Marriage is Murder

Jack chuckled and looked at her " yes it was and I'm going no where until Brian comes " he said " now if your tired sleep " he said softly to her. Steven looked at the fresh vegetables and fruit on the table " yes we should but there not in season right now, I'll see what I can do" he said he listened more. "Well we can all take turns, he's working too hard." Steven said as he placed each veg in the bottom of the fridge. Jim walked in and nodded as he heard Steven talk about taking turns.

"Yes were all good cooks in our own way" he said softly and sat down taking an apple from the pile, he took a bite and smiled " These are nice, could make a good apple pie" he said Steven smiled and nodded

"I give up," Khaat said. "You win. Stay as long as you like, Jack. It won't be exciting, though. And so you know, that potions book is boring as hell."

"Kate and I will volunteer to order take out," Michael teased.

"The hell you will," Robert said. "You are not off the hook, my friend. Nor is my lovely wife."

"And what are you cooking, Robert?"

"With no more time than he has?" Kate apparated in from working at the shop. "He'll be ordering the take out, I'm afraid." She came through the kitchen and gave Robert a quick kiss on the cheek. "Do please quit tossing our daughter in front of the trains, Dear."

"Just testing her reflexes," Robert replied.

"What did I miss?" Kate asked.

"Dinner?" Michael asked.

"No thank you," Kate said, getting a bunch of grapes from basket. "I'd like to go see Khaat."

"Belby survived his first day on duty, and Angus is taking a day off," Robert said.

"Oh, well done, then. Everyone is still breathing and in one piece. It was a good day," she smiled. "I think I'll go shower. So, who's cooking in the morning?"

"Seriously," Robert said. "Why do we need a 5 course breakfast? Could we not just have Lizzie send a few boxes of her gourmet pastries and set out some of the fruit salad, with some tea and coffee and just keep breakfast simple?"

Jack chuckled and looked at her " That as well may be." he said simply and continued to read the book letting her drop off to sleep. Steven saw Kate and smiled to her as she took the grapes.

" nice?" he asked and smiled at her as he watched “ not to sweet I was worried I'd picked them to late and they were bitter” Steven said as he placed the last of the fruit in the fridge. Cassidy chuckled as she took an apple out and ate it.

“ I'd say perfect”she said sitting down on a stool and watched Steven “ you have to show me how to grow these.”

The next morning found Brian up and dressed before Khaat had even awakened. Brian had gone down and made coffee since Angus was off. Then he'd gone up and showered, foregoing his workout today. When he got out of the shower, there were two large mugs of coffee waiting on the dresser. He hadn't been expecting that. He hadn't expected anyone would remember that Angus always sent coffee up to their room when it was time for them to wake.

He poured a dose of pain potion for her and put it beside the bed for when she woke. He expected this was when the soreness and stiffness was going to set in for her.

Belby had found he was stiff and sore. He had gone to bed early because he knew the stoving up was coming. He had pulled himself up out of bed at 3 am and had done some stretching in his room. He'd found a great many bruises now that were in full color--coal black. His thoughts were wondering how badly Khaat as bruised since she had been underneath him.

Belby had gone downstairs and forced himself to work through the pain in order to try to get loosened up. He didn't know, honestly, whether any healer would recommend him to be trying to push through a workout, but he figured he was going to hurt either way. He didn't figure he was going to be out much to try. And, he was counting on working today.

Jack walked down in his pj's still half asleep as he pored some coffee and drank sad he sat down. “ hey Marcus hows the body, stiff I'm betting” he said as he yawned then stretched out loosening his own muscles “ a swim would help” he said as he brushed the hair from off his face. Jess had dressed and headed down to grab something to eat passing Khaat's room she found it only had a sleeping Khaat in it and walked in. Walking over she place a hand gently on her forhead finding everything as it should be she smiled and left her to sleep.

“Awe Jack you could have dressed” said Steven returning from the green houses with fresh flowers a large bunch in each arm. Jess smiled as she saw them.

“ Those are beautiful Steven.” she said and he gave her a red flower glancing at Jack as he did , Jack just chuckled and smiled sowing he was not bothered by it.

“ ah okay, I need to go for a run.” Jack said changing his clothes to a jogging suit as he placed down hi cup and ran out the door leaving Jess shaking her head.

