Thanks to
Butt Ugly Backs
for the back ground tile used on this page.

Chapter Eleven
Matt kept one hand on SAffron as he drove, making sure he wasn't jostled too much. He was struck again by the strength of the connection he could feel with him and the... the fact that he cared what happened to him. The image of the angel wings tattooed over the scars on SAffron's back and covered in blood wouldn't leave him alone. The bullet had been meant for him... it was something nasty that had been meant for him and the kid had taken it instead. The thought that he was responsible for the kids pain didn;t sit very well with him and he made himself a promise that he'd find a way to make it up to him.

Saffron whimpered softly, turning slightly on the seat, as he was coming awake again, but he stayed where he was, with his head on Matt's lap. The pain was half and half for Saffron. He couldn't decide if it really hurt or not thanks to the drugs.

Matt stroked Saffron's hair. "shh.. it's alright angel..." he said softly as he followed Montgomery. "I've got you, Saffron... no one's going to hurt you again..."

Saffron sighed softly, closing his eyes, but staying awake. "Thank you Matt...for everything..." Saffron said softly as he lay there. "I suppose I owe you one hell of a date..." He added after a moment, with a weary smirk.

"Definitely." Matt said softly as he stroked his hair. "but you gotta heal up first and Montgomery thinks that's going to take a while." he added. "Go to sleep, angel. I'll take care of you."

"I don't think I want to sleep..." Saffron muttered softly, he turned his head slightly, more toward Matt's fingers, for the comfort. "I'm afraid of waking up...and...you not being there..."

Mat continued to stroke his hair. "I'll be here, Saffron. I won't leave you." he said simply. "You took that bullet for me, angel... I won't leave you... have to pay you back..." he said with a soft smirk. "Close your eyes."

Saffron turned his head enough to look up at Matt, his eyes honestly wide and innocent. "Promise? You're the only person I know...I won't remember any one else...even family...promise you'll stay with me?" He asked softly, an almost innocent fragile tone to his voice.

Matt swallowed hard as he looked down at him for a moment before following Eire and Nate into the lot. "Yeah, Saffron..I'll stay with you. I'll swap my room for one with two beds so we can share and you won't be alone, alright?" he asked, stroking his hair and letting his fingers brush over his cheek.

A faint smile came to Saffron's lips as he closed his eyes, leaning more into Matt's fingers. "Thank you, Matt..." He said softly, laying there. The medication put him back to sleep rather quickly.

Matt shut the car off then gently eased Saffron off of him before getting out and heading around to the other side. He made sure the coat was around him, then gently lifted him into his arms, nudging the door shut with his foot.

Saffron whimpered soflty, in the light sleep, and curled up more in Matt's arms, turning his face toward his chest and clinging to him, one hand clutching Matt's shirt, much like a child.

Chapter Twelve

Eire snorted in reply to Nate. "If he'd e'en stick 'round after knockin' her up..." He replied simply, his judgement reserved for if and when it actually happened. He kept his attention on driving. "In the lives we lead, mate, e'erything's fuckin' twisted..."

"Aye..."Nate said softly then sighed. "Makin' me think tha' maybe... maybe we shouldna be leadin' this sort a lives anymore. I almost died tonight, E'... if it hadnae been fer Graves showin' up... tha' bullet woulda drilled m' head an' not just m' hat..." he ran his hand back through his hair, his gaze on the road ahead of them. "M' son almost grew up without a father, Eire..." he said softly.

Eire was quiet for a long moment. "I ain't gonna say whether 'r not we should get outta this life...It's all we've known. But ye didn't die t'night, Natey, an' yer brother in law broke wha' e'er rules, t' see that it didn't happen...An' that's wha' bites...that Saff can't remember us...it's doubtful then, he e'en remembers Lex...an' that's gonna hurt her. But honestly, Nate... we've almost died so many times... An' e'en if we get outta this life...who's t' say we're any safer doin' somethin' else? Ye live the best ye can..." Eire said, turning onto the street for the office.

Nate sighed again. "aye...But it never bothered me before E'... almost dyin'. It 's different now... I grew up without m' da... how can I do tha' t' m' son, E' ?" he groaned softly. "Maybe i'm just thinkin' too much....maybe seein' Graves bein' nice has me fucked in th' head..." he added with a tired smirk.

Eire snorted softly, smirking faintly as he watched the office building come into sight. "Shall we lay down a bet...bout how long it takes Graves t' fall in love with Saffron?" He asked with a slight smirk. "An' I don't blame ye mate...ye gotta wife now an' a baby on the way...puts things int' different prespective... suppose it'll be the same...iffin Reg an I decide t' have kids..."

Nate snorted. "Not bettin' with ye.... think's th' bugger's already lost anyhow..." he said, glancing at the hearse in the side mirror. "Ye saw th' way he was with him..."

Eire chuckled softly. "I'm tempted t' pick on the guy...He's fallen in love with a Mordant...he's in fer a world o' trouble..." Eire said with a slight smirk, before pulling into the parking lot of the offices.

Nate snorted. "Aye .. look at th' other two blokes tha' went an' fell fer Mordants..." he said with a wry smirk and smacked the back of his hand across Eire's chest. "So... ye care t' flip fer who gets to tell them Saff is alive versus Saff is with Graves?"

Eire parked the car and looked at Nate, before pulling a quarter from his pocket. "Heads 'r tails?" He asked with a wicked smirk. "Actually, I gotta get the rifle and bullet t' the lab...an' Graves should get Saff t' the doc..."

Nate snorted and smacked him again. "Ye smarmy bastard... fine.. go.. I'll break th' news m'self. "but E'... don't tell Lexi about th' bullet through m' hat, alright? she doesnae need t' know how close it was..." he said then got out of the car, watching as the hearse pulled in to an empty slot.

"I wont say anythin' bout the bullet in the hat, Natey. I wont e'en tell Reg about it,cause she'll just tell Lexi...so that information is safe with us..don't need Lexi goin' int' premature labor, but honestly, mate...I'm worried the news bout Saffron will do that..." Eire said getting out and grabbing his field kit, before going to the trunk to get the rifle. He glanced back the hearse watching Graves scoop Saffron up form inside. "Aye..." Eire muttered softly, closing the trunk as he shouldered the rifle. "Think he's already fallin fer Saff..." He said softly to Nate with a smirk.

