What a healthy marriage looks like

Happy Birthday :)

"Alright so, the guests will come in and sit while we're finishing setting up, then everyone who's not in the wedding parties will go sit down... That means you three. Go sit.", Yelena kissed her son, then Fritz on the cheek, before hugging her daughters and then her, Henry and Johnathan went and sat down. The hotel staff were still setting up, but they let them do the rehearsal in the event room anyway. Miss Pauling continued, "Olivia's not here today, but she wanted to be the flower girl. Jeremy, you're ring bearer-", "Me? Why me?", "Because someone's gotta do it, and also we don't have enough people... Anyway, the rest of you pair up, then we can rehearse." Jeremy grumbled, but the rest of them paired off. Fritz and Mikhail paired with Yana and Bronislava, trying to keep Heavy's sisters off the arms of the other men, but Zhanna made a bee-line for Jane. She smirked at him and said, "You are very... Sturdy." Jane smiled at her, "You ain't too bad yourself, sister!" Mikhail went to go separate them, but Bronislava stopped him, "Let her have fun, brother.", "That is not the fun she should be having..." He responded and Bronislava just rolled her eyes. Tavish casually sidled up next to Terry, and Pyro waved at Lewie, who looked at their covered form hesitantly. The best men, Spy and Dell, looked at each other for a moment, then looked away. After all that was sorted, Mick and his mom moved to the front of the line and Caroline went to the back. Pauling cued the music and then moved to the back with Caroline to ask, "You sure you don't want to walk with anyone?" Caroline picked at her bouquet, "Yeah, I'm sure." and Pauling shrugged, "It's your call. Just wanted to make sure. Alright, the rest of you, let's go!" Mick and his mom moved down the aisle first, and she kissed his cheek before going to sit down. Then Spy and Dell walked beside each other, decidedly not touching, then Tavish and Terry who very much were, then Pyro and Lewie, Fritz and Yana, Mikhail and Bronislava, and finally Jane and Zhanna before it was Caroline's turn. However, she froze as everyone looked back at her. Pauling nudged her, "That's your cue.", "Oh, God..." Caroline mumbled, "Oh no, there's so many people looking at me...", "It's fine, it's all family and friends, now go.", "I don't know if that makes it better or worse.", "Caroline, it's fine. Go." Pauling nudged her again, but she didn't move. "Damn it, Caroline." Pauling cursed as got behind her and pushed her down the aisle. She pushed her in front of Mick, then dusted off her hands, "See? Not so bad." Caroline was red with embarrasment. Mick pulled her into his arms and asked, "Are you alright, darlin'?" Caroline tucked her face against his chest and mumbled, "That was completely mortifying.", "What happened?", "I don't know! I don't have stage fright or anything! I just- I guess I just saw everyone looking at me and... and I panicked." Pauling huffed, "Well, you better get over that before tomorrow. This whole room's gonna be full." Mick, Dell, and Spy glared at her and Pauling held up her hands, "What? It's true." Caroline groaned, "Ugh. I know! You're right... Can we try again?" Pauling nodded, "Of course, that's what rehearsals are for. Alright everyone, from the top!" and they moved back down the aisle to the entrance, getting themselves back in order. Mick asked Caroline, "You gonna be alright, love?" and she nodded, "Yeah... I'll be fine this time." and he nodded giving her a kiss before moving up to the front of the line, passing his mom who went straight to the back. Dorthy cupped Caroline's face, "Are you okay, dear?", "I'm fine, Dorthy. Thank you.", "Would you like Johnathan to walk with you?", "Uh... No thank you, that's okay... I really appreciate it, but- I don't know, it's weird." Dorthy nodded and crushed her in a hug, "That's okay, dear. I understand, but if you change your mind just tell us, okay?", "Okay." She gave her another squeeze before moving back up to the front with Mick and they cued the music again. They started going and Caroline tried to skye herself up. She thought it was kind of stupid she had to do that, considering this was just walking down the damn aisle and not walking over scaffolding two stories in the air, but for some reason, her body decided that it was comprable. It got to her turn again and she took a breath, taking one step, then two, then another- Don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it, don't think about it- There