry, it definitely wasn't the right words. She hated to see Mike upset. She kissed him on the forehead, before turning her head enough to look at the letter, thinking about it, before biting her lip. She could stop Brian's suffering if that was what he wanted..."Michael...does he...does he say how long he has? To live?"
Mike pulled her over to sit on his knee more comfortably, and reached out to pick up the letter again. He wiped a hand over his eyes, and read the last page again. "No... but...th' way he says this... well... t' me.. it sounds like he's plannin' on followin’ Roland an' killin' himself." he said softly, his voice catching. "He.. umm... he says he'll be contactin' th' lad... Tristan's .. school an' doctor an' havin' them forward his records t' me as soon as I contact them... an' he has their names an' numbers here... An' tha' he'll be puttin' th' boy on th' train Wednesday th' seventh an' we should expect him th' next mornin'. Shite...th' seventh is tomorrow. How does th' bugger expect me t' get everythin' ready fer th' lad in just one bloody day..." he said then just shook his head and handedit to her to read for herself. "Just...read th' way he ends it.. an' tell me tha' doesna sound like a good bye fer more than just a letter..." he said softly. "Gods... I don’ want him t' die alone.. Not... An' t' kill himself, th' damned daft bugger...How stupid can he be...?" he said then suddenly looked to Saffron. "Angel... yer abilities...ye... if asked him t' come with th' boy... would…would ye help him..?" he asked softly.
"Snail mail's slow..." Saffron replied softly, taking the letter from him. She read the letter, before sighing, sitting it down again. She looked at Mike for a long moment, the fact that he was voicing her own thoughts. That he was asking her help to Brian. It didn't matter that she hadn't used her abilities in a couple months, she'd never bothered to bring that up. She didn't want to bring that up. But this was someone Mike cared very much for. And he'd apparently raised Mike's son all this time. She sighed again, before leaning forward and kissed him softly, before leaning her forehead against him. "If he wanted me to...I'd do it for him..." She said softly. "I'd help him end his life..."
Mike sighed softly and kissed her before holding her close. "Thank ye, Saff... yer an angel..." he said quietly, then sighed and reached for the photos. One was a school photo that he would've sworn was himself at eleven... right down to the obviously unruly red hair forced into submission. The only clue that it wasn't was the school's patch on the jacket at the tie were the wrong colors. The other photo was more casual; the boy in jeans and a t-shirt, grinning mischievously, the hair showing the unruly waves and almost curls. Again.. it would've been him except for the Superman emblem on the t-shirt... He'd never owned a superman shirt.. he'd always been more of a Batman fan, thinking Superman too much of a goody goody. "Lards... look at him..." he said softly then drew a breath." Damn... I guess I'd better get m' arse in gear... I have t' call th' schools an' have him enrolled and his files transferred... an' have his medical records sent t' th' family doctor. Have t' find out what time his train gets in an' make sure we can get there t' pick him up... Lards.. he'll need a room ready! I have t' call Brian..." he finished a bit softer. "I have t' do tha' first... Will ye stay with me while I call, sweetheart? Then I'll turn ye loose so ye can see t' findin' a bedroom fer th' lad an' gettin' it ready fer him.... ifn ye don’ mind..."
Saffron snorted softly, "Since I'm the lady of the house, I suppose I should." She replied with a soft smirk, before kissing him softly. "If you want me to stay while you call, Mike, I will." She said softly.
Mike smirked softly a moment as he settled her more comfortably onto his lap. "Yer more than just tha' luv... yer his step mum." he said softly. He rubbed his hand over her belly tenderly before resting his cheek against her head a moment. "Sorry, River... looks like yer no' m' first born son after all... hope ye don' mind havin' a big brother..." he said then snorted softly. "Lards... there's even more of an age difference between them then there was with me an' Natey..." he added.
"Hmm, I'm sure River isn't going to mind being a little brother...he'll get to be a big brother to the rest of our children." Saffron replied softly with a slight smirk. Helena had been helping her keep a diligent watch on her pregnancy, she'd had a lot of morning sickness and a few other problems, and she'd tried not to be nervous about the fact the baby hadn’t made any moves yet, but she was only starting to slip into the forth week of the forth month. "I just hope the boy can transition smoothly; it won’t be easy at his age, having a new family..." She added softly, seriously.