"I was," Marcus said to Jack, coming upstairs. "I got up earlier and started early because I had a feeling what I'd be up against. And I wanted to be certain I'd be upstairs in time enough to make sure Brian is on time."

"Brian is most likely enjoying his coffee," Robert said, coming downstairs, dressed for work. "'Morning, All." As he came around Belby, his hand brushed up against Belby, and it alerted him to Belby's pain. He stopped and looked up at him, his hand lingering on Belby's side for a moment, silently drawing off Belby's pain for him. "Gently today, Belby," he said, an instruction, not a mere request.

"Good morning, Sir," Belby said. "I'm fine, Sir."

"Did I stutter, Belby?" Robert asked, as Michael handed him a cup of Earl Grey, setting out a large platter of Lizzie's pastries and a huge bowl of fruit salad with champagne dressing. A simple breakfast. He had plans for a lovely lunch, and, to be honest, he hadn't given thought to dinner tonight yet.

"No, Sir," Belby responded to Robert.

"And lighten up, would you?" Michael said to Belby. Marcus looked at him, still feeling a bit stiff and formal. After all, this was just the beginning of his second day.

Steven looked at Marcus and tossed him and apple as he'd placed the flowers down on the table. "He means relax and have some fun, you do know what fun is right? " he said to him and chuckled placing the flowers. " we have a pool down stairs and a fully kitted out gym or if your up for it an assault coarse made by Robert himself out front." Steven said smiling at Marcus as he grabbed some earl gray tea.

Jess looked at Robert and saw Marcus's reaction she kicked her self knowing she should have seen it coming and helped him." sorry Robert, I didn't see his stiffness he had this morning. " she said slipping the flower into the bunch of others that sat on the table in front of her.

"He's just come from downstairs, I believe," Robert said, feeling the heat from Belby's muscles.

"The assault course does sound like it would be worthwhile," Belby said.

"Not today," Robert said. "Give it a few days." He heard Jess apologize. "Nothing to apologize for, Jess. He was downstairs working out. That and he did not intend for you to notice his stiffness today. Did you, Belby?"

"Uh...no, Sir," Marcus said.

"According to Mr. Belby's dossier," Robert told them, "He's got wide interests. Everything from art and theater, to casino games, and all sorts of strategy games, and all sorts of weaponry. It's supposed to storm this evening. Perhaps one of you might try to beat him at cards or something."

"You could try," Belby grinned.

Jim walked down and smiled " ah, now that's a game for gentle men." he said smiling as he pored some fruit juice for himself " do you by chance play wizards chess?" he asked picking up an orange and peeling it ."Good morning Robert and every one else." he said smiling as he wore a white shirt and smart blue trousers and casual shoes he wore even his hair was brushed and smart.

Jess smiled and nodded knowing he was right " you don't have to hid it from us, we're here to help Marcus." she said sipping her coffee as she looked at him " I will be using the pool later, I need to swim" she said and smiled " I want to build up my stamina" Steven raised an eye brow at her reason but said nothing.

"I play all sorts of strategy games. Chess, wizards' chess, backgammon, old fashioned war board games, and I've been known to win a little at the casinos."

"Liar," Robert said. "You're well known at the top casinos

Upstairs, the boys had run down together to see their daddy. They burst upon Brian, chattering at him, carrying some sort of a little salamander that was bright blue and reddish orange. Brian's first thought was that he hadn't wanted Khaat awakened, but that was hardly possible now. His second thought was wondering where the heck they'd gotten it, and the third thing was wondering why it was bright Crayola blue and reddish orange.

"Give it here, please," he said to them.

"Mine!" little Michael said, squeezing it in his little hand.

"No, no, don't squeeze," Brian said, prying open the fingers quickly and rescuing the little lizard by the tail.

"Brian," Khaat yawned sleepily.

"When did your father start collecting lizards?" Brian asked.

"Lizards?" she frowned, not awake.

"Yup," he held up the little salamander.

"He collects all sorts of little things like that, but I don't know that any of them were so pretty," she said. "Maybe its one of Brant's things. I don't know. Take it to Daddy. He'll figure it out."

