"NO!! MIKEY!!"

He sat bolt upright, sweat soaking him as the nightmare slowly receded, the yell still echoing in his head. His chest still held the phantom ache from the dream and he had to struggle to breathe for a few moments as he fought to remember where he was. He sat there for several minutes, his eyes closed against the dark room and just focused on breathing, his body trembling from shock.

"Dad?" came a soft voice from the door way and he opened his eyes to see the faint light from the hall way night light outlining the boy in the door way.

"Yeah Tris... I'm alright. Sorry if I woke you, bud." The silhouette hesitated for a minute then a second smaller one appeared at its side and both came into the room and clambered up on the bed beside him.

"Was it the dream again, daddy?" Keira asked softly as she snuggled into his side.

“Yeah, peach.. it was…” he said simply, Tris tucking himself in on his other side. He kissed the soft orangish-blonde fuzz that had given his daughter her nickname. He’d tried dying it to disguise its natural color… but this was the best they could do without it looking to dark on her. And it did kind of remind him of his brother…

“You look sad again, daddy…” she said softly, looking up at him, and he smirked softly at the reminder that she could see so much better then he could. Even in the dark. “You’re thinking of him again, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, hun.. I am. Just a little… but not like in the dream.. this thought doesn’t hurt like that…” he said softly, then laid back down, trying to ignore the damp sheets and shirt clinging to him. If they weren’t bothering the kids, surely he could deal with them too. After a few minutes of laying there with his children wrapped around him, he sighed and cast a quick spell to help the dampness dry out, the sheets and shirt turning suddenly warm against him as he did so. Keira giggled sleepily at the spell then snuggled closer.

He lay there listening to her breathing deepen into sleep and was only mildly surprised to hear Tristan whisper his question. “Dad? If you miss him so much… why don’t you go see him?”

“Because I can’t, Tris… there are very bad people out there that would…’ he sighed and turned to kiss his sons forehead tenderly. “.. let’s just leave it at that, okay? It’s better for everyone this way…”

Tristan gave a soft snort as he moved closer and rested his head on his fathers chest, much the same as his sister. “That’s bull, dad… it’s not better for anyone. It hurts you.. and I bet it hurts him too… and that hurts us…” he said softly, leaving his father stunned and not sure what to say in response to that.

By the time he realized that Tristan was fast asleep and didn’t want an answer any more.. he still didn’t have one to give.

~~

“Mitch ! Hey Mitch!” said the cute little brunette with the loud mouth and the tendency to snap her gum loudly just for the fact that it irritated the crap out of everyone. She jumped up and sat on the edge of his desk , picking up one of the pictures he had there of his kids.

He sighed loudly and leaned back in his chair, resisting the urge to take the frame from her. “Yeah Trudy.. what’s up?” he asked, rubbing his hands lightly over his face, hoping the light glamour spell he’d used to hide the dark circles under his eyes was still holding.

“Guess who just called for you?”

He eyed her curiously then crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her. “Considering I didn’t receive any phone calls….”

She grinned and winked at him, setting the picture back down. “That’s because I saved your ass and took the call for you.”

Her answer earned a groan in response. “Damn it, Trudy! I wish you’d stop doing that!” he said, pushing himself out of his chair and going to retrieve his coat from its hook on the back of his door.

“Where are you going?” she asked, completely ignoring his grumbling.

“To my kids… since you felt like you ‘ had to save my ass’ I’m assuming the call was from my sitter.” He growled softly as he removed the loafers he wore inside and pulled on his boots.

“Mitch.. they’re good kids… they just need a mother…”

“No, Trudy… I’m not going out with you… and I sure as hell am not marrying you. Go hit on the other guys. My kids are fine. Lord knows my brothers and I were worse…” he added. “Tell Hillier not to panic, I’ll have that file on his desk before the deadline…”  he said, pulling on his toque and gloves. “And try to keep your ass off my desk. Lord knows where its been. “ he added with a smirk and she grinned wickedly in return.

“You look so cute all bundled up… like a big present I really want to unwrap…”

He shot her an exasperated look as he opened the door. “Give it a rest, Trudy… I just turned you down AND insulted you, for crying out loud…”

“Yeah.” She said, tagging along behind him. “but you didn’t mean it…” she added, slipping her hand beneath the back of his coat and pinching him.

“Ouch! Damn it woman!” he said, but his eyes were laughing. “McCormick! Do something with your daughter for Christ’s sake!” he yelled as he walked down the hall past the other offices. A few snorts and chuckles could be heard from behind the doors.

One yell answered his. “TRUDY! Don’t make me fire your ass! Stop flirting and get back to work or I’ll ship you off to the nearest convent!”

Trudy snorted with a smirk, rolling her eyes. “Like that’ll stop me…” she said softly, but headed back to her desk at the end of the hall in the little open area that served as a reception area, watching him as he slipped out the door.

~~

The blast of snow and wind hit him square in the face as he hit the bottom of the stairs and opened the door. Cursing softly as he ducked his face, blocking the worse of the assault from his eyes as he trudged through the snow that had fallen to fill in the walk way, he headed around to his truck.