was a flicker of moment in the corner of her eye and then a moment later she heard Spy say quietly in her ear, "You are fine..." She looked up at where he should have been, but he was invisible. He placed a hand on her back and gently guided her forward, and she smiled a bit because she felt a little less alone- and then she wanted to cry, but she held it in as she joined hands with Mick. Pauling clapped her hands together, "That was perfect! But where did Spy go?", "Right here." He said, reappearing where he was supposed to be. Pauling nodded, "Alright, cool, but maybe don't cloak yourself during the ceremony tomorrow. We have a bunch of normal people coming and we don't want to spook them.", "Speaking of," Lewie piped in, "How do you do that?", "That's need to know." Pauling responded, before addressing the rest of them, "After we get everyone down the aisle, the officiant will start the ceremony, you two will exchange vows then the rings and then- you're married again! Yey!" Mick asked, "and all the paperwork is good this time, right?", "Yep- Oh right, that's the other thing. After the ceremony, when everyone files out and goes to the reception- you two will need to sign your marriage license, and then you can party and have cake and whatever...Got it?" They nodded and she did too, "Alright, cool! Okay everyone! let's try that in reverse- Mick and Caroline, you start, then the rest of you will pair up again and we'll all get out of here." Mick offered Caroline his arm, and she took it before they moved back down the aisle. The rest of them went behind, followed by the parents and Henry, and then Miss Pauling closed the doors behind them, "Excellent! Now just do that tomorrow, and we'll all be golden. Alright, that's it. Do what you got to do then meet downstairs in the dining room for dinner. Dismissed." Jane gave her a salute, Zhanna still on his arm as the group congregated by the elevators. Dorthy and Johnathan moved over to Mick and Caroline and Dorthy hugged her tightly, "Oh! You did so good, dear! I'm so proud of you!", "Thank you!" Caroline laughed and Johnathan joined in on the hug. Mick said, "Hello, Yes? Parents? I'm here, too-" and Dorthy pulled him into the hug as well, "Of course I'm proud of you too, Mickie!", "We're proud of you, son- and daughter-in-law." Jonathan amended as they hugged. They pulled away and Dorthy dusted off Caroline's dress as she said, "I like your new one, but this dress is still gorgeous on you, dear.", "Thank you!" Caroline beamed, then Dorthy turned to her son, "and on the other side... Please tell me that's not what you're wearing tomorrow." Mick looked down at his jeans and jacket combo and asked, "What's wrong with this?", "You're in jeans, Mickie. and that looks like a sports-coat." He looked at his outfit again, mildly offended, and grumbled "It ain't a sports-coat." Caroline smoothed down his jacket and said, "Well, I think he looks rugged." His mom gave an amused scoff, "Well I think he needs some proper slacks." Mick sighed, "I have an actual suit I'm wearin' tomorrow, I just wore this for the rehearsal.", "Ah, well that's good." an elevator opened up and Mick kissed Caroline saying, "I'll save you a seat." She got in the elevator with Terry, Lewie, and Henry and she greeted them with a "Hey" They greeted her back before Lewie said, "Girl, you okay?" She ducked her head and blushed, "Yeah, I'm fine.", "What happened? You just froze! You aren't getting second thoughts, are you?" Henry bumped him, giving him a look and Lewie protested, "Whaat?" Caroline shook her head, "No. I just got nervous all of the sudden- and then everyone was staring at me and- ugh! I'm so embarrassed..." Terry gave her a pat, "Girl, it's okay. It happens.", "I know... I just wish- I don't know..." The elevator opened on their floor and they moved down the hall. As they were moving past Mick's suit, Tavish opened the door to leave, and seeing Terry, he smiled at her, "Heya lassie.", "Hi." Terry said shortly, continuing to walk down the hall. He called after her, "I'll save you a seat, then?" But she didn't look at him. They got to Caroline's suit and Lewie teased, "Ooh! What was that about?" Terry tsked, "He's a man. He wants anyone he can stick his dick in... No offense.", "All the offense!" Lewie countered, offended, "I- for one- don't stick my dick in anything! I'm a bottom!" Henry chuckled, "We both know that's not true.", "...Half true?" Terry made a face, "Okay, one: gross. I didn't need to know that. Two: You know I didn't mean you. I