"Yeah, I probably better," Brian said, sending her coffee over to her nightstand. "Coffee. And your pain potion is right there beside you."

"I'm fine," she said. He headed downstairs with the lizard and the boys. Khaat took a sip of coffee and decided she had better begin her day. She got up, slowly and painfully. She soon found she had far more bruises than not. She thought of Belby. He had to be well bruised too. She wanted a shower. She needed to dress. She had no intention of being sidelined for some bruises and sore muscles.

She was still wearing the blue surgical scrubs that she'd had to wear home yesterday. But at least she wasn't indecent. She managed to brush the tangles out of her hair.

Robert heard the boys coming downstairs on the run. "How the hell are they up so early? Its barely 5 am."

"I'm not sure I want to know," Michael said as the boys came around the corner, chattering at anybody that would listen. Brian followed a moment later, dangling the lizard.

"Anybody know this bug?" Brian asked.

"Earl," Michael sighed. "How'd he get out?"

"Earl? He has a name?" Brian asked.

"Of course he has a name," Robert scowled, taking the lizard. "You have one, don't you?"

"Who the devil is Earl?" Brian asked

"He was a naughty little wizard that had a penchant for using his animagus abilities to change into a little salamander and then slip into brothels just to ogle the ladies," Michael laughed. "And he had horrid tastes in clothing. Sometimes he didn't quite get the salamander coloring right, but I always thought that bit was on purpose."

"Was not," Robert said.

"Oh, it was too. He was a dirty minded little man, and we both know it," Kate said, coming in. "At any rate, he's a lousy animagus who changed one time after entirely too many firewhiskies, let the spell go sideways on him and now his enchantment is so buggered, Robert hasn't been able to get him back. So, yes, Earl lives in a large bug jar, and has for years."

"Just what I want around all the women in my house," Brian sighed.

"When he's in the jar, he's quite harmless," Robert said.

"He's bloody harmless anyway," Kate said. "He's a 3 inch lizard. What else is he going to do? Ogle? That's about all he's got."

"And eat bugs," Robert said. "That's about it, really. How'd he get out. Wait....Don't tell me. The kids, right? That's how they're up early."

"I'm afraid so," Brian said.

"Oh, don't be so overprotective. There are worse things in the world than a peeping salamander."

Khaat had made her way slowly down the stairs, unseen by anyone else. But Marcus had been observant. He already knew, by heart, the sound of her smaller foot on the stair. He was quickly memorizing the normal sounds of the house, and he knew she was on the stairs. It grabbed his attention sharply as he was taking a sip of his tea.

He set the mug down on the table, and he took quick, long strides out of the dining room without saying a word. Michael looked up at him, wondering if Belby ever had an off switch. Brian wasn't sure what had caught his attentions.

Belby went up three or four steps to meet her partway. She was hurting, and he understood well how she felt. Just getting that far had felt like a Herculean effort today. He slipped his strong arm under her good shoulder to support her against him. For her, it felt like there was no way for anyone to touch her without it hurting.

"How are you up?" he asked.

"I need to go to work," she said.

"Admirable idea," he said calmly, "When you work out how to do it, let me know."

"Do I look that bad? Really?" she asked.

"Worse," He confessed boldly, "but since you made it down here, you need to just come and sit down."

"Good idea," she said. "Its too long a trip to go back." Belby brought her slowly into the kitchen with the others.

"Good heavens," Michael frowned. "Why are you up?"

"Its Tuesday," she said. "I need to work."

"Oh for the love of..." Robert began, frustrated

"Earl," Michael interrupted purposely to keep Robert from using language he didn't really want the little ones to hear. "For the love of Earl. I know that's what you meant, isn't it?"

"For the love of ...Earl," Robert forced himself to not speak what he was thinking. "Belby, do find her a chair."

"Yes, Sir," Belby said, taking her to a chair and helped her sit.

"You both look entirely pitiful," Kate said. "I forbid either of the two of you from leaving this house today." Belby looked at her, questioningly. Forbid? He hadn't been seriously forbidden from anything for decades. Robert was amused with Belby's surprise. What amused Robert more was the knowledge that Belby didn't have any idea that Kate was entirely serious and was able to make her instructions stick equally as well as Robert could. Belby would find out quickly, Robert presumed.