Tristan’s words kept playing in his head as drove slowly, trying to keep track of the road and the other cars through the white outs of wind and snow, and he had to force the sad sound of his sons voice out of his mind.

Christmas was only a week away, and he had most of his gift buying done. The kids gifts all squirreled away where they couldn’t snoop and find them; he had the wrapping paper and everything for them and expected to get a chance to get everything wrapped by the time they put the tree up. The kids had been after him to put it up last week, but he’d held  out… Maybe he’d give in though if it would help cheer Tristan up… he hadn’t realized the boy was so… conscious of what he was feeling.

He passed a long line of dark green blurred through the snow that he knew must be the Christmas tree  lot. Maybe he’d bring the kids out tonight and pick one. That never failed to bring smiles and good moods…

A figure appeared on the side of the road, walking in the same direction he was driving. He checked to make sure he couldn’t see any headlights behind him the stopped the truck. He leaned over to open the passenger side door. “Hop in. You shouldn’t be walking in this shit! Too dangerous!”

The figure barely hesitated as it accepted the invite and climbed into the cab, banging as much snow off as it could before it did. It wasn’t until the door was closed and they were moving again that the scarf was pulled low enough for a mouth to appear. “Thanks… Isn’t that what they say about accepting rides from strangers though?”

“Holy shit! EMMA! What the hell are you doing out in this weather?!” he said, his eyes staying glued to the barely visible road in front of him, despite the urge to turn and glare at her.

She laughed softly as he pulled off her hat, freeing long silver grey curls to tumble over her shoulders and mix with the melting snow. “Oh hush! It’s just a bit of snow! I needed some groceries… it’s only a couple blocks. Really Mitchell… I’m not an invalid.”

He glowered behind the wheel as he turned the corner, heading towards the nearest grocery store. “Assuming its open… they could’ve sent everyone home, you know. They closed damn near every road outside town already…”

Emma laughed softly. “So much for Helen’s forecast of a late start to winter this year…” she said primly, her eyes sparkling. “That can’t be good for business…”

He laughed at that, shaking his head lightly even as he inwardly railed at how long the normally quick drive was taking. “Serves her right… most of her business was nothing but scams any ways… maybe her clients will smarten up now and see that we were telling them the truth.”

“Mitchell, dear.. you know better than that. People believe what they want to believe…. And they are very good at ignoring that which doesn’t fit into their fantasy…” she said, hat and gloves in her lap as she held her bare hands over the heater. “I see you had another rough night… care to talk about it?”

He gave a deep sigh and spared a quick glance in her direction “I hate when you do that… Just like my mother..” he added softly.

“Oh… I’m sorry, Mitch… I didn’t mean to open any wounds, you know that.” She said, her cold fingers brushing against the bit of cheek that showed above scarf and beard. “When are you going to end this?” she asked, her own voice going soft at the question.

“You know the answer to that, Emma… You’re the only one who does… Don’t start. Please.” He spotted what he hoped was the opening to the store parking lot and pulled in, trying to see if the lights were on inside. “Here you go. Want me to wait or come back for you?”

She gave a soft snort, knowing he would do one or the other regardless. “ I’ll only be a minute if you don’t mind waiting. Thank you Mitchell.” She said, pulling her hat and gloves back on before leaving the warmth of the truck and heading for the store.

The warmth of the truck cab and the layer of outer clothing , combined with the mostly sleepless night must have taken it’s toll on him, because he jerked awake  as Emma yanked the passenger side door open and tucked her bags into the back seat, before climbing inside. “You need to deal with this, Mitch…” she said simply as she settled in, picking up the conversation where it had been left off.

He groaned softly as he carefully backed out. “I am, Emma.”

“No, you’re not. If you were, you wouldn’t be having nightmares and looking like shit warmed over and needing to hide behind glamours, now would you?” she asked simply. “You dating anyone?”

Mitch just snorted at the change of subject. “Not really, no. What about you? You seeing anyone?”

Emma smirked softly in return. “As a matter of fact no, I’m not. Why? Are you asking me out? Tad old for you, aren’t I, Mitchell?”

He smirked, his eyes sparkling. “Never, Emma. You’re a damned fine woman at any age.. I’m sure you have a line up a mile long of men waiting for the chance to win you…” he said, fighting the grin and loosing. “And you asked first… I was merely continuing the conversation.”

She snorted softly, blushing slightly. “Honey tongued devil…” she said softly. “ My granddaughters will be up in a couple days for Christmas you know… both of them seemed rather taken with you last year….”

“Please… Emma… no match making. You of all people should know better. “ he said softly, his voice serious. “You know what they’d be getting into.” He focused his attention on back tracking through the streets, trying to find Emma’s house.

“Oh really, Mitch.” She snapped, obviously irritated with him. “The whole martyr thing doesn’t suit you. Suck it up and get on with things. If this is what you plan on having for a life, then LIVE IT! Date, marry, have more kids… Enjoy your life!” she said, shooting a glare at him. “The only reason to hold back is that you don’t plan on staying here… And from what you’ve told me, you’re convinced you can’t go back… So? Stop pussy footing around. You’re pissing me off.”