meant, like- straight guys. They just want to fuck around, get a nice and flirty and 'How you doin' baby?' and then the next thing you know they're on to the next girl." Caroline replied, "I don't know about that." Terry scoffed, "Of course you would say that. You got lucky-", "No, I don't think he's straight." Terry blinked at her, "What? But he's been flirting with me." Caroline shrugged, "I'd have to ask Mick, but I'm pretty sure he goes both ways. Can you help me with the zipper, by the way?" Terry was considering what she said, so Lewie moved behind her and undid her zipper for her. "Thanks." She said and stepped out of it, going and getting redressed into something more casual. Terry shook her head and got redressed as well, saying, "That doesn't change anything. He probably still just wants to fuck.", "and what's wrong with that?" Caroline asked while Lewie and Henry went and got redressed too. Terry rolled her eyes, "You know I get too attached to do something casual.", "Terry, you've had like- two relationships.", "and they both cheated on me! What are the odds of that?!" Lewie scoffed as he rejoined them, "Bitch, one of those was your highschool sweetheart. He don't count, honey.", "We dated for five years, of course he counts." Terry scoffed back as they moved back to the elevators, riding it down to the lobby. They went to the dining room and a host brought them over to the tables their group was at. Caroline, of course, sat next to Mick and on her other side was Tavish, who smiled at Terry as she walked over, indicating to the seat next to him. Terry looked at him, then kept moving. He frowned, watching her go and Caroline pat his hand, "Don't take it personally, she's been burned a couple times." Tavish narrowed his eye at her, "What do you mean?", "She's been cheated on a few times.", "What?! A bonnie lass like tha?" She shrugged and they watched as Terry took a spot next to Jane and Zhanna, who were feeding each other. Tavish leaned next to Caroline and asked, "So when you say 'burned a few times'... Tha mean she noo lookin' for anythin'?" Caroline smirked at him, "Depends on what you're trying to offer her." Mick looked over at that and asked, "What are you two scheamin' about?" Caroline grinned at him and replied, "Oh, nothing... Just trying to get Tav and Terry a date.", "Ah." He mused before Tavish asked her, "So, wha's she like? Wha's she do?" Caroline smiled brighter, "Oh! She owns a bar back in our hometown. It's called 'Terry's place'." His eye went wide, "A bar, you say?" She nodded, "She bought it right out of highschool and fixed it up herself. Very independent, very hard worker- but I'll tell you a little secret..." She leaned in close and he bent down to hear her better. "She really likes a man who can make her laugh. It's her weakness." He sat up and looked at her, eyebrows raised, "Really?" Caroline nodded, "Among other things... But I'll let her tell you that." She winked at him and he smiled, looking over at Terry. Mick said into Caroline's ear, "Shame on you. You're givin' him ideas..." She grinned at him, "I'm just returning the favor.", "What do you mean?", "I don't know if you remember this, but when we met: Terry talked me up to you before you came and talked to me.", "Oh yeah, I suppose she did kinda set us up.", "Mhm..." Caroline mused as Terry glanced over at her, looking very annoyed that she chose to sit next to Jane and Zhanna, who were now making out. Caroline gave her a sly little wave and Terry narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her. Then she noticed Tavish, who was looking at her all dreamily, and her eyes widened. She mouthed, 'Oh, no you didn't' and Caroline tried to shrug casually, but she was grinning too much. Terry's mouth dropped and she actually looked upset before she pushed back from the table and stormed away in the direction of the bathroom. Caroline mumbled, "Oh shit." and got up. Mick asked, "Where you goin', love?", "I gotta smooth this out real quick, I'll be back." She kissed his cheek, and hustled to follow Terry. Mick watched her go for a moment before turning to Tavish, "You have any idea what just happened?", "No bloody clue, lad.", "...Yeah, me either." He said, then looked around at what was going on at the other tables. Lewie and Henry seemed to be having a nice conversation with Fritz and Mikhail, until Mikhail noticed Zhanna and Jane making out and went over to stop them. Heavy's mom was in a deep conversation with his own mother, sitting next to his dad and he didn't know