"Told ye so..." Nate said simply. "Go on.. get tha' shite to th' lab. See ifn' ye cannae make it up stairs in time t' help with th' aftermath of th' news..." he said before heading for the door, then stopped and waited for Matt, holding the door open for him.

Eire snorted, heading inside, trotting up the stairs toward the lab.

Chapter Thirteen

Matt followed Nate as far as the third floor, then left the elevator to head down to the small medical lab. The soft glow of a reading lamp shone through the open door and he sighed in relief as he carried the unconcious boy inside. "Yo doc... get off your ass, I've got a patient for you." he said lightly, even though the young- looking doctor was already on his feet and half way to him. Matt lay him down and quickly explained who and what he was and what had happened while the doctor examined him.

Saffron drifted back into concusiouness, only to find the doctor examining him, and he started to pull away in fear, a whimper of pain escaping him.

"Shh angel..it's alright. I'm right here." Matt said softly, stroking his hair. "The doc here's a friend... I wont let anyone hurt you." he said then looked up at the doctor. "Now you understand why he's not staying the night here?" he asked simply. "I'll stay with him downstairs..."

Saffron looked at the doctor fearfully a moment, before he settled down, though he seemed to lean more toward Matt, while the doctor returned to his examination. He whimpered, wincing at the pain.

Matt stroked his hair tenderly as the doctor finished. "For field work, they did a good job... I'll give it another cleaning and then a couple stitches, but I think that's all. I'll prescribe some painkillers and antibiotics until we know what that bullet was..." he added and began to carefully remove the bandage to tend to the wound.

Saffron turned his head, laying it against Matt's chest, where he stood as the doctor worked. He was half aware of things, thanks to the morphine, but he focused things more on Matt, then the pain, or what the doctor was doing.

Matt brushed the hair off Saffron's forehead."Just a bit longer, angel.. then i'll take you downstairs and you can get some sleep." he said softly. He hadn't been looking forward to the double room simply because the beds were so small compared to what he'd become used to, but the way Saffron was clinging to him, he was beginning to think that wouldn't work anyhow. He was pretty Saffron would end up sharing whatever bed he was on.... not that he'd mind.

"Still stay with me..." Saffron muttered softly, his fist curling around Matt's shirt as he lay his head against Matt's chest, his eyes closed for the moment. The doctor cleaned up the wound, and got the supplies for the stitches.

"I will, angel.... I promise I won't let you go." Matt said softly, ignoring the soft smirk that the doctor was trying not to let him see. He held Saffron gently, stroking his hair and trying not to watch as the doctor began the stitches. "I won't leave you." he added with a soft brush of his lips against his forehead.

Saffron gasped as he felt the bit of the needle and whimpered, before trying to turn his head to see what the doctor was doing.

Matt turned Saffron's face back towards him. "No Saff... don't look. It's just a couple stitches... you need them because this thing is going to heal slow.. as in mortal slow. " he said softly. "Just close your eyes, angel.. it'll be done soon and then i'll take you down to bed."

Saffron whimpered, turning his head back to press his face into Matt's chest, his fingers tightening around the material of Matt's shirt as the doctor made the last couple of stitches and tied it off, then began bandaging it.

Matt stroked Saffron's hair tenderly as he waited for the doc to finish. The longer he was with Saffron the more he didn't want to be away from him. There was the connection of their abilities; the death pull between them, that had him feeling slightly high from the prolonged contact with him, but he knew that wasn't it. Despite the fact that he'd just met him... Matt was certain that he was falling in love... and the thought was both wonderful.. and scary as hell.

The doctor finished what he was doing, and nodded to Matt. "I'll get a prescription for some pain meds and antibiotics." He said, going over to the desk. Saffron managed to move, almost pulling closer to Matt on the table. Despite the morphine, or maybe because of it, he felt incredibly safe with Matt; or maybe he'd felt safe with him from the beginning. He knew he'd been attracted to him...But he felt safe now, and wanted to be with Matt, not to leave him.

Matt let go of Saffron long enough to grab his jacket and lay it over him. He lifted Saffron's arms and set them on his shoulders then lifted him in his arms again, cradling him against his chest, careful of the wound.

The doctor came back and handed Matt the perscription. "I'd fill it now, but it would be best to wait until the morphine is out of his system anyhow. If you can't get out to fill it in the morning, have it called in and delivered first thing."

Matt simply nodded . "Thanks..." he said. "I can take him down to bed now?" he asked, again ignoring the smirk.

"Yes... don't let him lift anything, and stick with button up shirts."

Saffron curled up more in Matt's arms, laying his head on his shoulder, snuggling into him. "So tired..." He muttered softly, reaching up to tug off the pendent around his neck. Where he'd been feminine looking before, with the pendent off, it seemed like he was only the physical step away from being a girl.

Matt brushed his lips against his forehead again as he walked towards the elevator. "I know baby..." he said softly. "Go to sleep. I've got you." he said, managing to free a finger to hit the button and call the elevator. He'd already decided to forget about switching rooms. Housekeeping had no doubt been through so his bed probably had clean sheets, and it was big enough for the both of them... and he didn't want to be away from him any more then Saffron wanted to.

Chapter Fourteen

Eire entered the lab and Balthier, who had transfered from the New York office, on his adopted sister Rue's request, looked up from where he was working on the computer. "Got a little present fer ye Thier." Eire said, using his nick name. "Oh really? Well I always love gifts, so hand it over." Balthier replied, getting up from his chair and going over, his gold eyes sparkling. Balthier was a mandrake, raised by the White King, Ruewina's father. And had been working for Chaos Inc, in the New York offices for a couple years. He was very good at what he did. But Rue had wanted him to come to boston, so he transfered. Eire dug the ziplock bags out of his field kit and handed them to Balthier. "They're bloody..." He observed, holding them up to the light. "Yeah...aye...I had t' pry them outta me lass's kid brother..." Eire said, before filling Balthier in on the cirumstances. "I see...right...I'll find out what they're made of, what they're holding, what spells are on them, the works." "Thanks." Eire said, leaving to drop the rifle in the armory until he could take a more extensive look at it. Then he headed upstairs.

