A Way Back To You

26| Bond

Definition: A relationship between people or groups based on shared feelings, interests, or experiences.

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Trigger warning: This book deals with discussions and implications of abuse, mainly physical but potentially sexual. While the latter is never descript, reader discretion is still advised. 

Please note that at a certain portion, SA discussion is more overt than usual. If you are uncomfortable and need to speak with someone, please do so. You are not alone.

With Maddy. Monday.

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It took her a while to mentally get over the fact that she'd actually gone on a date with Ant. After they'd finished their date, Maddy had insisted on going back to see Ariana, who was still acting as though something was troubling her, and didn't particularly want to offer a reason as to why. Maddy found it bothering her for several days before they went out, and it was clear something was still on the child's mind when they returned. 

"Maddy!" Ari squeaked, rushing over to her. "W-we play work." 

"What's work?" Ant laughed as Maddy carried the child back inside. Ariana slipped down to show them both the work area she'd created with the boys, who looked a little tired. Wally was stretched across the couch, his head on Alpheus's lap while he watched the child. 

"Is a game w-whewe you pwetend to own a business." Ariana explained. "I a-am wowking." 

Maddy grinned at the little girl, following her towards the station they'd made. Ant's coffee table was decorated with little plants, pens and paper organised neatly, and a little bean bag chair that she'd clearly been using. "This is a very nice office." Maddy snorted, glancing at the boys. They'd raided Ant's ties and were now wearing them, though Wally clearly didn't know how to wear it properly. 

Ariana straightened her back. "T-Teddy is my h-helpew." She pointed to the puppy, who sat beside her desk. "A-and Zewan is m-my assistant." She added, struggling around the last word. "I own a-a dance c-company." 

"Oh." Ant laughed. "And how does Zelan help you with that?" 

Zelan stood when Ariana waved to him, coming over and promptly spinning until she asked him to stop. "H-he test d-dances!" Ariana declared happily. 

"Your daughter is a menace." Wally complained from his spot on the couch. "You can blame this idiot for that. She's taken to calling him 'Uncle Ally' and he's inciting her to madness." 

"A bit tired, are we?" Ant snorted, amused that Ariana was calling his former nemesis "Uncle Ally" and better yet, that the man seemed to be as wrapped around her finger as everyone else was. Maddy laughed out loud at the mention of the new nickname. 

"Oh, you're never living that down." Maddy cackled. "Ally? That's the best thing I've ever heard." 

"Well I'll have you know, I love my new nickname." Alpheus smirked proudly. "Anyways, I'm teaching her the value of being a smart business woman, just like you, Maddy." He pointed to her, causing Ariana to nod along rapidly. "She won't be messed with. She's a force of nature." 

"While you're right, she needs to go to bed." Ant laughed at the man's dramatics. "And you all need to go home." 

"Right, but first, Maddy. Did you have fun?" Alpheus asked seriously. She appreciated the way Wally and Zelan both occupied themselves with Ariana, noted how they tried not to intrude on her privacy. She nodded once at her brother, who appeared satisfied with the response, and stood up.