Mitch shot a look at her, one eyebrow quirked then snorted softly. He opened his mouth to reply then shut it again, suddenly as shocked by what he’d heard as he had been last night with Tristan. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He finally said as he pulled over beside her house and a relatively low spot in the snow bank that he was fairly sure was her drive way. “I’ll think about it. Need a hand?”

“No. I’m fine. And you do that. I’ll be expecting all three of you for dinner Wednesday night as well. Don’t forget.” She said as she opened the door and slid off the seat for the short drop to the road and retrieved her bags. “Give my love to the kids.” She said before she shut the door and waved him off, forging her way towards her front door.

He watched her for a moment, making sure she got inside alright, before continuing on to his own house. She was right, he realized. He was holding back. There wasn’t any real danger to anyone in his life as long as he stayed hidden and didn’t do anything to draw attention to himself. He was as protected as he could be, as was his family. There was no reason not to consider the possibility of meeting someone and getting married.

The only problem would be whether or not to tell her the truth, or let her believe the story that had been built to protect them.

“No, ye dumb ass… th’ only problem is tha’ there IS no one tha’ ye care enough t’ consider marryin’…. Tha’ means ye’d have to do th’ whole datin’ thing which is goin’ t’ be hell on th’ kids…” he muttered softly, his voice slipping back into the old familiar accent. He cursed himself softly at the slip, despite the fact that he was alone and there was no one to hear him. He really hated all of it. Dying his hair a darker shade, although they’d had to keep a touch of red in it because of the kids; disguising his accent; changing his name… although they’d kept it as close to his own as they could so he’d react to it better…

He knew it was for the best. They couldn’t know he’d survived. If they did, there was no telling what they’d do…

He sighed as he pulled into his laneway, the truck plowing through the accumulated snow easily. “And the kids… Tristan would be just as big a target now…” he said softly to himself as an added reminded of *why*.   He shut the truck off and  headed for the front door, pausing as the flash of blue over the snow caught his attention. He looked up, just then noticing the police cruiser parked in the neighbors drive. The flash of blue had been a second cruiser pulling up behind it. He frowned softly, suddenly worried, then his front door opened and a blur suddenly threw itself at him, almost knocking him off his feet.

“Whoa! What..?” he asked, surprised to see his baby sitter, weeping hysterically. Fear shot through him as he glanced at the officers trudging across the lawn towards them. “Oh my god.. the kids… Fran?! Where are the kids? What happened?!” he asked then lifted her off her feet and barreled through the front door, setting her down just inside.

Another officer was waiting inside and stopped him before he could move past the small foyer. “Mr. McConnell? I’m Lieutenant Green…”

“Wha’ happened! Where are m’ kids?!” he asked, his control of his voice slipping in his panic. The house seemed eerily silent and he somehow knew neither of the kids was there without even casting a spell to check.

“I’m so sorry.. Mitch…!” the soft voice cried behind him and he turned to see Fran, shivering in the draft from the open door, the two new cops behind her.

“Fran…” He said, trying to calm himself down enough to find out what had happened. He reached out and the woman came back into his arms. “What happened? Where are they?”

“I don’t know!” she said, her words escaping through sobs.

“Apparently the boy was upset about something earlier and had acted out…” Lieutenant Green started to speak.

“Oh I yelled at him, Mitch! He was just being impossible, you know how he gets! I sent him to his room! That was all! I sent him to his room and he was yelling and slamming things in there too… so I called your office….then Keira went in with him and he seemed to quiet down….” She paused in her rush of words to draw another shaky, tear filled breath. “And then they were just gone!!”

Mitch’s arms tightened around her at that and he looked up at the cops. “Gone?” he asked softly.

“Yes sir… As far as we can tell they left on their own… out the window. There are two sets of child sized tracks, but they vanish as soon as they reach the edge of the house and the wind hit them… Mrs. Davis here says that there’s no where she can think of that they’d have gone except to see you, is that right sir?”

Mitch gently released Fran and headed for Tristan’s room. “Yeah… no.” he  amended. “They might have gone to Emma Saywer’s place…But she wasn’t home… I just dropped her off a few minutes ago…” he said softly. “Most of their close friends live on the far side of town or out in the country…” he added as he stood in the doorway and looked around at the small bedroom that had been trashed. The mattress lay half off the bed, the sheets a tangle on the floor… the closet apparently emptied with its contents strewn around the room.

“I’ve sent for the dogs, sir… and I’ve asked for a witch to join us, as well. I hope that’s alright with you, sir?”

He gave a soft snort, wishing he could tell him it wasn’t necessary. “No.. it’s fine. Ms. Sawyer is a witch actually… I’m sure she’d insist on helping if she knew…”

“Don’t worry, sir. They couldn’t  have gotten far in this weather… we’ll find them before too long.”

Mitch just nodded softly as he stared at the mess before him. He heard the police talking quietly in the hall then move off towards the front again. “Fran?” he asked softly, wondering if she was there.

“Yes, Mitch?” came the soft reply.

“What was he upset about?”

“Oh.. the usual…” she said, and he could picture her waving her hand absently. “I caught him in your room snooping again…”

He felt as if the bottom suddenly dropped out of his stomach at her soft words and it took him a moment to be able to ask his next question. “ Do you remember what he was doing? Was he in the closet?”