Eire trotted up the stairs and entered the hall, to find Nate hesitating outside the apartment.. Nate knew Lexi was most likely inside with her parents.. more often lately when he worked nights she stayed with them or Regan, not wanting to be alone. And with them not answering Regan's call... chances were good that she was here too.

Eire snorted, shaking his head as he headed over. "Honestly, mate..." He muttered, before knocking on the door once, then opening it, pulling Nate in with him. Lexine was sitting on the couch, in the corner, Regan sitting beside her as they went over the baby book, Regan had bought for Lexine. They both looked up and Regan was on her feet. "What the fuck is the big idea of not answering your cellphones?!" She hissed, her eyes red.

Eire winced and gave her a sheepish look. "I had mine vibrate, I didn't know ye were callin', Reg. Where's yer parents?"

Nate went to Lex and sat beside her, slipping his arm around her. "aye .. we've.. got some good news to share with all of ye...." he said softly.

Regan raised an eyebrow, before heading down the hall, to her parents room. The door was open, Kay and Auron curled up on the bed, watching a movie. "Hate to interrupt." Regan said softly. "Nate and Eire are back...and they say they have some good news to share with all of us..." She said.

Lexine turned slightly enough to look up at Nate. She eyed him a moment, before reaching up, curling a lock of his hair around her fingers. "What happened to your hat, Nate?" She asked softly.

Nate smirked softly. "Got int' a wee fight at th' bar... m' hat dinnae survive... " he said lightly. "It's about time fer a new one anyhow..." he said, kissing her softly as he heard the others join them. He looked up to find everyone looking at him expectantly. "Well... this is goin' t' be a bit of a shock... but it's good news.. I swear..." he said.

Regan sat on the arm of a chair and crossed her arms, and Auron was standing with an arm around Kay, they were all three looking at Nate and Eire. Eire looked at Nate, then took a breath. "Aye...but don't go gettin' all...bent outta shape...cause there's a lot goin' on and it's complicated. But...er...Saffron..."

"What about Saffron?!" Lexine cut in sharply. Eire winced and glanced at Nate.

Nate kissed Lex's forehead softly. "hush, luv.. it's alright. There's nothin' wrong... " he said then cast eire a look before tightening his hold on his wife. "Saff is alive... his death was a trick by some sick bastards... Graves found him... he's down stairs down now with th' doc..."

There was silence for a moment. Lexine was the first one to respond. "No...no...No! Saffron is dead! He died...trying to save me! Everyone said he was dead! We buried him! In Scotland!" She said, her tone edging toward hysterical. After all the hard debate on where Saffron was to be buried, Helena had offered a place in the MacDonnell family cemetery since she was Saffron and Lexine's godmother, and there for Saffron had been family. Auron had finally agreed that it was a worthy resting place, something Lillian would have liked.

Nate held his wife and tried to calm her down. "Lexi.. Lexi darlin'.. calm down luv... yer goin' t' upset th' babe... Its alright..." he said softly, finally taking hold of her face with both hands. "Lexi... ye know i'd never lie t' ye darlin'. I swear t' ye... yer brother is alive.. an'..well.. almost well. He's been through a bit o' shite but Graves an' th' doc are takin' care of him..."

"But he died!" Lexine replied, looking at Nate, her eyes wide and slightly frightened. "He died saving me!"

Regan turned to look at Eire. "Are you two serious?! Fuck! That's who Graves meant!" Regan swore, before moving to get up.

Eire caught her arm. "He's not in any shape t' be seein' any o' ye..." Eire said, holding her arm in a good grip, before looking over at Kay and Auron. "Who e'er the bastards where, that are behind Saffron's supposed death...they took his memory. He doesn't remember any o' us...or any o' his life apparently. And he's lookin' far more feminine, then before...bout as feminine as Lex was when she first came t' us." Eire said.

Nate held Lexine ,tenderly stroking her face as he glanced at Kay and Auron. Auron looked rather pale, and Kay was clinging to his arm tightly just staring at them. "It's the truth... I swear it. Saff took a bullet.. special little bugger `Thier's no doubt droolin' over right now..." Nate said softly. "Whatever it was.. it's knocked out his fae healin', but he'll still heal up fine, I'm sure...... just be a tad slow about it. Graves is with him... seems th' bastard is rather taken with Saff...an' vice versa. Don't know how long they've known each other, but... they seem really damn close..."

Lexine suddenly cuddled herself into Nate's arms, her head on his shoulder as silent tears fell. "Saffron was shot?!" Regan asked, looking at Eire.

"Er...well...he took the bullet fer Graves..." Eire said. "Nate's right...seems the two o' 'em are rather close...Wouldn't be surprised iffin they were...ye know...`together'. I gave Saffron a double dose o' morphine an' dug the bullet out meself; it was marked...the guys behind this...at the club...they were professionals. MILITARY professionals..." Eire said, looking over at Kay. "But I don't think they were Illuminati."

Kay drew a breath and straightened where she stood. Her arms were still wrapped around Auron, but she was no longer leaning into him. "So... some unknown group made us all believe Saffron was dead, then erased his memory... and tonight another unknown group tried to kill all of you?" she asked. "He's in the med lab?"

"Aye...Graves took 'im there t' get the wound looked over. An' Saffron was clinging t' him anyway..." Eire said.

Lexine had pulled back from Nate, looking up sharply. "Some one tried to kill you?!" She squeaked, looking from Eire, to Nate. Eire winced.

Regan sighed. "Graves gave me the warning over the phone, I called both of you, to try and pass Graves' warning along that some one was out to kill you." She said, giving Eire a look.

"We're fine, luv..." Nate said simply, aiming a dark look at Kay who actually blushed slightly. "Nothin' we couldnae handle, specially with Graves an' Saffron droppin' by t' lend a hand..."

Lexine stared at Nate for a long moment, before throwing her arms around his neck, and hugging him tightly. Regan sighed and winced, with a muttered sorry to Nate.

"I need to see him with my own eyes...." Kay said softly. "I trust you both.. I know you're telling the truth... but... I need to see him...." she said, turning to look up at her husband. "Auron....?"

Auron seemed respond finally. "Yes...I think that would be a good idea." He said finally, turning for the door. Regan bit her lip.

Lexine looked like she wanted to go with them. "Think ye should stay with Nate, Lexi..." Eire said.