"He's done it once already going from his mother t' his 'uncle'... an' apparently he knows all about me. He even has m' name. Tristan Michael MacDonnell. Th' nervy woman... t' name me as th' father.. t' tell th' lad all about me... but t' never bother t' tell ME.." he said softly. "Hand me th' phone if ye will, sweetheart..."
"She had her reasons obviously," Saffron said softly, turning enough to get the phone for Mike. "Maybe it'll be easy then for him...with you anyway. I'm some one he doesn't know." She added softly, handing the phone to him.
Mike sighed softly. "He doesnae know any of us... he knows OF us... but tha's not th' same." he said simply then dialed information to get the number. He pulled Saffron closer, letting her cuddle against him with her head on his shoulder as he listened to the phone ring on the other end to be answered by a young voice. He hesitated a moment before speaking. "Hello... is this Tristan?" he asked softly.
"Aye... who's askin'?" came his reply and he couldn't resist the slight smirk.
"It's Michael MacDonnell."
There was a moment of silence then a soft. "Oh... hi Da."
Mike felt his throat close up at that word and his eyes watered again. "Hi son. I'm lookin’ forward t' seein' ye tomorrow. We all are." he drew a breath before asking. "I'm sorry, but... I need t' speak t' yer uncle...is he there?"
"Aye... just a second." there was the sound of the phone being sat down followed by him yelling 'uncle Brian, it's Da', then silence until the phone was picked up again. "Michael....?"
"Hello Bri... ye dumb ass.. what th' bloody hell are ye plannin'?" he said, not letting the man speak. "No.. don’ ye bloody well argue with me. Now listen.. ye get yer arse on tha' train an' ye come with th' lad. I know ye don' want t' suffer, Bri.... but ye don’ have t' be alone. An' ye don' have t'.. go tha' way. Come here. M' wife has a gift tha'.. she's willin' t' use t'... help ye pass on."
There was a long silence on the other end of the phone and what Mike though was the sound of soft weeping. "I love ye Michael... ye always look out fer me..." came the soft voice.
"Aye .. I do. Now get yer damned ass on th'a train, ye hear me?"
There was a weak laugh and a sniff. "Alright... even if it's just t' see ye one more time... an' t' meet this wife o' yers... Good bye, Michael."
Mike turned and stretched, not wanting to let go of Saffron, and tossed the phone lightly so it landed back on it's base, disconnecting the call.. "Thank ye, baby." he said again, kissing her tenderly.
"For what?" Saffron replied softly, snuggling against him, her head still on his shoulder. "You care about him. So I'll help him." She replied softly but seriously, turning just a bit to be comfortable on his lap. She curled a lock of his hair around her fingers. "It’s the least I can do..."
"I know ye don' like usin' yer abilities... but it IS a gift, sweetheart..."he said softly. "So many people condemned to slow painful deaths... some who curse themselves with suicide rather then suffer.. an' others too weak even fer tha'.... Ye could help ease so much pain..." he said, with a light kiss. "I have a crap load t' do before tomorrow... but.. I just don' care t’ let go of ye just yet. Would ye mind waistin' a bit of time here with me before ye get back t' what ye were doin'... an' tell m' mother I need t' talk t' her..." he added with a slight smirk.
"Of course, Mike. You only have to ask" She replied softly, snuggling against him. She was quiet for a long moment, "I know I should consider my abilities a gift..." She said rather softly after a few minutes. "It’s just the things LiVed had me use them for..." She added softly. "I love you, Michael, you know that..." She added softly, turning her head enough to look up at him.
"Aye sweetheart... I know ye do." he said with a soft smile, stroking her hair. His other hand moved to lay on the soft swell of her stomach and rub lightly. "I still think ye should talk t' Father Quiggly or Father Andrew an' let them know about yer abilities... They know so many of th' people who could use yer help...an' it's a God given gift ye have t' help ease th' suffering an' passin' of others... They could help ye find th' people who need ye th' most..."