“No.. he was sitting on your bed with the box…” she said simply.

The queasy feeling that had set in when he knew his kids were missing suddenly intensified. “The box?” he asked so softly he wasn’t sure she’d even heard him.

“Yes… the same one I catch him with every time…”

“Dark wood… black iron hinges…” he said softly.

“Yes… and the shoe box it was in too… At least.. he always puts it inside the shoe box when I catch him…”

“Oh. Thanks…” he said softly as he headed for his own room, his mind screaming curses at himself for ever telling the kids anything about his past, and for keeping the damned box.. especially in the house. “Why don’t you go home, Fran… no doubt your husband will be worried about you in this weather…”

He entered his room, not caring that he was leaving a trail of snow melt all over everything, and immediately saw the wooden box on the bed. He flipped it open, not surprised to see it empty. “Shit.” He said softly, only partially aware of Fran speaking to him. “Tristan… what the hell are you doing?” he asked aloud, despite knowing exactly what he was doing... or planning to do. He was going to try to find his dad’s long lost brother...

He scooped the box into his hand and looked at it. It really didn’t look that much like the one he’d had before… but it had reminded him enough of it when he’d bought it. He gave a yell, whipping the thing across the room to slam against the wall. He couldn’t figure out what the kid was planning on doing about it though. There was nothing in that box that would give him any clues as to where to even start looking. Nothing that would help at all. So why take everything in it?

He left the room, heading back towards the front of the house, his gaze falling on the phone. He should call them and tell them what was happening. They could find the kids quicker than anyone he knew… but then what? What would they do when they found out that he’d told them even a bit about his life before? Would they take the kids from him? He didn’t think so… Not when the kids where one of their major holds on him. But they’d probably make them move again… And they’d do something to the kids.. probably to make them forget what he’d told them. He couldn’t let them do that.. memory spells were too dangerous… He wouldn’t let them mess with the kids like that again. Keira still had the odd relapse from the last time they’d messed with her.

He ground his teeth together, torn over what to do. If he used his own abilities to find the kids, with the cops right there, he’d be destroying five years of effort to make a home here. If he called them in to help… he’d be destroying five years of effort and putting the kids in trouble with them… If he sat back and let the cops take care of it…

He sighed heavily and sat on the couch, his mind halfway paying attention to the police that came and went from the room as they moved through the house. IF he left it to the cops, they’d find the kids and bring them home and everything would be alright… They’re be questions to answer about why they’d left, and punishments to hand out for them doing it… but they could still stay here.. still have this life… and the kids would still be safe. IF he could sit still and let the police do their job…

“Mitchell!” he looked up as Emma appeared, still bundled up and covered in a light dusting of snow. “I came as soon as the officer phoned me about the kids… oh sweet Goddess.. Mitchell…what is going on?!”

He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her down beside him and wrapping his arm around her tightly, only then becoming aware of the fact that he was still wearing his coat and everything. “I think he’s trying to find him…” he said softly. “I just don’t know how he plans on doing it. He has nothing to go on…” he said then sighed and kissed the glimpse of forehead beneath the knit hat. “The police will bring them home soon…”

~~

The hours ticked by with no word or sign of the kids. The constant flow of uniforms in the house had settled into just one officer who stayed with them and kept them up to date as much as she could.

Mitch had gone from sitting on the couch to pacing, to the kitchen where he went from sitting to pacing. The office had called, apparently getting wind of what had happened and he’d been told not to worry about work, that one of the others would finish up for him.

The dogs were still trying to find them, the search having widened to include the entire neighborhood and most of downtown as they tried to pick up a trace of their scent. The witch had had about the same amount of luck on that score though, unable to find them or their trail. It had looked promising at first, the spell latching immediately onto something.. then it would suddenly go astray and vanish… The same thing happened every time she’d tried.  The dogs would also catch a scent then mysteriously loose it shortly after.

No one seemed to know what it meant… although the witch said she was sure someone was interfering with the spells, which made her think they’d been kidnapped. The police weren’t sure about her claim though since none of their investigation had turned up any sign of anyone other then the kids themselves being involved. The current line of thought was that someone had maybe bespelled them to lure them out of the house and then grab them… Despite the fact that no trace of such a spell could be found…

Mitch and Emma suspected that the kids themselves were somehow responsible for the mess. He hadn’t thought Tristan that advanced in his studies, and Keira of course had only just begun to learn the simplest of spells.. and she seemed to have trouble with most of them. Emma insisted that it was possible that Tristan might have taken what he had learned and.. made his own spell… Something that both floored him with pride.. and terror. The thought that his son was smart enough and strong enough to do that on his own, while still so young… It was something he’d have to work very hard at to keep from them. The last thing he wanted was for any of them to take an interest in Tristan.