Nate sighed softly and shook his head. "Don't bother, E'... ye know her better than tha'..." he said and stood up, holding his hands out to her. "Come on, luv.. just remember t' take it easy. Th' lads hurtin' an' he's been through alot... an' he cannae remember any of us..."

"I wasn't going to do anything..." Lexine muttered as she took Nate's hands and let him pull her up. "I just have to see him."

Eire sighed. "Well chances are...iffin the doctor's finished, then Graves no doubt took him t' rest." Eire said.

"Well... how 'bout we give th' doc a shout an' see if he's still there then?" Nate suggested, his arm around Lexine. "Unless ye'd rather just stop off an' see...?"

Kay sighed and moved to the phone, calling down to the doctor's office and speaking with him a moment. After she hung up she turned and looked to Auron."He'll be fine... Doc says there's no significant muscle damage from what he can see. Gave him four stsitches and a couple perscriptions to fill in the morning and had Graves take him down to bed..."

"Graves took him down to bed..." Regan repeated. "There is something WRONG with that sentence..." She added.

Eire snorted. "Nah...he's in love with Saffron..." Eire said.

"Completely." Nate agreed with a soft smirk at the look Kay shot him. "Wha'?" he asked. "Blame him.." he added, jerking a thumb in Auron's direction. "He's th' one tha' has all these gorgeous kids tha' we just cannae help fallin' head over heels fer.."

Kay sighed and shot him a look. "I still want to see him... even if he's sleeping. We'll head down and find out what room he's in when we get there.."

"Graves...in love with Saffron..." Regan muttered, shaking her head. "Defies logic..."

A soft laugh came from Lexine and Regan looked at her. "Well...if Nate can fall in love with me, and Eire fall in love with you...why can't Graves fall in love with Saffron...Saffron deserves it..." Lexine said softly, before heading for the door.

"Hmm.. but what did we do to deserve it?" Kay asked softly as she slipped her arm through Aurons and they all headed for the elevator.

"We can't help who falls in love with us..." Lexine said seriously. Regan snorted softly with a faint smirk.

"Makes sense t' me..." Eire said, with an arm around Regan.

"Saffron deserves to be loved by some one...especialy if he's been through something....like being dead...then not being dead..." Lexine said, a hand on her stomach as the baby kicked.

Kay snorted softly and leaned into Auron a bit as they waited for the elevator. Nate let his arms slip around Lex a bit more so his hands rested on her stomach, feeling the baby kick. "Definitely cannae name him after his uncle now, can we...?" he asked her softly. "Not unless we go with Ezekiel..."

"Especially not iffin Saffron goes the same way as Lexi..." Eire said from his spot.

"Eire!" Regan turned to look at him.

Eire just shrugged. "Seems t' make sense t' me..."

Lexine sighed. "No, I suppose we can't...its a good thing I had a list of other names."

Chapter Fifteen

"Stay with me...please..." Saffron muttered sleepily, curling against Matt in his arms, his head on his shoulder. He'd probably sleep the rest of the night.

"I will..." Matt said softly as they got on the elevator for the short ride down one floor. "I told you I wouldn't leave you, angel." he said as the door opened and he stepped out. Taking a moment to orient himself in the dim after hours lighting, he headed for his room.

"Thank you..." Saffron muttered on the verge of falling asleep. He jerked awake after a moment, as if afraid Matt wouldn't be there and winced from the pain with a whimper, but blushed, looking up at Matt with a wide eyed sleepy and innocent gaze.

Matt set him on the bed then shut the door behind him and sighed softly. He hung his jacket up then gently got Saffron undressed the rest of the way, getting him settled under the covers. He sat beside him for a moment, stroking his face and watching him as he struggled to stay awake. "It's alright angel. Sleep now... i'll be right here." he said, before removing his shoulder harness and peeling off the bloody tshirt.

Saffron moved, to roll on to his side, off his back, and almost ended up rolling off the bed, rolling in the wrong direction. He gave a yelp, half off the bed, and half on it.

Matt gave a startled curse and caught him, then laughed softly. "Fuck... angel. Am I going to have to get a bed with bars on the sides to hold you in?" he asked lightly as he lifted him and moved him in to the middle of the bed. "Just stay put for a couple minutes , okay? I'm going to get cleaned up and i'll be right back... I'm just right there.. i'll leave the door open so you can see me, okay?"

"I'll be okay...really...is actually pleasantly nice..." Saffron muttered softly, wondering where the pendent went, since he had to push his much longer hair out of his face, with out the pendants magic to help. And it also took him a moment to realize Matt had gotten him out of the rest of his clothes, and he was only in his lace boylegs. "Oh...when did that happen..." He muttered, scrunching up his nose.

Matt smirked softly and left Saffron on the bed dealing with the morphine high and headed into the bathroom. As promised he left the door open so Saffron could see him as he washed up quickly. He removed his knife and belt and left them on the counter, removing his boots as well before heading back into the bedroom. Saffron was still mostly in the center of the bed and still semi conscious. "Saff..?" he asked softly. "Are you alright like that? Or would you like a shirt to sleep in.... ?" he asked, suddenly wondering what he was going to sleep in. He wasn't one for pajamas and he wasn't about to sleep in his jeans in his own bed...

Saffron was picking at the lace trim on his boylegs a moment, before looking up at Matt. And blushed. "I think that would be a good idea..." He said softly, glancing around the bedroom a moment falling quiet. Then he looked back at Matt and gave him a wicked smile, if it was a little high. "Unless you'd rather I not sleep in anything..."

Matt smirked softly, trying not to blush. "You're fine as you are, angel... that's about all I sleep in. If you think the shirt will bother your back, then just stay as you are... I'm not a hundred percent sure I even have a button up shirt here..." he said.

"Hmm...will I be sleeping with you?" Saffron asked, looking at Matt again, his hair hanging in his face. He suddenly leaned forward toward Matt, his face close to his. "I could start paying you back if you want..." He said with a purr.

Matt blushed but laughed softly. "Sweetheart.. you have a bullet hole in your back and you're high on a double dose of morphine... You're not in any shape to do anything but sleep." he said, but kissed him softly. "Lay down, angel... Yes you'll be sleeping with me.. this is my bed after all." he added before stepping back to undo his jeans.

