Marriage is Murder

Jack chuckled and nodded " I wonder where he gets that from " Jack said smiling but he nodded as he listened " yes and were okay with that Robert " he said glancing back at Brian as he waited " well if hes willing to follow orders then I am ready to take him home" Jack said and chuckled he knew the others would work there socks off at keeping things working smoothy while Khaat and Brian recovered.

Cassidy sat in the kitchen watching Angus as he cooked she was try ing to figure out just what he was doing so she could sopy it later on. She was lent so far forward she if knocked would have fallen onto the worksurface but she was so intent on learing how he did what he did.

"I'd get your head back from that chef's knife if I were you," Michael told her. "He's not doing anything that difficult that you can't see it from a safer distance. So far, its just a lot of chopping."

He tossed a huge amount of chopped fruit and vegetables into a casserole with herbs, lemon juice and olive oil. Michael finished the dish he was working on and put it into the oven.

"You didn't learn much," Angus told her. "Its done." He put it into the oven. "We can eat in 30 minutes."
Then he had a second thought. "Oh, yes. I forgot. I'll be back in a few minutes." He apparated out.

"He made a fruit and vegetable ratatouille," Michael told her. "The fruit should be a nice compliment to the vegetables."

"Are you really ready to go home?" Robert asked him. "Or do you want to stay here long enough that you can do things your own way?"

"I'm going home, Robert," Brian repeated.

"Do you remember how to use crutches?"

"In my sleep," he replied.

"Alright. I did bring you clothes. I didn't figure you'd lleave any other way."

"Good guess." Robert set out a pair of Brian's drawstring work out pants and a tee shirt and one shoe for his good foot. "Jack, keep an eye on him while he dresses. I'll go sign his orders."

Cassidy pulled back and watched again she frowned as she saw fruit and veg togther " I have never seen that before so I have learned something new" she said and smiled as she lent back and stood up as she watched it cook in the oven for a second then poring a cup of tea she ehaded into the living room " bet it tastes wonderful" she said and chuckled as she sat next to an exausted Steven.

"Did they tire you out?" she asked and he nodded.

"Yeah , they had me playing horsey with them all afternoon, I swear they will be cowboys when there older" he lant back and took Cassidys coffee and took a sip he chuckled seeing Cassidy pout at him having her coffee, but it didn't last long and he gave her the cup back.

Brian dressed, and Robert returned with the signed orders. Robert handed him a pair of crutches. Brian sighed.

"It is what it is, Lad," Robert said. "It could have been far worse." Brian took the crutches, and Robert helped him to stand.

"I'm not going to bed, though."

"You don't have to. Just don't overdo," Robert said. "If you'd be so kind as to give our things a quick 'pack' spell, Jack, and then help me get him home. Porting is definitely harder on crutches. I'd like him not to injure himself again just getting home."

Michael was glad Cassidy had enjoyed watching them cook. He went about setting the table for lunch while he waited for Angus to return.

Jack smiled and watched Brian with the crutches and nodded to Roberts words he cast a pack spell and grabbed the bag once done " sure I'll make sure he gets back in one peice" he said and moved to stand with Brian waiting for him to say he was ready " ready?" he asked as he wrapped his arm around him.


Porting into the living room Jack didn't move his arm right away he waitied for Brian to become steady then he let him go" I'll take your bag up to your room." he said and smiled as he headed up he could tell Jess was up there in the nursary and he wanted to find her. Find her he did as he snuck up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist as she squealed as he lifted her into his arms laughing.

"Thanks, Jack," Brian said, glad to be home. "I appreciate it." He saw Michael setting the table.

"Sit," Michael said. "I'll bring you some tea in a moment."

"Michael," Brian said, "I'm sorry about your friend. It honestly was just dinner..."

Michael stopped his work and came out to the living room.

"Do you think I don't know that? It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. He's my friend, yes. But you lot are my family. Now, sit. Its alright. You want tea or coffee?"

"Either, thanks. How's Khaat?"

"Fine so far as I know. Sent her a smoothie and some tea. Belby's with her. Heard they were playing cards earlier."

Brian sat down in the overstuffed leather chair and put his leg up on the ottoman.

"At least this ottoman doesn't run off," Brian said.

"Otto doesn't either. Not anymore. He's gotten better at that," Michael said, going to the kitchen and bringing him tea. "We're going to eat in a little bit. Are you hungry?"