“They’ll turn up.” Emma said softly, setting another cup of coffee in front of him before taking a seat at the table beside him. “They know you’re worried sick… they’ll come back…”

“I can understand Tristan… I can… He’s thirteen. He’s on that edge.. he feels like he has to take control and do this for me. Be a man. “ he said then sighed heavily. “But why the hell would he take Keira!?! She’s only eight, for Christ’s sake…”

“Do you honestly think she gave him a choice in the matter?” Emma asked seriously. “She’s just as stubborn and hard headed as the rest of you, if not more so. At least Tris knows the spells he’ll need to keep them both warm and safe from the weather and  to find their way through the storm…”

Mitch looked up as her voice trailed off and saw the curious look on her face. “What is it? What did you just think of?” he asked.

She looked at him and blinked picking her cup up and taking a drink. “ The location spells…”

“They won’t work, remember?”

“No no.. not OUR location spells… “

Mitch suddenly sat up straighter. “You’ve been teaching him location spells? I thought you were still working on the stronger healing spells…??”

Emma blushed slightly. “Well we are.. but…he asked. And he seemed genuinely worried so…” she sighed and looked up at him a bit sheepish. “I’m sorry.. I should’ve thought of this right away… He came to me worried about what to do if they became separated from you… Like in the mall or out hiking… He asked if there was a spell that would help him find you….”

The blood drained from his face. “Dear God.. you taught him a blood tracer!? EMMA!”

She shushed him before he could attract the attention of the officer in the hall. ”What?! I didn’t think there was anything wrong with it! He seemed genuinely worried!”

Mitch groaned and leaned back in his chair. “This changes everything… do you realize what this means? He didn’t want to know the damned spell to find ME! If he’s smart enough to devise his own spells to hide their trail and confuse their pursuers.. he’s smart enough to alter the spell enough to locate any blood relative…” He shoved himself to his feet and began pacing. “Fuck fuck fuck fuck…” he muttered softly as he stroked the short beard, his hair looking decidedly scraggly as it was pulled half out of its pony tail. “How far could they get…? You haven’t taught him how to call a portal, right?”

“No Mitch… no portals… but…”

He turned to look at her and groaned softly. “Oh don’t tell  me… he doesn’t have enough fae blood for rifts… and Keira is too young… Tell me she’s too young…”

Emma shook her head softly as she came around to join him then reached out and pulled his pony tail out and calmly redid it, smoothing the wavy hair back in place and playing with tail as it fell down his back. Mitch ground his teeth and let her, knowing she was trying to keep herself calm and explain things. “No.. neither knows about rifts and they don’t know how to call portals.. although I wouldn’t put it past Tristan with everything else we’ve seen of him today… “ she said and he groaned as he realized she was right. “I was thinking as well… about Keira and her…’problem’ …”

Mitch froze. “You mean her ..’fae’ blood… Has she…?”

“Not yet, but I think it might be closer then we thought… Her other abilities are growing stronger every day, you know that…” she said softly, reminding him of last night again.

“Shit. “ he said softly. “What am I going to do, Ems… do I have the police call Boston and have them on the look out for them there, then try to explain WHY without totally screwing things up? Do I call them and get them to handle it?”

The kitchen was quiet as he paced back and forth in thought. Finally she answered him. “You could go after them. You know where he’s going,. don’t you, Mitchell? Despite their insistance that you have no contact… you still kept tabs on him, didn’t you? You know right where he is… and where the kids are going…?”

He stopped and turned to face her, the expression on his face pained. “I can’t, Em… I know, yes.. but… I can’t see him. If I do…”he covered his mouth, his eyes burning as he resumed pacing. “Damn it… Tristan… why?” he muttered softly, already knowing the answer.

“Maybe you could get to the kids before they reach him… There’s no guarantee that Tristan’s spell will lead them straight there and if he’s self taught on portals….”

Mitch straightened up and stopped pacing. “Your right… He doesn’t have the control needed to open accurate portals. And the misdirection spell he cast here will be pulling on him…. He’ll drop it as soon as they’re through the portal. He’ll trust that the distance will be enough to keep them safe from pursuit. “I can find them…” he said. “I can reach them before they get any where near the place… “

“Mitchell.” Emma said sternly. “No. *I* will find them. You can’t use your magic that openly. You’ll draw their attention. I’ll go with you.”

He opened his mouth to protest then closed it again, knowing by the set of her jaw she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She was way too much like his mother at times. “Fine.. then you come up with what to tell the cops to explain why we’re both taking off..” he grumbled softly as they headed for their boots and coats. “And Tristan better be damned glad I don’t have any wooden spoons..” he added in a soft mutter that raised a curious eyebrow from Emma.

~~

Sylvie tipped her head to the side and watched the two children intently. The boy kept mumbling something with his eye squeezed shut, then he’d open them and look around with a fierce scowl. The girl just stood there and watched him, occasionally looking around as if watching for someone in specific. Something about the way they kept one eye on their surroundings and flinched whenever any one shouted made her think they were runaways. She caught the warm scent she was waiting for and smiled as a moment later Xander appeared at her side. “One chocolate caramel latte with extra cream…” he said, handing her a tall cup.  “You ready to head back? Or should we window shop for a bit more…take our time…” he asked, then noticed her gaze was fixed elsewhere. “What’s up?” he asked suddenly serious, his voice low.