Saffron sighed softly, closing her eyes for a moment, leaning against him. "Maybe...after this...I'll talk to them..." She replied softly, enjoying the quiet minute and letting herself process the sudden change that would be turning their lives upside down again. At least Mike had a son that was his...even if he hadn't known him for eleven years...though that led her to thinking about River...and Matt, thinking again that maybe she owed it to him, to call him and tell him about River...She sighed deeply again, shoving the thoughts out of her mind again for now. She started to say something else, when she suddenly felt the baby move for the first time. Her eyes opened a bit wide, looking up at Mike to see if he'd felt it.
Mike's hand froze then he moved it slowly again. "Sweetheart... angel.. did...did our wee River just move? Or was tha' breakfast disagreein' with ye?" he asked lightly, a slight tone of awe in his voice despite the joke. He felt the flutter of faint movement beneath his fingers again and held his hand still. "Oh... it's him...Saff... our lad is movin'..." he said, his eyes wet again as he laughed softly.
A soft giggle escaped Saffron and she stayed still, just feeling the baby move. "I guess he's excited about a big brother..." She replied softly, sliding her hand over Mike's and holding it there. The moment just seemed all so wonderful.
~ ~ ~
Mike bounced on his toes lightly as he watched the train pull in at last, his gaze slipping over the windows as they went past. He reached out to catch hold of Saffron’s hand and pull her closer. "Lards... I feel almost as nervous as I did on our weddin' day..." he said softly as he leaned close enough for her to hear. Everyone had wanted to come with them but in the end they'd finally agreed not to crowd the poor kid right off the bat. Mike and Saff had come alone, while everyone else waited back at HawksCliff for them. Helena was busy pacing the house, no doubt, but he was sure Nate at least would be riding with Lex, and possibly Duncan. Eire had snuck along with them, and the silver wolf sat on his other side and leaned into him, nudging his hand as if for attention.
Saffron leaned against him a bit, with a soft smile, some reason nervous herself. Maybe it was the idea of meeting Mike's first serious boyfriend, even if it'd been years since they dated. Brian was still an important person to Mike, plus there was the fact she'd be meeting her step son and she wasn't so sure how that would go. She wanted to make a good impression on the boy. A faint part of her thought she should have stayed back and went riding with Nate and Lex, except she still had a phobia of horses, though Mike was helping break that. Eire panted on Mike's other side, tongue hanging out, before licking Mike's hand. The station master had given them a dark look for not having a large dog on a collar and leash and Saffron had a feeling the man hadn't realized the large dog was actually a wolf...
Mike pulled his hand a way then roughed up the fur on Eire's head. "Knock it off, ye bugger." he said, then rubbed his fingers into the thick ruff. "Lards... this is torture... Let th' people off th' damned train already..." he whispered hoarsely, and as if in response to his plea, the doors opened and a young couple stepped off with their bags, laughing as they headed down the platform. Mike's eyes stayed on the train, watching as an old woman was helped down off the steps, then behind her he saw them. His grip on both fur and fingers tightened as he watched them disembark.
Saffron saw the two of them and sighed softly, before letting go of Mike and nudged him. "Go on, go meet them." She said softly. "I'll stay here with Eire..." She added as Eire came around to her side, as if urging Mike to go meet them too.
Mike looked at her, then drew a breath and kissed her quickly before heading towards them. He was half way across the platform before Brian spotted him and gave Tristan's shoulder a squeeze, drawing the boy’s attention. The closer he got, the more obvious Brian’s illness became. His skin was pale and looked thin, and there were heavy shadows under his eyes. And he was so thin looking. "Hello lads." Mike said, with a soft smile as he reached them. "Welcome home." he added, and held out a hand to Tristan. The boy looked at the hand a moment then glanced over his shoulder at Brian who gave a soft smile and shrugged, then shook his hand. "Don' ye want t' hug me or somethin' embarrasin' like tha'?" he asked.
Mike grinned, then chuckled softly. "Aye... I really do... but I figured ye might not care fer tha' right away..." he said.
Tristan looked at him then gave a shrug. "Ach... might as well." he said, as if it was no big deal, then suddenly all but threw himself at Mike, hugging him tight.
Mike smiled, and hugged him back just as tightly. "I'm so happy yer with us, Tristan. Lards I wish I'd known about ye before...I've wanted a son fer so long..." he whispered, then slowly let him go. "Hello Bri." he said simply as he let his hand stay on Tristan's shoulder, then reached out with the other arm and pulled Brian into a hug, trying not to wince at how frail he felt. "Lards it's good t' see ye. I've missed ye." he said then sniffed and fought off the urge to cry again; he'd done enough. "Well. Come on... M' wife an' brother are waitin' anxiously t' meet ye... an' th' others are goin' stir crazy at home."