if he should be concerned or not. On the other side, Pauling was in between Yana and Bronislava as they chatted, and Pyro wasn't eating, instead building up a tower out of sugar packets which Dell was helping them with, but Dell kept occasionally looking over at Jane and Zhanna with an expression Mick knew, but couldn't quite place. and then he overheard Jeremy, "...Yeah, and even ma made it down! I was kinda worried the storm was gonna keep her, but she made it in earlier today." He shoved a forkful of food into his mouth as Spy turned, asking him softly, "Your... Your mother?" Jeremy narrowed his eyes at him, "You got a problem with that, chucklenuts?", "...I- No..." Spy stared off in thought and Jeremy gave him a look, "Don't get weird on me, Spy." Mick wanted to continue listening to that conversation, but Caroline came back and sat down, "Okay, crisis averted." He quirked a brow at her, "What crisis?" Before she could answer, Terry walked over to them and narrowed her eyes at Tavish, "You. With me. Now." He got up quickly and she led him away to talk. Mick watched them go and then looked at Caroline and asked, "What happened?" Caroline sighed, "It took a lot of convincing, but she doesn't hate my guts.", "...What?", "Unfortunately, I couldn't convince her to give Tavish a shot, but I guess that's my own fault for thinking she'd be okay with that.", "... Well, what's she doin' now then?" Caroline grimaced, "She's letting him know she's not interested." Mick winced, "Oh, poor Tav.", "I know... Anything I missed?", "Nothin' interesting." He said and she nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. He put an arm around her as she looked around at the tables. After a moment she mused, "I didn't know Miss Pauling was gay." He furrowed his eyebrows and looked over at Miss Pauling, still between Yana and Bronislava as they talked. "Is she?", "Oh yeah, look at how she's looking at Heavy's sister." He looked again as Yana slapped a hand down on the table for emphasis before Bronislava and Miss Pauling burst into laughter. Bronislava laughed like her sister just told a joke, but Miss Pauling laughed like it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Caroline nodded, "She's crushing super hard, that's really cute... Aw, Dell too... Oh! But to whom?" Mick's eyes widened and he looked back at Dell, who was still helping Pyro build their sugar fortress. Dell looked back at Jane and Zhanna just as Mikhail pulled his sister away to talk to her privately. At that, Caroline mused, "Ah. He's crushing on Jane. How sweet.", "Why do you think that?", "Just look at his face- all longing and tragic. and then there's Jane over there, smoochin' Heavy's sister. Poor Dell.", "That's just how he looks. He just kinda get's... Protective of the team... and Soldier..." Mick's eyebrows went up, "Oh my God, he has a crush on him. How have I never noticed that before?!" Caroline shrugged, "It's easy to miss when you've known someone for a while.", "-But it's so obvious in hindsight- Fuckin' hell... What else have I missed?" She pat his shoulder, "Like I said, it's easy to miss when it's your friends. It's not your fault.", "But I've worked with these guys for years- I didn't even know Heavy and Medic were married until a few years ago, I just thought they were really close and hung out all the time and helped each other with stuff..." He paused, "Do you think Dell had a crush on me?" Caroline shook her head, "No. He never had those sad eyes looking at you." He looked at Dell again and he recognized that expression now. It was the expression he sometimes caught in reflections when he was away from Caroline- Sad and lonely, with that painful bite of longing. Mick gave him a sympathetic look, "Oh... Poor Dell.", "Poor Dell..." She agreed as they sat there for a moment. Then he asked, "So... Did you get something to eat?" She shook her head, "The rehearsal kind of killed my appetite.", "Mm." He hummed unhappily and pushed over his plate. She shook her head and he replied, "Bein' hungry don't help the worryin', darlin'. It only makes it worse.", "I know." She grumbled, "But I also kind of want to throw up right now, and that's putting me off.", "Are you alright?" He asked and she nodded, "Yeah, it's just from the- the being anxious... I don't know what came over me! I never freeze up! I worked at the mortuary since I legally could- Well, actually before that too- and you have to speak with grieving people for that. God, I've given so many eulogies I could give one in my sleep... But