Chapter Sixteen
By the time they got off the elevator, Kay was back to clutching Auron;s arm tightly. The guest room doors all stood open except for two.. one that the doc had taken over until his furniture arrived for his apartment, and the one that Graves usually had. The fact that none of the other doors were closed told them all loud and clear where Saffron was. Nate shot Eire a look as Kay pulled herself together and went to Graves' door, knocking loudly.

Saffron suddenly moved, climbing up to his knees and reaching for Matt, wobbling slightly on his knees, but tossing his arms around Matt's neck, kissing him deeply, a soft moan escaping him. Then startled fearfully at the loud knock, pulling back from the kiss to stare wide eyed toward the door.

Matt opened his eyes again and reminded himself to breathe as he looked at Saffron. "Damn angel.." he said softly, then sighed. "Just a sec." he called as he pulled the blankets back over Saffron. "Lay down, baby.... you get rid of the morphine trip and heal a bit first... then we'll try that again.." he said , kissing him softly before he did his jeans back up the rest of the way and went to answer the door. "Yeah.." he said, opening the door a crack, then sighed and cursed softly as he saw the crowd outside. "Fuck... now?! He can't handle this shit now! He's scared shitless of being here and is high as a fucking kite form the drugs... can't this wait till morning?"

There was a startled yelp that was mixed with a thud from inside the room as Saffron fell of the other side of the bed. "Owwie..." Saffron whimpered, sitting there for a long moment on the floor, leaning against the bed.

"They insisted..." Eire said with a shrug, leaning against the wall behind everyone.

Regan blinked at hearing the noise from the room, not to mention she took in the fact that Matt was just in his jeans. "It's not that we don't believe Nate and Eire...we'd just like to see it with our own eyes." She said.

Matt sighed then opened the door fully before he headed around to the far side of the bed and scooped Saffron into his arms. "Angel... it's a big enough bed... try to keep your ass in the middle.." he said lightly, his eyes sparkling. Rather then put him back in bed though, he carried him towards the group that was waiting. "Come say hi to every one and then I'll kick them all out and we can go to sleep, alright?" he asked softly, not failing to notice the looks he was getting from all of them.

"Oh...no...I don't think...I don't think I can say hi..." Saffron muttered, looking terrified.

Eire noticed that Saffron was looking even more feminine then before. "Boy...told ye he'd go the way of Lexi..." Eire said. Regan smacked him, before looking back at Saffron.

"We should let him rest." Lexine said suddenly, "We can see him in the morning...Good night Saffron." She added, before turning to head toward the elevator.

Kay looked at the small, mostly naked body curled in Matt's arms and tightened her hold on Auron again. He looked so much like Lex had when he first came to them ; so fragile and frightened. "Hi baby." she finally said softly, not knowing what else to say.

Nate had just shook his head slightly at seeing Matt and Saffron, then followed Lex.

Auron looked as if he wanted to reach out and touch Saffron's cheek, but he held himself in check, though his eyes flashed as he looked at Matt. Regan sighed. "It's good to have you home, Saff." She said, blinking back a sudden rush of tears.

Saffron on the other hand, curled up smaller in Matt's arms, his eyes going between them. "Hi..." He muttered softly.

Lexine had pressed the elevator button and looked back at the rest of them. 'Let him rest!" She snapped. "Now's not the time to be bothering him." She said.

Matt smirked at Lex and shook his head softly. "You guys had better listen to her... Red head, fire elemental, and hormonal to boot..."

Kay snorted softly but stepped forward and reached out to brush her fingers over Saffron's cheek, her eyes watering. "I'll see you in the morning, sweetheart." she said softly, her other hand squeezing Aurons.

Matt looked from her to Auron and sighed softly. "Don't look at me like that.. I'm not the one who fucked with his memories and made every one think he was dead. You going to say anything to him?" he asked softly. "Saff... angel.. this is your dad... "

Auron gave Matt another look, before sighing and turning his gaze back on Saffron. "You've been missed, Saffron..." He said softly.

"Have I...?" Saffron muttered softly, looking more pale then he had been. "Um...Matt..." He said suddenly. "I think you need to put me down...I'm going to be sick..." He added, before trying to scramble down from Matt's arms, only to get sick...mostly on Auron.

Matt bit back a smirk as he kept hold of Saffron. "Um.. sorry.." he said softly. "Must be the morphine... I'm.. going to go get him cleaned up and into bed.... um... night.." he said as he cradled Saffron in his arms and headed for the bathroom.

Nate had winced at first but was biting back his own smirk at the look on Auron's face. "Well... " he said softly. "Tha' was one hell of a hello..."

Auron was stunned for a moment, before he snorted, a faint up turn of the lips and looked down at his clothes. "I'm going to go clean up..." He said simply, heading for the stairs. Regan watched him go, before looking at Kay. Eire was smirking rather wickedly.

Kay bit her lip and watched Auron go before laughed softly. She turned to Regan, her eyes sparkling through unshed tears. "Just like his big sister... you used to do that to your father all the time... "

"Must run in the family then...' Regan said with a smirk, leaning against Eire. She looked back at the closed door. "What I'm surprised of is, is that Dad didn't start bitching about Saffron being in there...alone...with Graves." She added. She heard Lexine snort from where she and Nate were waiting for the elevator, which had just opened.

"Maybe he's finally learning...." Kay said softly as she ushered everyone to the elevator. "Or maybe he just noticed how scared Saffron was of us and how safe he obviously felt with Graves... Go on up. I'm going to go check on your father..." she said simply.

"Alright...see you up in the apartment." Regan said, grabbing Eire's arm. "Hold the elevator, Nate!" She called as well, pulling Eire along.

Chapter Seventeen

Saffron dropped his head back against Matt's arm, his eyes closed, trying not to get sick again. "Morphine and I don't mix..." He muttered.

Matt laughed softly. "No shit." he said as he shifted him over to the one arm, resting him on the counter as he ran the water in the sink. He wet a cloth and cleaned him up, being as gentle as he could. when he was finished, he filled a paper cup from the dispenser above the sink and handed it to him. "Rinse baby... get that taste out of your mouth before it makes you throw up again. I've got some mouth wash here too..." he said softly.