"I don't know. Should I be?"

"Soon, I would think" Michael asked. "lost track of time, have you?"

"A bit," Brian said.

Cassidy and Steven both smiled seeing Brian and Jack return, Steven watched Jack leave and Brian sit in the large arm chair. " be grateful its not " Steven said and chuckled " the estates running fine " he told him Cassidy moved from beside Steven and went to the kitchen returning with some cookies.

"This should see you till dinner." she said placing the plate close by Brian hoping to see him even nibble on one. Steven sighed and rolled his eyes but got a light slap off Cassidy for it "Hes fine Cassidy" Steven told her as she sat down next to him.

"I know Steven, but I can't help I care about. them" she said sitting back down next to him.

"Thank you," Brian said. "I'm glad things were under control. Khaat and I didn't intend to be gone more than one night--two at the very most. It certainly didn't work out like I planned. You have no clue all the things that ran through my head out there."

"No more of that," Michael called. "I'm sure none of those things you thought about happened."

"Well, very few of them, I'm guessing," Brian said, "But I certainly didn't see myself home again with tea and cookies."

"Welcome home," Kate came in and kissed his cheek. "Better?"

"I think so. How's Khaat?"

"Upstairs flirting with Belby," she teased.

"Huh?" he asked.

"Teasing. You aren't quite right yet, are you?" she asked. "She fell asleep on his shoulder during a game of gin."

"She must be tired to fall asleep during cards," Brian said. "And the kids haven't noticed we're home?"

"Shhh. We're keeping them busy" Kate said. "We'd prefer they not jump on either of you."

"Speaking of kids," Michael said, as Angus returned. "We're about ready to eat. Can you all go get the little ones?"

Jim sat quiet, listening as he sipped his tea his mind on listening to the sounds around him making sure everything and everyone was where they should me his thoughts shifted as Brian spoke of Khaat and how tired to have she was to have fallen asleep while playing a card game. “ well she has been through a lot like you have Brian.” he said softly he was tempted to light up his pipe but chose not to for the health of the kids in the house he watched as Jack moved to the kitchen returning with a soda Cassidy sat with Steven where on after a few minuets they both stood up his hand in hers as they walked out into the garden. Jim just chuckled as he turned another page in his book about werewolves and other deadly creatures. Jack on the other hand took up the space left by Steven and Cassidy and drank his soda.

“So, do you fancy a game of poker?” He asked casually as he saw a deck of cards. “Would help pass the time?” he said again as he retched out and picked them up. Opening the packet he tipped them into his hand counting them as they fell one by one, all were there and he smiled shuffling them back and forth so to make sure they were all mixed. He looked at Brian and smiled as he moved a low table between them. “ well what's it to be poker or solitaire for me alone?” he asked smirking as he knew from Robert that Brian could not resist a challenge once given. Jack dealt out the cards in front of him as if he was going to start a game of solitaire as he waited for Brian to decide.

"Oi!" Michael called louder this time.  "Are you lot going to eat, or shall I feed the kids and then toss the leftovers out?"

"They're grownups, Michael," Angus said. "Kate and I will go get what kids we can manage.  Whether their parents eat is purely up to them."

"Oh dear," Brian sighed. "I'll catch you for cards after lunch, Jack. Angus and Kate can't get all those kids by themselves. There are too many of them."  He got his crutches and went with Kate and Angus upstairs, despite Kate and Angus's protests that they could make two trips.

Brian found all five of his kids were delighted to see him. They went to rush around him, and Kate and Angus slowed them down. He managed to balance on his crutches and give them hugs. Then he told them to go to the dining room for lunch. They scattered on ahead of him, excited first by the fact that Daddy was home, and second, by the promise of food.

"You must teach me how to do that," Angus frowned.

"Have five of your own and be gone a few days," Brian said. "They'll be excited enough to do a lot of things."

"Do I have to lay under a car for 3 days?"

"Yeah. I think its a rule," Brian said.

"Then I'm not having any kids," Angus said, picking up two kids and herding two of the ones that could walk ahead of him.  Kate took the remaining kids downstairs.

"Don't let Robert catch you up," she said quietly to Brian.

"Yeah, yeah," Brian said, unconcerned, heading back to living room, hoping the kids had all headed in the right direction at least.