I guess back then I had my dad..." He rubbed her arm soothingly and she sighed, "...Honestly, that's probably why I froze up... Just thinking about my dad and how he's not here and-" Her throat tightened and she quickly wiped a rogue tear from her eye, "Fuck... I don't need to be thinking about that right now.", "... Do you wanna go somewhere private and talk?", "No, I don't want to cry right now. It's your birthday.", "Well... It's my birthday and I say... You can cry if you want to." She laughed, "That's Lesley Gore...", "Yeah, I thought it was relevant.", "I don't know about that, but it was funny so you get a pass.", "A pass? A pass from what?", "It's just a turn of phrase.", "Yeah I know, but the turn of phrase means something." Caroline noticed Lewie looking around and then he glanced at her and mouthed, 'Where?' Caroline pointed to the direction where Terry had taken Tavish and Lewie got up. Mick asked, "What's that about?", "Oh, Lewie was just asking where Terry went.", "Asked? But he ain't over here.", "He asked from over there." Mick looked at her, wide eyed, "How are you havin' conversations across the room?" Caroline shrugged, "Not really conversations, but you know when your friends look at you and you kinda get what they're trying to say?", "Uh... Maybe? But how do you know what he's sayin'?", "Context clues, mostly." He blinked at her, astonished, "I've never-", "Girl!" Lewie came up beside them and they both jumped. Caroline turned to Lewie, "What?", "Girl, you gotta come see this.", "What, what, what?" Lewie didn't answer, instead just walking away, making her get up to follow him. Mick came too and Lewie led them into the lobby. He signaled them to be quiet and they snuck a peak around the concierge desk. On the other side of the lobby, Tavish and Terry were laughing, occasionally saying something that would make them laugh harder. Terry touched his arm and Lewie gasped, "Girl... She's a fucking goner." Caroline snickered, "Guess I didn't need to convince her after all... Come on, let's leave them alone." They turned to leave, but Caroline saw outside with the heavy clouds and grinned at Mick, "On second thought, You fancy a stroll, Micky?" Mick laughed, "I'd fancy you havin' something to eat, first.", "...I can't eat right now, but stretching my legs might help... What'd you say?", "Mm, you just wanna get out in the rain, don't you?", "Maybe-", "You guys coming?" Lewie asked and Mick hooked an arm around Caroline's waist, "We're gonna take a walk first." Lewie looked outside and raised an eyebrow, "In this weather?", "Eh, why not?", "Alright, I guess. Have fun." He said before moving back to the dining room. Mick and Caroline left out the front door and the first thing to hit them was the humidity. It hadn't started raining yet, but the clouds were dense and dark, hanging low in the sky. Caroline held a hand out, hoping to feel a raindrop, but the clouds held themselves steadfast. She frowned, "I wonder why it hasn't started raining yet." They started walking up the street and he shrugged, "I don't know, maybe it's waitin' for tomorrow.", "You think so?" He shrugged again, this time with a smile, "Maybe." She chuckled to herself, "That would be funny. We're getting married and then all the sudden- BOOM! POW! Lightning and thunder! Torrential downpour!", "Knowing you, you'd want to come out and stomp in the puddles in your wedding dress.", "Mm, I'd change out of my dress first.", "Uh huh." He mused, unconvinced. She grinned at him, "and knowing you, you'd be stomping puddles right there with me.", "Of course I would. I'll always be beside you, stompin' puddles or otherwise." She ducked her head, "Save it for the vows- Speaking of, did you finish yours?", "I did." He nodded, "I'm still tweakin' it a bit, but I'm pretty happy with what I've got. I think you'll like it.", "You wanna give me a sample?", "I'll let you be surprised.", "Aw, no fair.", "No, what ain't fair is you not tellin' me we were doin' that until the last moment." He said it with a teasing note in his voice, but she winced anyway, "Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't really think about it until we were talking last night.", "It's alright, darling." He said, kissing the side of her head, "I get it... and also, I'm sorry for runnin' off...", "You're fine. You already apologized this morning.", "I know, but I still feel bad for just shaggin' you and bolting.", "You didn't, we did some aftercare.", "Mm..." He mumbled his disagreement before offering, "Well, I could