Saffron watched from where her and Eire waited, a soft smile coming to her, though it was a little sad, one hand resting on her stomach. Eire stood from where he was, then gave Saffron's hand a nudge, when she looked down at him, he turned and trotted off around the corner of the station, out of sight. Saffron snorted softly, looking back at Mike with Tristan and Brian. A moment later a hand landed on her shoulder and she glanced over at Eire who'd returned to human. He winked at her, nodding at Mike coming back with the two. Her eyes went to Tristan. "He looks like all the pictures of Michael, as a boy." She said softly to Eire.
"Aye. Here's hopin' the next son looks like 'im to." Eire said. Saffron blushed, but didn't look at Eire.
Mike locked his eyes on Saffron as they approached, one hand on Tristan’s back as the boy carried a duffel bag with him. The rest of his belongings were already being unloaded from the baggage car and they'd have to head down that way to collect them in a minute. His other arm was around Brian's waist, letting the man lean on him as they walked. He wondered how long Brian had been getting steadily worse before finding out for sure that it had progressed to full blown aids. "Brian an' Tristan... this is m' wife Saffron, an' th' eldest of m' little brothers, Eire."
Brian looked a bit taken aback. "Since when did you have two brothers?" he asked softly.
"Since Natey was born th' year after E'... just didna grow up with him as a brother, is all. Shite happens, Bri. But we're family again now... tha's what counts."
"I was adopted out." Eire replied evenly, shaking Brian's hand. "Is nice t' meet ye, Brian. Tristan." He added, shaking Tristan's hand as well, with a smirk.
Saffron blushed softly, a pink tint to her cheeks, still shy at Mike introducing her as his wife, it was still a high, but smiled softly at them, also shaking their hands. "It is nice to meet you both. Michael's always spoken fondly of you Brian. And...I'm very happy to finally meet you, Tristan." She said softly.
Tristan hesitantly shook Saffron's hand then stepped closer to Mike. "Yeah hi." he said simply, looking at her a minute before looking up at his father. "Can we get m' stuff now? Uncle Brian says ye live in a huge house with a stable full o' horses..." he said, and Mike smirked softly.
"Aye.. an' ye'lll be livin' there too, now. How about ye ask yer Uncle Eire t' help ye find yer stuff an' yer step mum an' m'self will help yer Uncle Brian t' th' car an' pull up closer t' load it all in, alright?" he said and gave Eire a nod, not noticing the slight scowl that had appeared at the words' step mum'.
~~
Mike slipped his arm around Saffron's waist as they walked slowly, showing Tristan some of the photos on the walls. The boy hadn't made any comment upon seeing the room Saffron had made ready for him and had met most of her questions or comments with either indifference or quick short replies before turning to Mike. It was enough that even Michael was starting to get annoyed.
Saffron watched the boy as they walked, and snorted silently shaking her head. She'd honestly expected this, not that she'd said anything to Mike about it. She wasn't sure what her feelings on the matter were, and had no idea how she was going to fix it either. After a few more minutes, she paused in walking and kissed Mike softly on the cheek. "I'm going to go down to the kitchen." She said softly. "You two have fun."
Mike gave her a apologetic look and kissed her back. "Would ye stop by Brian's room on yer way down and check on him fer me, luv?" he asked softly. "I know he's.. anxious t' have ye help, but... I think he should see one of th' Father's before hand."
Saffron nodded. "Of course. I need to talk to him about it anyway...I'll see the both of you a little later." She replied softly, some how not surprised that Tristan ignored her completely. She mused silently about whether she was going to have to have a private conversation with the boy herself later...It wasn't that she didn't understand exactly where the kid was coming from. She probably knew better then anyone else.
Mike watched her go then sighed softly as his gaze dropped to his son. "Tristan... lad I think we need t' have a wee chat. I know this is hard fer ye an' all... but yer step mum is tryin' very hard t' make things easier on ye... an' yer bein' rather rude t' her."
"She's no' my mum." Tristan said simply, his eyes on the photos.
