Tuscany Trip

"I think we'll know it when we find it," Khaat said. "We'll just have to keep our eyes open. We've not been in Italy that long. There's a lot more of this country to see than we've done so far. I'll help you look for soemting, but I'm sure we'll find something. Maybe in Venice or Rome. There's a lot of the best parts of Italy that we haven't touched. I think I know a little of Steven's tastes too, so I'll help you look. Steven likes leather, and Italy has some exceptional leather goods. Maybe you can find him a new hat. He is hardly ever without his hat. What do you think?"

"Pretty," Khaat said, smiling. She leaned back and laid her head on Brian's shoulder. If Gelding had not shown up she would have been completely peaceful in this moment. He put his arm around her and drew him closer.

"Relax," he told her. ""There is no one more capable of taking care of Tom Gelding than your father. Enjoy your vacataion. If he thinks there is anything we can do to help, he'll let us know. I've fought beside him for too long not to know that. He's got it well under control. He really can run the organization without me. " He smiled confidently at her. "Forget Gelding." He brushed her hair softly. She liked the feel of his strong muscular arm around her shoulder. It was calming and reassuring. It helped.

Brian made Khaat feel safe. She had learned when they were kids that she could trust him with her life. He'd always managed to show up back in her life again just when she needed him most. She could not see her life without him anymore. She had missed her cottage in Hogsmeade for awhile and all its cozy country rooms, but now, she was learning to live in the splendor that Brian's mansion allowed her. She felt his fingers in her hair, and it was a reminder that the world was not all bad. Not yet. She felt like an intruder in Steven and Ronata's dancing, so she closed her eyes. "Its about time you just gave in," he said very softly in her ear. "You really do push too hard. It's a Lupin thing, I know, but you don't need to be in mission mode all the time."

"You're right," she snuggled closer. "Thank you. For helping me find some perspective left in the world. When nothing else has made sense, you're always here for me."

"My pleasure," he said.

Khaat and Brian loved fresh seafood, and the seafood boil was seasoned just right. Eating outdoors always made them both hungry, and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Khaat was bordering on feeling just a wee bit too full. When they finished, the crew took away the dishes and offered fresh, hot decaf coffee. The idea was to relax after dinner and not get all riled up on caffeine again. Khaat didn't particularly like decaf anytime, but she understood and decided to just enjoy the coffee for the flavor and not for the caffeine.

The galley cooks brought up a mixed berry cobbler with ice cream, just after dark. By that time, Khaat and Brian's dinners had settled. It was nearing 10 pm because of the longer summer days. She had enjoyed just sitting and enjoying the sounds of the sea. The cobbler was delicious, and it made Khaat so comfortable she found she was getting sleepy. She curled under Brian's strong arm, laid her head on his shoulder and soon found her eyes getting very, very heavy.

Khaat felt Brian wake her gently. "Hey," he said, "They went to bed. Its late. Its time we went to bed too. Come on, Babe." He waited a moment until she woke and then helped her downstairs to their cabin. Khaat and Brian changed into their night clothes and Got into bed. For Khaat, it almost felt like old times--almost. It reminded her of those camping trips under the stars all those years ago. Brian turned off the light, and as they laid in the dark, it felt a bit odd.

"Here," Brian waved his hand, and he lit the ceiling with stars. It made Khat laugh. Now it felt like home. She remembered all the starlight that had lit up their camping trips all those years ago. "Much better," she told him softly. She watched the twinkling stars and the illusion of the night sky until she fell asleep.

When Khaat woke, the stars were gone. To her surprise, she was wrapped around Brian with her head on his chest. The ceiling looked like the sunrise now. Brian was laying awake and brushing her hair softly. "Sleep well?" he asked her.

"I did," she said softly.

"No nightmares?"

"No. Not at all."

"Good. I'll go get some coffee for us. Stay and enjoy the quiet of the morning." He got up and opened the bedroom door and ordered 2 cups of coffee. A crew member brought it and Brian took the cups, came back in, and shut the door. He brougth Khaat a cup of coffee and laid back down on the bed beside her in the peace of the early morning.