"That might be a good idea..." Saffron muttered softly, but took the cup, taking a drink, and rinsing his mouth out, leaning over to spit the water back out in the sink, though he wavered slightly. "Mouthwash is probably a good idea..." He added, taking another drink.

Matt brushed his lips against Safron's forehead before pulling his travel kit closer and removing the small bottle of mouthwash. "Here you go, angel.. " he said, taking the cool wet cloth and wiping Saffron's forehead. "Feeling any better?"

Saffron used the mouthwash, spitting it out, before moving enough, to lean against Matt. "I don't know..." He muttered softly, laying his head against Matt's shoulder. "Where those really my family?" He asked in a whisper after a moment.

"Yeah angel..." Matt said softly as he wet the cloth again and laid it against his forehead. "The guy you tossed your cookies all over was your father, Auron. The lady with the white hair that touched your cheek.. that was your stepmother, Kay... the other chick with white hair was your half sister Regan and the red head was your little sister Lexine..." he said. "Ready to head back to bed, or do you want to throw up some more first.?"

Saffron frowned, scrunching his nose a moment as he leaned against Matt. "No...I don't think I'm going to throw up again...bed sounds better..." He muttered, falling silent again. After a moment, he sniffled. "I don't remember them...any of them..."

Matt tossed the cloth into the sink and lifted Safforn back into his arms, carrying him back to bed. "It's alright, angel... we all know that. Don't worry about it.. if it's a spell, they'll find a way to break it. Now just get comfortable and sleep, alright?" he said, setting Saffron back in the middle of the bed and pulling the blanket over him before going to shut the door and turn off the lights. He slipped out of his jeans, kicking them aside before climbing into bed beside Saffron. "Come on over here... I'll hold you so you don't go falling off the bed anymore.." he said with a slight smirk.

Saffron hesitated a moment, before crawling over, cuddling up against him. "You'll still be here...in the morning, right? Not gonna forget about me?" he asked with a yawn. "Wish I wasn't so sleepy...or I would start paying you back..." He added.

Matt carefully wrapped his arms around him. "I can guarantee I won't forget about you, Saffron." he said softly, stroking his hair tenderly. "And yes, i'll still be here in the morning. You saved my ass tonight, angel... don't worry about paying me back. Just get better, alright?"

Saffron snuggled against him, even though he was under the blanket. "They always forget about me...when they walk away..." He muttered sleepily. "Even if I let them sleep with me...I don't wanna be forgotten...just wanna be loved..."

"I won't forget about you, Saffron." Matt repeated softly. "I don't want to walk away...." he added. "Go to sleep, angel..."

Saffron lay his head on Matt's chest, and seemed to be quiet for a moment, before a sleepy reply came. "If you don't wanna walk 'way...does that mean you'll love me...?"

Matt brushed his lips over Saffron's forehead tenderly. "Yes angel...I think I already do.... now go to sleep." he said softly.

Saffron smiled softly, his eyes closed. "Thank you..." He muttered, on the verge of falling asleep, and snuggled in closer, before sleep claimed him.

Matt held him, stroking his hair lightly as he listened to his breathing deepen into sleep and wondered just what he was getting into... and why he didn't seem to mind all that much. Who knew that him running over a kid on his way in to work would end with him taking care of and falling in love with that same kid?

Chapter Eightteen

Auron had went down to the locker room, to get cleaned up there, grabbing the bag he usually kept in his locker to change.

Kay made her way down stairs, assuming that's where he'd have gone since it was closer then the apartment. The sound of running water from the men's washroom off the gym confirmed as much, and she leaned against the doorframe and pushed the door open. "You alright, hun?" she called inside, a slight smirk on her face.

Auron heard Kay as he finished cleaning up and shut off the water, before starting to change. He sighed a moment. "I suppose I will be." He answered. "After all, it IS Saffron...It's just...ten months ago, he was supposed to have been burried...And now...now he's upstairs...looking like he's on the verge of changing...back..." Auron replied.

"I know. But he's alive, Auron. He's alive and home..." Kay sid softly. "Everything will be worked through... the memories, the change.... Graves..." she added with a slight snort.

"Yeah...Graves...I think that's the part that hasn't set in with me yet..." Auron replied, doing up the fresh jeans, before going over to the door, where Kay was. "I suppose...I'll have to let that go...after I give him the same talk I gave Eire and Nate...if he's serious about Saffron..." Auron said.

Kay just snorted at that as she turned to look at him. "You saw him, Auron... do you think he's serious?" she asked simply.

Auron sighed, leaning against the doorframe beside Kay and leaned down and kissed her. "I can't help it if I'm a protective father...Besides, for ten months, we thought we'd lost Saffron...I'll try my damnedest not to be over protective, but I don't want him hurt any more...especially if he does change..."

Kay slipped her arms around him and leaned into him. "He's safe... he's home.. Oh gods, Auron.. someone had him and was doing gods know what to him for ten months.. and we didn't know!!"

Auron wrapped his arms around Kay, holding her. "We'll find out Clarice...and we'll make them pay for anything they did..." He said softly, kissing her hair.

Kay closed her eyes for a moment and just let him hold her. She was so used to being the strong one that some times she forgot how good it felt to have someone to turn to and lean on.... "I know." she said simply. "Kind of pisses me off that we have Graves, of all people, to thank for bringing him home to us..."

Auron sighed, turning enough to lean his back against the doorframe, while still holding Kay. "At least he did bring him home...and if he is serious about him...then I hope Saffron will be happy...I'll have to make arrangements tomorrow, to have the death certificate revoked..."

Or have his real birth certificate renewed.... considering he'll be her soon enough...." Kay suggested. "Of course, i suppose we'll have to do a both..."

"Well, with the change inveitable...might not have to revoke the death certificate." Auron said softly. "The birth certificate I had for Saffron that said he was a boy...wasn't exactly legal..." He added with a weary smirk. "But it was the birth certificate I used for the death certificate, rather then his...HER real one..."

Kay snorted softly. "Well.. we'll figure it out." she said softly. "think we cna catch the end of that movie? Or should we cut our losses...?"

Auron snorted softly, before stealing a kiss. "TiVo, cher. I think we can catch the end of the movie." He said. "Provided we can kick Regan and Eire out of the apartment." He added. Then added with a sigh. "Do you want to tell Devon, or do I, in the morning?"