Mike sighed at that and turned him to face him. "I know tha', son.. an' Saffron knows tha'. She's no' tryin' t' take yer mum's place. No one is. But she's my wife... an' yer step mother an' it's pretty much her place now t' help me raise ye..."
"She's no' my mum." Tristan repeated glumly.
Mike snorted and dropped to his knee so he could look Tristan in the eyes. "I think th' two of ye need t' talk about it. She's no' expectin' ye t' call her 'mum' if tha' yer worry."
Tristan looked up at that, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. "She's not?"
Mike smirked softly. "No... although I'm sure she'd love ye too if it was somethin' ye cared t' do... she certainly won’t insist on it. I'm no' fancy t' th' idea of ye callin' her by her first name... just feels wrong t' me seein' as how everyon' else is uncle or aunt... but... it's not my decision really. Yer not a wee lad... I think yer big enough t' talk with yer step mum an' work things out between ye as t' what ye'll call her an' so forth...But I am goin' t' ask ye t' be nicer t' her. Saffron an' her sister had a really bad time growin' up.. an' they get hurt really easy some times... Yer aunt Lexi ye can tell, because ye can see th' hurt clear as day... but yer step mum hides it. She rarely admits t' somethin' hurtin' her. Can I trust ye t' respect m' wife an' be kind t' her, Tristan? Tha's all I'm askin'..."
Tristan looked at him a minute then gave a shrug. "Aye... I can do tha'..." he answered then turned back to the photos.
~ ~
Saffron headed back down the hall, but paused at the guest room she and Helena had set up for Brian. She did want to talk to him, about her helping him die. She knocked softly on the door, and opened it at a soft summons. He was sitting on the bed. She closed the door behind her. "Michael asked me to check on you," She said softly, with a matching smile, "And I also wanted to...talk to you...about ... me helping." She added softly, blushing rather faintly. She hadn't really done something like this, much before. She could feel the fact that he was dying, from where she was, and had to take a moment, to gather her self, before moving away from the door, moving to take a chair by the bed.
Brian watched her, smiling softly. "Ye look just as beautiful as Michael always described..." he said softly. "I'm happy yer with him." he added then let his gaze drop to the slight swell of her stomach. "Michael said ye had a gift fer helpin' people pass on... So I know whatever ye do, it'll be quicker an' better than what I'm facin' now...Would like t' know just... what it is ye do, though..."
Saffron blushed, for a moment, wondering if Mike really had told everyone that he'd been in love with her all their lives. Although she knew it was rather plain to see from all the scant amount of pictures there were of when Lillian had visited with her as a baby. She'd realized, a few days after they were married that she'd had some one who loved her so much all this time and hadn't realized it until she'd gotten pregnant...the fates had a strange way of doing things. "It’s some times...so wonderfully strange, to know he's been in love with me, since giving me a cookie." She replied softly, blushing more but smiling, before looking at Brian. She bit her lip a moment. "I don't want to say, I'm sorry, for what you're going through; those words have always seemed... superficial to me... there's never any real feeling behind them...but...I am..." She said softly, before taking a soft breath. "I'm the current Death Elemental. I...can take some one's life...through just a touch. I've never... really been comfortable with my abilities, despite everyone reminding me they are a gift...but... that's a personal thing. I can, how ever promise its painless. The most discomfort will be the fact you'll find yourself growing cold...and as the heart slows down, it might be a bit difficult to breathe. My...best friend...let me try it on him once...but he was already dead so to say, so he was able to tell me how it felt afterwards..." She said, still blushing.
Brian raised an eyebrow at that comment. "I don’t think I'll ask..." he said with a soft smirk. "As fer yer 'discomferts'... I'm already cold most of th' time...an' if I do too much or get too excited... It's a bit hard t' breathe... So tha' nothin' I'm not already dealin' with." He said with a soft smirk. "An' I won’t be alone... Tha' was th' worst part, ye know... any pain I coulda endured because it woulda been th' last of it. But bein' alone fer it..." he said, his eyes watering as his voice quavered slightly and he offered a weak smile. "Thank ye, Saffron. Ye have no idea what a blessin' ye are t' me. An' t' Michael an' Tristan." he said, then smiled a bit brighter. "An' aye... I've been one of his best friends through most of his life.. just th' past few years we've drifted a might... Fer a few years after he first met ye, he'd talk about ye all th' time. I had t' threaten him t' get him t' confess ye were just a wee thing... I was th' only one he told as far as I know. He stopped talkin' about ye so much by th' time we were teenagers, but every now and then he'd mention ye. I think at some point he started t' put ye off as a dream, with only th' photos of ye t' let him know some part of it was real... He never had t' tell me it was his wee girl he married though... I knew as soon as I saw th' photo he sent tellin' me about th' weddin'. Thank th' Heavens' yer not still int' pink.."