“Runaways…” she said softly. “Think the boy knows magic…either that or he’s wishing for something really hard… Either way.. it’s not working…”

Xander followed her gaze, settling on the two kids and he frowned slightly. “Two kids well dressed against the weather and sporting back packs… a week before Christmas… Trying to get mommy and daddy’s attention for the special gift they were told no about?” he asked softly, though his gut was telling him no. “Should we take them in to the office and call the cops?” he asked as Sylvie started towards them, leaving the small coffee shop behind.

“Hey.” She said, ignoring him as they reached the two. “You guys lost?” she asked, as she lowered her self carefully to the girls height, wondering again why she wore long skirts in the winter rather than pants like every one else…

The boy grabbed the girls arm, putting himself between them. “We’re just waiting for our dad.” He said simply, and Sylvie looked at him curiously, getting the odd feeling he was both lying AND telling the truth at the same time…

“You expect your dad to find you soon?” she asked, a slight smile tugging at her mouth, her phrasing of the question bringing a flash of red over the boys face  that was visible even over the red of the cold already staining his cheeks.

“Yeah. “ he answered in a soft mutter.

“We’re not supposed to talk to strangers.” The girl added intently and Sylvie smiled even more, standing back up.

“You’re right… you’re not.” She said and grabbed hold of Xander’s free hand, pulling him back to the coffee shop. She took his own cup from his other hand . “Go on.. you know you want to.” She said playfully and he blushed furiously, before he caught on to what she meant, then ducked back into the shop to buy two small cups of hot chocolate and some cookies. Sylvie claimed them as he returned, trading the coffee for the cups of chocolate and cookie bag, then headed back to where the two kids were leaning against the building, obviously trying to decide what to do now that they had an audience that was waiting for their dad to show up and claim them. “Here… you look cold… My name’s Sylvie, and this is my husband, Xander … now you know our names, we’re not strangers.” She said, handing them the cups. “So why’d you guys run away? And don’t deny it….I know a runaway when I see one.”

Both kids looked at the ground, but accepted the cups and cookies. “Umm.. we’re not really running away… more like running too…” the girl said and the boy hushed her. “Well we ARE!” she said indignantly, turning to glare at him. “It’s a Christmas present for our daddy… he really really misses his brother so we’re going to bring him home with us for him.”

“Wow… that’s a really nice gift, guys..” Xander said softly. “but… if your dad misses him that much… then I’m sure he’d have come himself. Maybe there’s a reason they’re not spending Christmas together? “ he asked.

“Xander’s right…” Sylvie said softly. “And I’m not sure you two should’ve come on your own… your parents must be really worried about you. Them being scared and worried isn’t such a nice gift, is it?”

The girl’s eyes went wide at that and she bit her lip, looking up at her brother. The boy’s face flushed red. “Don’t worry… we’re fine and so’s our dad. Like I said, he’ll find us soon… And if we haven’t found our uncle by then, he can help us.”

Sylvie glanced at Xander, who simply shrugged lightly with a smirk. “Well.. it’s awful cold out here… Why don’t you come with us? We work in a building just around the corner. Maybe we can help you find your uncle. We’re kinda like detectives, after all.”

The boy looked at her curiously but the girl perked right up. “Really? You don’t look like detectives…. You’re too pretty.” She said then looked at Xander and leaned closer to Sylvie to whisper. “And he’s way too cute… is he really your husband?”

Sylvie smiled, her eyes sparkling as she was pretty sure Xander had heard. “Yes he’s  really my husband .. and I agree.. he’s way too cute.” She said in a whisper back to her. “We’re actually investigators… but I bet we can help you anyhow. Of course.. we’ll have to find your parents too and let them know where you are…”

The boy sighed heavily. “Yeah… I know.. and you’re not going to just leave us are you?” he asked, and Sylvie was suddenly reminded of the look Mike and Nate would get when they were about to pull something on one another. She narrowed her eye as she watched him. “No.. and if you cast that spell.. I’ll have Xander to turn you into a snowman…” she said.

The girl looked over at Xander. “You can DO that?! Wow.. that’s cool.” She said then giggled at the pun.

The boy meanwhile narrowed his own eyes at her, blushing even more. “How’d you know..? Are you a witch too?” he asked, his voice automatically dropping low as he spoke.

“Yeah I can…” Xander said with a wink and bent close, his hand held out. As the kids watched snow suddenly swirled in his palm then a moment later a tiny little snowman stood there. “And no.. she’s not a witch. But we have a friend who is… he works with us.”

“Wow..” the girl said, reaching out to touch the snowman, and Xander gave it to her, receiving a bright grin in reply.

“So… are you guys going to tell us your names..” Sylvie asked with a wink. “Or do we have to check your finger prints to find that out?”

“I’m Keira McConnell.. this is my brother Tristan.” The girl provided cheerfully, her eyes watching Xander despite the fact that she was talking to Sylvie.

The boy groaned. “Nice Keir… why don’t you just give them our address while your at it..” he mumbled.

The girl rolled her eyes at him. “Our dad’s name is Mitchell. We don’t have a mom. “ she said, looking back at the snowman in her hand. “He needs a face.,…” she said then  set her cup on the ground and pulled a handful of loose candies out of her pockets and scowled as she found them too big to make a entire face. After a minute she pressed in two for eyes and one for a round mouth and left it at that, pocketing the rest of the candy before scooping her cup and snowman back into her hands. “That’s better.” she said with a smile and showed him to Xander.