Kay snorted. "You mean assuming he hasn't woke up with us all gone?" she asked then sighed. "We'll tackle that in the morning.... and TiVo is cheating..." she said with a smirk. "Come on... with this mess, i'll assume Nate and Eire are cancelling their shift tonight... And since i doubt they mentioned that to the desk, we'll stop off and let them know. Give the rest of the staff the night off and close up, or let them catch up on back logged paperwork..."

Auron snorted softly, but moved, to grab the t-shirt he'd pulled from the bag, and pulled it on, shoving his bag back in his locker, before slipping an arm around Kay's waist as they left the room, heading for the elevator. "I suppose given that they almost died, it's only fair to give them the night off." He said with a weary smirk.

Chapter Nineteen

The elevator was silent as it went back upstairs. Before Regan finally broke the silence. "You okay Lexi...not going into labor or anything, out of the stress?" She asked, looking over at her.

"This baby isn't due for a few more weeks, I'm fine..." Lexine answered softly with a snort, leaning against Nate.

Nate rubbed his hand over her stomach lightly. "Just worried about ye, darlin'..." he said , kissing her shoulder softly.

"I'm okay. Really...just...I don't know...maybe I expected Saffron to still be alive..." Lexine said softly.

Eire and Regan saw Nate and Lexine to their apartment, and said goodnight. Lexine stood inside the door for a moment, looking around the frontroom, before sighing deeply. "I can't believe he doesn't remember..." She muttered.

"Not his fault, darlin' " Nate said simply. "they took his memories from him.... it's not like he got a bump on th' noggin'... someone reached int' his head an' ripped 'em out..."

"That's not fair!" Lexine replied softly, with venom. "Saffron suffered enough before all this, he doesn't need any more! Did you see how terrified he was of everyone?!" She seemed to be working herself up and winced as the baby kicked in reply. She was three weeks from her due date.

"Shhh.." Nate said, turnign her around to face him, his hands on her shoulders. "Lexi darlin'... calm th' fuck down. There's no use in gettin' yerself all worked up. Aye, yer right.. it's not fair.. but neither is what ye grew up with... or what Saff grew up with. What matters is tha' he's here now.. an' we can do our best t' help..."

"But that's my point, Nate!" Lexine replied. "Saffron was used enough growing up...who knows how much he's been used the last ten months! Who knows what's happened!" She added. Then sighed, leaning against Nate as the baby continued to kick. "What really happened tonight, Nate?"

Nate sighed. "Lexine..." he said softly, stroking her hair. "Ye need t' stay calm, luv... ye know when ye get upset th' babe does as well... Come on t' bed luv. Graves is lookin' after Saffron tonight, an' we'll start tryin' to get his memories back fer himin th' mornin'."

Lexine pulled back enough to look up at him. "You're avoiding the question, Nate." She said flatly, before pulling from his arms, turn and head for the bedroom, obviously in a mood.

Nate looked at the ceiling and sighed heavily. "Fuckin' hell..." he whispered softly before locking the door. He kicked off his boots then followed her to the bedroom. "Lexi, luv... I'm no' avoidin' th' question..." he said softly. "Yer avoidin' th' issue... Yer no' supposed t' be gettin' worked up like this... Yer raisin' yer blood pressure an' aggrivatin' th' wee one... An' ye know m' talkin' about work only makes tha' worse... Now just settle down fer now... be happy yer brother's alive and home..."

"I'm fine!" Lexine snapped, giving him a look as she shed her sandels and went to the dresser to find a sleep shirt. "But Regan said she was given a warning from Graves, of the two of you dying, and you ignored her call! How could you or Eire ignore her call! She doesn't even call either of your cellphones uness it's important!"

Nate sighed heavily and leaned in the doorway. "Lexi...We were workin'... we were in a noisy club.. I didn't hear m' phone ring, it was so bloody loud. Now ifn' ye don' calm th' fuck down, sweetheart.. iIll hit ye with a sleep spell...ye cannae be gettin' yerself worked up like this, luv..."

Chapter Twenty

"I am NOT getting myself worked up!" Lexine snapped, slamming the drawer of her dresser as she pulled out a sleep shirt, tossing it toward the bed. The temperature in the room had been rising steadily, especially around her as she moved. And as she took her hair out of the pony tail, grabbing her brush from on top of the dresser, she was muttering to herself. The brush began to smoke and she muttered a curse, before tossing it back on top of the dresser, turning to head over to the bed, pausing long enough to get out of the maternity jeans. She'd just moved to lean down to grab the shirt, when she froze, with a gasp, widening as a warm wetness ran down her legs; her water breaking.

Nate had been about to argue when he heard the soft gasp and saw the look on her face. He straightened. "Lexi luv...?" he asked softly. She looked up at him with wide terrirfied eyes and he cursed, hurrying to her side. "Shite.. darlin' what's wro.... oh shite..." he said as he spotted the pool at her feet. "Oh bloody hell... " he said, snapping up the phone and calling the doc hoping he was still in as he slipped his arm around Lex.

"I didn't do it..." Lexine muttered, closing her eyes for a moment as she leaned against Nate. The baby had been kicking viciously earlier in the night when Nate had been out and Regan had made a predicition that he wouldn't wait another day to arrive. She winced as the contractions hit her. "I need to sit down..." She muttered, managed to move to the edge of the bed.

Nate helped her to the bed, stroking her hair as he waited for the doc to pick up. "I know sweetheart... he's a MacDonnell... we're never on fuckin' time.." he muttered softly. "Doc!" he said as the line was answered. "Lards man... how are yer baby deliverin' skills? Lexi's water just broke..." there was a soft sputtering from the other end as the doctor suggested calling her midwife... but that he'd be right up.

"Yus...your mother did warn me about that..." Lexine muttered, with another wince, a soft whimper escaping her. "Oh...you'd better call Kate..." She added, speaking of her midwife. She leaned against the pillows and the headboard, closing her eyes a moment. She refused to have the baby in a hospital, which no one could blame her, so Helena had introduced her to a well known, and well liked midwife.

"Aye luv... " he said, punching the speed dial as he helped her lay back and rubbed her stomach. "Evenin', darlin'..." he said as the phone was answered.