Saffron snorted softly, with a smirk, still blushing slightly, but with a soft laugh. "My mother's choice apparently, the pink. I suppose one of the reasons he stopped talking about me, is because my mother stopped visiting here, when I was around three. She...died, having my sister, Lexine. She and Helena were best friends..." Saffron explained softly, wondering how much more to go into. She rather liked Brian, it was a shame she'd had to meet him now...when his life was ending. So she decided there wasn't any need to hold back details. "My mother, Lillian, was the former daughter of the Seal...and...well I was first born, so I'm her heir. Anyway...she...left my father and I when I was three, and ended up in Hell, where she had Lexine. My sister grew up a slave, and for the most part, I did myself...I was taken from my father, when I was eight...by LiVed, the Black King. But...well, when my sister was born, the Nameless One, decided we were too much in danger...and...changed us, from girls to boys. It took awhile for the magics to break, so when I did meet Michael again...I was still a boy at the time...not that that is obviously a problem to him..." She added with a blush, "But he didn't realize at the time...that I was THAT Saffron...not until later on..."
Brian watched her, then smiled softly. "Oh I think he knew... at least part of him did. Th' question would be whether or no' he believed if what he remembered was real or just a fantasy his mind cooked up after a life time of fantasy." he said. "Ye love him, don' ye?" he asked softly. "I noticed th' way ye look at him... it's almost as adorin' as th' way he looks at ye. Ye be good t' m' Michael...he deserves t' be happy. Just don’ go makin' his life too easy.. he also deserves someone t' keep him on his toes... th' adorable cheeky bastard."
Saffron was forced to laugh softly. "Keep a secret?" She asked softly, some how knowing she could confide in Brian. It wasn't just the logical fact that he was dying, it was more the fact that Saffron knew how much he meant to Mike and Mike no doubt trusted Brian. "I wasn't...always so in love with Michael...Don't get me wrong...I think I must have been as a toddler...the pictures seem to prove that, but...when I ended up at Chaos Incorporated, because of my father...and step mother, Michael and I were really just...friends...and I was very fond of him. Helena is my godmother after all, but...it was just friendship. Then...I...got drunk...with the afore mentioned best friend...and ended up sleeping with him. And ended up pregnant..." She said softly. "I then proceeded to have a major panic attack over it. I didn't...want to be a single mother...I grew up with out my family...alone. Don't get me wrong...I could have raised the baby just fine as a single mother...but...I wanted him to have a real family. Michael stepped up...and asked me to marry him just moments after finding out I was pregnant...I followed my instinct and agreed. But by the time we were standing in front of Father Quiggley...I had fallen in love with him. I do love him, very much. He's offered me something I never thought I'd have..." She said softly, but seriously.
Brian smirked softly. "So... th' wee bump there... is no' my Michael's flesh an' blood... but is a child of his heart, regardless. No one ever thought he'd settle down, ye know... Before we hooked up, and after we broke up, datin' wise... he was always out with different lasses... hardly ever th' same one twice. He was tryin' t' find th' right one.. th' one tha' made him feel whole. I'd say he's finally found her.. an' I'm not surprised in th' least she's his wee one. Sheila didnae think he'd be a good Da... too immature, too fun lovin' t' be takin' serious... But tha's not true. I think he'll be a wonderful father t' Tristan an' t' yer babe... Do ye know what it is yer havin' yet?"