“Yes, much better.” Sylvie agreed. “So Tristan and Keira McConnell… shall we head inside where it’s warm and see what we can do for you?”

Tristan scowled and looked like he was having second thoughts about casting his spell. “Xander… “ Sylvie said softly, watching the boy. When Xander raised an eye brow she nodded to Tristan. Xander smirked. “Don’t even think about it Tristan…I’ve handled bigger and badder witches than you…” she said, as Xander caused a film of ice to flow up over the boys’ boots.

Tristan stared at the ice in shock then kicked his feet, sending the thin film scattering before shooting Xander and Sylvie a look. “Fine… as long as we can find our uncle…” he added moodily, but turned and walked with them as they headed off towards the offices.

~~

“Damn! Gods damn it all! Fuck!” Mitchell ranted as he turned and paced, kicking angrily at the snow.

Emma watched him, arms crossed as she leaned against the store front. “Shall I go intercept them and reclaim the kids? Or would you like to do that yourself?”

He turned a glare on her. “I CAN’T!.” he said in a loud hiss. “I… She KNOWS me… FUCK!!” he growled again and resumed pacing. Mitchell groaned and stopped pacing to lean against the wall, the palms of his hands pressing against his eyes. It was killing him to be this close….

“Well.. she doesn’t know me.” Emma said then slipped around the corner and headed after the foursome as quick as she could. “Tristan! Keira!” she hollered after them  as they rounded the corner, and as she hurried after them she found the foursome stopped to watch for her.

“Nana Ems!” Keira yelled and waved, and Tristan just ducked his head and looked at the ground.

Emma could practically feel Mitch behind her, hiding out of sight around the corner and wondered who the woman was that he was so afraid of her recognizing him even through the changes and the fact that his old self had been dead for almost ten years. “Keira! “ she said, the scarf pulled low to wrap loosely around her neck. It was still cold but no where near as bitterly so as it had been at home. She was actually a bit overly warm in the extra layers. “Tristan… you have some explaining to do…” she said simply as she eyed the boy, her arm going around Keiras’ shoulders as the girl came to her side. “Your fathers waiting for you.”

“I’m not going  yet.” He said softly, shifting his feet nervously. “I…I don’t have dad’s gift yet…”

“Gift?!” Emma asked in surprise, then glanced down at Keira then over at the couple watching her. “Don’t you DARE tell me you ran away from home, scared the beejeezus out of everyone and got yourself into a world of trouble… to go Christmas shopping!”

“Not exactly…” Xander said with a soft smirk, his arm slipping around Sylvie’s waist.

“Why don’t we head inside and finish this conversation where it’s warm? Perhaps over coffee?” Sylvie suggested lightly.

“Thank you .. but no. I’m just fetching the children for their father… he’s waiting for us.” She said,  reaching for Tristan’s coat sleeve.

Sylvie beat her to it, pulling the startled boy closer to her and Xander, one hand laying on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, but we can’t just let you appear out of nowhere, claim two runaway children and vanish again without verifying your story at least. The children must have left for a reason… “

Emma looked at her in surprise at her move, rather impressed, then blushed furiously as her words sunk home. “Mitchell would NEVER harm a hair on either of their heads!” she stuttered, her hand tightening on Keira’s shoulder, pulling her a bit further away. “Keira… your dad’s around the corner there… go to him. I’ll be right behind you with your brother.” She said softly, then found herself readying a spell as the man slipped around them to block Keira’s path.

“No, Keira… you stick with us until your dad comes for you himself.” Xander said simply.

The girl stood there, looking up at him with a curious expression on her face and he wondered for a minute what she was going to do when the older woman snapped at her. “Keira! Don’t!” Keira turned to look at her for a moment then sighed, the snowman clutched in both hands. Xander wondered for a moment what had happened to the cup of hot chocolate…

“Don’t try casting any spells, please.” Sylvie said simply, one hand still on Tristans shoulder as she spoke to the woman. “We’re only looking out for the children. If what you say is true, then you have nothing to worry about. Just come with us and let us verify it. Call their father over to join us and we can all go inside.”

Emma paled slightly, at the woman’s knowledge of her being a witch, her stubborness and her suggestion. “I understand your concern, I do… if anything were to happen to my grandchildren I’d certainly hope they’d meet someone like you to look out for them until they could be brought home safe…” she said, her eyes dropping to Tristan. “but your concern is unwarranted in this case. Tristan… what on earth did you say to these people?”

“It’s not anything he said, ma’am. It’s what he did. What they both did.” Xander said simply. “Children don’t run away without a reason. Some times it’s a foolish reason, but what kind of people would we be if we didn’t make sure?”

Emma sighed softly. Aside from creating a huge scene in the middle of the street by casting spells, she didn’t see any easy way out of this. And there was no guarantee that a big display like that wouldn’t attract the wrong attention. “Fine then… Children… tell these people the truth so we can all go home.”

“Not going yet.” Tristan grumbled softly. “They said they’d help.”

“Tris. We’ve talked about this.”