"It's not eveing...it's the middle of the night." came a slightly amused voice from the other end. "Is this you Nate?"

"Aye.. it tis... an' aye.. it tis... Lexi's water just broke, luv... th' doc's on his way up t' give us a hand until ye get here..."

"I'm on my way." she said and was gone.

Nate snorted. "Ye want me t' give yer mum and sister a shout out as well, luv?" he asked, tossing the phone onto the bed beside her and rubbing her stomach lightly with both hands, casting a spell his mother had been drilling into him to help ease the delivery.

Lexine groaned, her head falling back against the many pillows as the contractions grew in number, and strength. "I think that would be a good idea...I have a feeling he's not going to wait long..." She replied softly.

Nate leaned forward and kissed her softly. "I'll be right back luv.. easier t' just yell then dial..." he said with a smirk and ran front he room through the apartment. He cursed, laughing softly as he fumbled to get the door unlocked and open then leaned into the hall.

The elevator pinged and the doors opened to reveal Kay and Auron just as he was about to yell. "Oy!! Give Reg a holler! Yer grandson's on his way !" he said with a grin before vanished back inside.

Kay stood there stunned for a minute. "Oh my gods..." she said then kissed auron quickly before running to their door and yelling for Regan.

Regan and Eire had been on the couch, making out, when she heard Kay calling for her and she pulled away, scrambling off the couch. She met her mother just as Kay was getting the door open. "What?!"

Kay grabbed her by the shirt front and pulled her out through the doorway. "Baby." she said simply as she let go and headed to Nate' and Lex's at a run.

Regan yelped and broke into a run behind her mother, both of them passing Auron as Eire came out into the hall, following. He paused, looking at Auron a moment, who was staring toward Nate and Lexine's. "Oy, Auron!" Eire snapped his fingers in front of his face.

Auron seemed to snap out of it. "Oh shit..." Auron replied and Eire broke out laughing, before grabbing the older man's arm and pulling him along with him.

Chapter TwentyOne

Lexine shifted slightly on the bed, trying to make herself comfortable as contractions were getting quicker, and stronger and she knew she was going into labor. She gave a soft cry as she leaned her head back against the headboard.

Nate skidded to a halt beside the bed and grabbed the pillow from his side. "Here, luv..." he said helping her get as comfortable as she could, then pulled the blankets out of the way and laid the top sheet back over her. He was going over in his mind all the things the midwife had said. "Damn.. i'm fergettin' everythin'...I know I am..." he said, stroking her cheek softly and taking her hand in his. "What do ye need , darlin'? Everyone should be here soon..."

"Oh there isn't anything I DO need, except maybe the contractions to stop..." Lexine replied with a whimper, her knees bending. She looked at Nate. "I didn't mean to be all moody earlier..." She said softly.

Regan got to the apartment first and headed inside, heading straight for the bedroom. "I thought you said you were fine and this baby wasn't coming for awhile." She said sarcastically to Lexine.

"Stop harrassin' th' mother t' be or i'll kick yer arse out." Nate said with a smirk, "Any sign of th' doc or Kate? both said they were on ther way...." he asked as he shifted to sit beside Lex, one arm going around her. "They'll be over soon enough, luv... an' don' bother appologizin' sweetheart... haven't held a mood swing against ye fer months now luv..." he said with a soft laugh.

Kay skidded to a stop n the door way and shot Lex a smile. "Shame on you Lexine... trying to upstage your brothers homecoming like this..." she said playfully. " Your father can only take so much excitement you know... he's getting old..."

Lexine gave a nervous laugh, before a soft groan, leaning back against Nate's arm. "Well I never INTENDED for this tonight..." She muttered, a soft cry escaping her at the pain.

"Oh shit!" Regan laughed, before turning to head back to the hall, to check for the doctor or Kate. She passed Eire and Auron in the front room, Auron still looking out of it. "Better get him a drink, Eire." Regan said.

"Aye, was thinkin' that me self." Eire said with a smirk, before heading for the kitchen and Nate's stash. He got Auron a drink, taking the scotch back to the man, shoving it in his hand, then shoving him into a chair, before Eire headed for the bedroom, sticking his head in. "Oh good...was thinkin' I'd 'ave t' get Natey a drink t'." He said cheerfully.

Regan caught sight of the midwife and the doctor coming out of the elevator, chatting, "Best hurry!" Regan said to Kate. "He's getting impatient." She added. Kate laughed and headed toward her.

Nate held Lex, stroking her hair and whispering in her ear as Kay stood in the door way where she could keep an eye on both her daughter and husband. "We need t' narrow tha' name down, luv..." he said lightly as the Kate and Doc Cas arrived. The doc looked a bit out of place, but Kate quickly took charge and got him to work.

"I have..." Lexine replied softly, looking at Nate. "I like the name Gavin...Gavin Michael..."

Kate quickly assesed things, "Your sister wasn't kidding," She said to Lexine. "Things are moving rather quickly. You're ready to start pushing." She said, and she and Doc Cas moved Lexine in to the proper position. "I'm assuming you have a recieving blanket ready." Kate said, taking her positon.

"Oh!" Lexine cried softly. "The baby's bag, in the closet."

"I got it!" Regan said, going to the closet, and getting the blanket.

"Stand by then, Regan." Kate said. "Push Lex."

Eire leaned against the wall next to Kay, watching. "Ye think...some one should at least go let Graves know...so he can tell Saffron in the mornin'?" He asked her softly.

Nate kissed her forehead softly and took her hands in his, letting her squeeze with the contractions, gritting his teeth at her strength.

Kay looked over at Eire and smirked softly. "In the morning..." she said simply. "Although.. there's someone who'll probably want to know sooner." she said, glancing at Lex a moment before turning back to Eire. "I'd better go check on Devon... you just know the minute I leave my grandson will arrive..."

Eire chuckled and nodded to the door. "Iffin ye hurry, ye might be in luck." He said, before leaning around the wall of the door to look back for Auron, noticing the man was having a second drink. "I best keep an' eye on dad there t'..." Eire said, shaking his head.

Lexine gave a soft cry as she pushed, squeezing Nate's hands. "That's it, Lexi, keep pushing." Kate encouraged, she felt along Lexine's stomach, and was happy to the see the baby had turned himself around. This should go smoothly.

< < Previous Next > >