"A boy," Saffron replied with a soft smile, touching her stomach. "We've decided to call him River. We haven't quite settled on a middle name, though I'm pushing for Cairo." She added smiling a bit more. "But no...the baby isn't Michael's by blood, but he's so excited. We're both so firmly set on the idea of family, we've already talked about more children, his children with me. Since I'm the current daughter of the seal, I'm required to have a daughter of my own and I think he'd be down right adorable with a baby girl." She added, smiling even more. "But we both want a big family, he's kind of got me excited on the idea...I'd even be willing to go five kids..." She added with a soft laugh, before adding seriously. "But he makes a wonderful father. And he's already loving the idea of being a father to Tristan."
Brian smiled softly. "I'm glad they have ye. Don't be hurt if Tristan doesn’t take t' ye right away... He doens’t mean anything by it. He loved his mother so much an' he absorbed everything either of us ever told him about Michael. I think he's a bit disappointed tha' now that he finally has his Da... he has t' share him. An' no doubt he's a wee bit put out tha' he's expected t' call ye mum an' let ye fill tha' part of him." he said. "Michael is still insistin' tha' I go t' church an' speak with a priest before hand, so I guess I should be nice an' listen t' him this one last time. I'm rather tired though, Saffron... would ye mind if I laid down fer a bit? I don' want t' be rude..."
"No, its certainly fine, I imagine after the train ride, you are very tired. I'll get out of your way. I just wanted to talk with you a couple moments, mostly on what I am." She said softly, with a shy embarrassed smile, before standing then paused. "It’s okay about Tristan. I rather understand exactly what he's going through. I did as well. I just need to have a little talk with him and tell him. He doesn't have to call me mum, and I'm not trying to fill in that spot. Step mothers end up having a special place of their own." She added, before heading toward the door. "If you need anything, that's the bell cord, they still work." She added, nodding to the silk cord by the bed.
Brian smiled softly. "Thank ye again, Saffron. Fer everything. Ye are an angel." he said as he slowly moved to pull back the covers before getting out his pajamas of the small bag he’d brought with him.
"You're very welcome." Saffron said softly, before slipping out of the room. She sighed softly, closing the door behind her, before starting for the stairs. She paused however, then decided to go find Mike and Tristan. She turned, heading back up the stairs and in the direction she'd last left them.
~ ~
Mike was helping Tristan unpack and set things up in his new bedroom; Mike's old room; since the wedding his mother had insisted on moving to a different room and giving them the master bedroom, despite their arguments. The bedroom door stood partially open, and Mike kept glancing that way when ever he thought he heard something, worried that Brian would take a turn for the worse or insist that Saffron do it now, and she'd be coming to tell him any minute.
Saffron reached the room and peeked in, watching them unpack a moment, before sighing softly and deciding to just do it. She knocked on the doorframe, pushing the door open a little more.
Mike looked up, his heart catching for a minute but saw from the look on her face that he was being paranoid. He started to tell her to come in but stopped himself. "Tristan... ye have a guest... are ye goin' t' invite her in?" he asked simply.
Tristan looked over from where he was setting some books on his shelf and then looked back at Mike before speaking softly "Come on in."
"Thank you, Tristan." Saffron replied softly, slipping inside. "I hope you like your room." She added softly. She spoke to Mike. "Brian's decided to take you up on the offer of speaking with a priest. But he's resting right now." She said softly.
Mike let out a breath with a soft smile as he went to her. "Thank ye, sweetheart." he said softly, kissing her. "Tired himself out tellin' ye all sorts of embarrassin' story about me, did he?" he asked lightly. "He no doubt already told them all t' Tristan..."
"Oh, we talked about you, but not like that." Saffron replied softly with a slight smirk, kissing him back softly. She looked over at Tristan a moment, knowing she had to say a few things to him. She wondered if it had been easier for Kay, with her...then doubted it. She moved over, sitting on the edge of the bed a moment. "Tristan, there's a couple things I wanted to say to you. I'm not going to try and take your mother's place, luv. I know you were very close to her. I lost my mum too." She said softly. "But I do hope you'll consider the fact I do love you." She added seriously. "And you can call me Saffron."
Tristan looked over at her at that, then looked at his father. "Ye said ye didna want me callin' her by her name...." he said softly.
Mike sighed softly and moved to sit next to Saffron. "No... I said I didna like th' idea of it.. but tha' it was between th' two of ye t' decide on. If that's what Saffron feels comfortable with... then it's alright with me." he said softly. "I know she called her step mum by her name fer a long time before she felt ready t' call her mum... so..." he gave a slight shrug. "It's up t' ye."