Everyone looked towards the new voice. Mitchell stood at the corner, his face as hidden beneath the hat, scarf and high collar as it could get without it looking like he was hiding.

“No we haven’t!” Tristan said defensively.

Mitchell sighed heavily, wanting to go to his son but not daring to go any closer to Sylvie and her friend. “Yes we have Tristan… I’ve told you … it’s not safe. For any one.” He said simply. “Let it be, son… please.”

Sylvie slipped her arm around Tristan’s shoulder, pulling him with her. “Since we’re all here and we obviously have things to discuss… let’s go inside.”

“No, miss… thank you, but.. we can’t do that.” Mitchell said softly, trying not to look at her; his gaze focused on his son instead. “We shouldn’t be here… it’s not safe. We need to get the children home before… before I’m recognized…”

“Mitchell..” Emma hissed softly, moving to slip her arms around Keira’s shoulders, Xander still standing between them and Mitch. “Get out of here… I’ll handle this. Don’t be a fool… you’re risking everything…” Tristan shot her a look at that, his gaze going thoughtfully to his father.

“You’ll be safe with us.. all of you. We work for Chaos Incorporated. No one is going to get to you while you’re with us.” Xander said simply. “And the longer we stand here, the more attention we attract… so let’s get inside.”

Mitchell glanced over their shoulders at the building just down from them; the small tasteful yet elegant and eye-catching sigh above set above the door and the arch way leading up the walk to the door proudly proclaiming the name. He felt his chest tighten painfully and he had to look away. “no…” he said softly, hardly able to breathe. “I can’t…”

Both children watched their father closely but it was Tristan that narrowed his eyes, then followed his fathers gaze. Understanding lit his face as he turned back. “He’s here! He’s right here!” he said excited. “He’s in there, isn’t he?! My spells DID work!”

Mitchell paled even more as he looked at Tristan. “Stop it, Trist! You don’t understand!” he snapped. “We’re in danger just being here! And that will put him in danger to…”

“Enough… Tristan… we’re leaving.. Now.” Emma said sternly, giving Keira a light push towards her father. “Thank you for your concern.” She said to Sylvie and Xander as she held out her hand towards Tristan. “It’s over Tristan… we need to leave now.”

Tristan was staring at his father. “You mean … the bad people…?” he asked softly.

“Yeah… they want ME, Tris… and they’ll want you now too if they find us… “ Mitchell said softly. “I stayed away to keep him safe from that…” he added even softer. “to keep us all safe.” He added softly, his hand reaching out to him. “Come on.. let’s get out of here…” he said. “you have no idea how much this hurts me, Tristan… just being this close… I know you meant well, but… ”

Xander glanced between them all, his gaze going to Sylvie who was watching the man with a curiously expression on her face. He slipped around them and back to her side, her arm still around Tristans’ shoulders. “What is it?” he asked softly as he reached her side.

She shook her head lightly. “I don’t know… I.. I just have this feeling that I know him… he seems familiar.. everything is but it’s .. wrong, somehow. I doesn’t fit...” she whispered in return.

Tristan pulled his gaze from his father and looked to his sister, the two of them exchanging silent looks for a moment. “I don’t want you to hurt anymore dad… that’s why.” He said softly, then suddenly pulled himself free from Sylvie’s grasp and ran for the walk and up to the building, vanishing inside before anyone could even move.

“no.. oh gods no…” Mitch said softly in shock. “Emma… I .. I can’t… he’s…”

Emma went to his side and laid a hand on his cheek, pulling his gaze back down to her. “I know… but… maybe it will be alright. You’re broken, Mitchell. I see it… your children see it… You can’t live like that… Maybe it’s time to try to make you whole again…” She took hold of his hand and turned to face Sylvie. “Whatever you do… you mustn’t say the name you’ll want to say. You must be very careful to only call him Mitch or Mitchell… his old name will draw their attention…” she said softly. “I don’t know everything, but I know more than enough to be included in the danger we’d all face if that happened.”

Keira looked up at her dad for a moment the grabbed his other hand, pulling his shocked gazed down to her. “I’m sorry, daddy… we only wanted to make you happy for Christmas…”

Mitchell looked down at her, his eyes suddenly spilling over as he let go of Emma’s hand and squatted, pulling his daughter into his arms. “I know, peach… I know.” He whispered softly. He drew a deep breath and looked up at Sylvie. He glanced at Emma who nodded slowly, then he loosened his scarf a bit and pulled off his toque. “Remember what Emma said… don’t say the name… “ he said softly as he did so. He looked up at her as he slowly stood, one arm holding his daughter tight to his side. “I’m so sorry, Sylv…” he said softly as she gasped, her eyes watering as her hand flew to her mouth. “I didn’t want to… I didn’t have a choice.”

She stared at him in shock, one hand over her mouth to stop herself from saying his name, the other one clutching Xander’s waist. Xander looked from one to the other then let his gaze settle on Emma. “I guess we should take this inside. We have secure rooms where we won’t be over heard…” he said simply, his eyes falling back to Sylvie. He gave her a gentle squeeze and she tore her gaze away from Mitchell and looked at him with wide eyes, then nodded. She drew a breath and pulled herself together, leading them towards the building.

~~