Tristan seemed to consider it for a bit then gave a slight shrug that echoed his fathers. "Alrigh' then... if yer sure it's alright...."
Saffron smirked softly, patting Mike's arm, before turning back to Tristan. "It’s fine, Tristan. You can call me Saffron. If there ever comes a time you want to call me something else, then maybe it'll be calling me mum. Until then, Saffron's fine. I know how hard it is to get used to a step mum. I have one my self, but we've come to be a family."
Tristan looked back at her a moment. "'kay..." he said softly. "So... yer goin' t' have a baby, righ'?" he asked after a minute. "Da said I was goin' t' have a baby brother in a while... yer not gonna make me change him an' look after him an' stuff.... are ye?"
Saffron was forced to laugh softly and shook her head. "No, Tristan, you don't have to worry about being in charge of him and looking after him. But you are going to be a big brother. And when he's old enough, you and your dad can teach him all the great guy stuff you're dad's going to teach you."
Tristan looked at her a moment longer then gave a slight smirk. "Alrigh'... I guess I can live with tha'..." he said, his eyes startin' t' sparkle in an all too familiar way as he looked to his father. "What sort o' stuff are ye goin' t' teach me?" he asked.
Mike snorted. "Well... aside from th' usual sort o' stuff... there's witchin', although yer gran will be doin’ most of tha... she never really approved o' th' way I taught yer uncle Nate... but really.. he was just a crummy student." he said with a smirk. "Plus.. I'll have t' be teachin' ye how t' ride. An' yer Uncle Nate's already put in a request t' help teach ye how t' shoot when yer ready..." Mike watched Tristan’s eyes light up. "An' o' course I suppose I'll have t' give ye a few lesson's in sword fightin'... but I think tha'll have t' wait, seein' as how I'm waitin' on a lesson or two from yer step mum m'self..."
Saffron snorted softly, smirking. She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You're good with a blade, Michael, but you've got a long way to go, before you're as good as I am." She said with a wicked smirk.
"So ye always claimed... an' yet ye never seem t' get around t' 'helpin' me improve'... Maybe before ye get any bigger we should have a wee match."
Tristan narrowed his eyes as he watched them, no doubt suspecting they were having fun with him and pulling a joke. "She knows how to use a sword...?" he asked softly and Mike grinned.
"No lad... swords.. as in plural. She's got two of th' wickedest lookin' blades I've ever seen... aside from her sister's of course.. but ther' no' swords so we won' count 'em..." he said.
"Envious of Lex's chakrums, hmm...?" Saffron said with a smirk. "And if you're looking for a little match, I'm free now." She added, smirking more.
Tristan watched the two, listening intently to try to figure out if they were serious. "Oh really?" Mike asked her playfully. "An' when was th' last time ye used a sword? Should we haul out th' old wooden practice ones fer safety's sake..?"
Saffron snorted at that and gave him a look. "Even with wooden practice swords, Michael, I'd still beat you." She replied with a certain amount of seriousness. "Shall we take this out to the yard, I'm sure Tristan would like to watch the match."
Mike glanced at his son who was looking both curious and eager. "Aye.. suppose so. Bet Natey an' Lexi would show up quick enough t' watch too... an' ye know neither Dunc nor E' could resist a chance t' laugh at me..." he said then stood and held out his hands to her. "On yer feet then, Mrs. MacDonnell. Let's show th' lad why he must never get in shite around ye..." he said with a playful smirk.
"You can give the guys something new to tease you about." Saffron replied, with a smirk, before taking his hands and getting up from the bed. "I promise not to beat you too badly."
"Sweetheart... as long as ye promise t' nurse me back t' health again afterwards... I won’t complain too much." he said softly.
"Ewww... yer gonna kiss her, aren’t ye?" Tristan said, giving him a look. "Gross... no' in m' room... take tha' mushy crap out t' th' hall... please."
Mike laughed at that and messed up Tristans hair, earning a smirk. "Aye... No' kissin' in Tristan's room..." he said then lead the way into the hall.
~ ~
tbc...
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The Gurgi Clan & Chaos Inc.
Skye, Ruex,
Sage, Washu & Miss Frost .
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