make it up to you tonight?" She giggled and pat his arm, "As much as I'd like to, we gotta get ready for tomorrow-" A big fat raindrop splat on her nose and she looked up. The rain was finally coming down and it was looking to be a pretty big storm. Caroline just stood there, feeling as the raindrops hit her skin, still a bit warm from the August sun. Mick watched her for a moment, then slid one hand around her waist before picking the other up in his hand, "Care for a dance?" She blinked at him for a moment before giggling like a fool, "A dance in the rain?", "Just be glad I ain't singin'.", "That's such a dumb reference.", "Yeah, but you laughed- I made you laugh-", "Shut up, you dork!" She giggled as he danced with her. They spun and laughed as the rain came down and she said, "Now this really reminds me of our first date.", "I don't remember the storm, but maybe that just slipped my mind.", "The dancing, you goof!" She countered and he chuckled, "I know, I was teasin' ya... But yeah, I guess we haven't danced in a while..." He spun her out, "Or ever, really." She observed as he pulled her back into his arms, swaying to a rhythm neither of them could hear. He rested his chin on her shoulder and mused, "I guess we should fix that, hm?", "If we have time- Or if we can find good work again-", "When we find work..." He corrected, giving her a little twirl. She was going to say something else, but lightning flashed overhead, followed by a loud CRACK of thunder. They both jumped, then laughed as Mick put an arm around Caroline's shoulder and started moving them back down the street. She teased, "Aw, we're done with the dancing already?", "I'm tryin' not to get you struck by lightning, love", "I don't know, I think it'd be a pretty electric experience.", "Oh, God." She cackled at her own joke and he chuckled despite himself. They got back inside the hotel in high spirits and Caroline looked over to Terry and Tavish to check on them. They were now sitting, and they looked like they were in a pretty deep conversation. Tavish touched Terry's hand and she didn't immediately slap him, so Caroline took that as a good sign. Then Terry looked up and noticed them. Her eyes went wide and she pulled her hand away with a blush. Caroline just chuckled to herself as Mick ushered them to the elevators, "Come on, let's get you out of these wet clothes." They went up to their floor and he skipped his door in favor of leading Caroline to hers. She opened the door and looked inside, checking to make sure no one was in. Luckily for her, everyone was still downstairs having dinner. He said, "Well, I'm gonna take a quick shower-", "What a coincidence! That's what I was gonna do!" She said and pulled him inside. His eyes went wide and he looked around, "Uh,", "Come on, we can take a shower together. It'll be quicker." She winked at him as she led him over to her shared room, and then to the bathroom beyond it. "Wait- I don't have any clothes.", "That's okay...Mm, here- these will get you down the hall..." She said, going through her stuff and pulling out her oversized sleep shirt and a pair of his boxers. He pointed to them, "Why- why do you have those-", "They're comfy." She shrugged, and he laughed, guiding her to the bathroom, "Weirdo.", "Hey, don't knock it till you try it." She countered, pulling off her soaked dress. "-Those are my boxers, missy! I'm wearin' some right now!" He said as he stripped out of his own drenched clothes. "Exactly." She mused, turning on the shower and letting the water heat up, "So you know how comfy they are." He shrugged, "I guess... If you really like them so much I can get you some of your own." She stepped into the water stream and shrugged, "Yeah... But it's not the same if they're not yours..." He stepped in with her and ran his hands down her hips, "Is that why you like to steal my shirts too?", "Is it really stealing if you leave them at my place?", "I thought you said it was our place?", "Mm. I'm still the only one on the lease, so it's still my place... At least for another month.", "and then we can look at houses?", "Maybe..." She smiled and pressed her mouth against his. He took over the kiss, pinning her up against the shower wall with a growl. She giggled and ran her nails down his back as he started pressing kisses down her neck- Then Terry walked into the bathroom saying, "Girl, it's not what you think- Oh fuck!" She ducked back out screaming, "AAH! I'M SORRY!" Caroline laughed and hopped out of the shower calling after her, "Terry wait-!", "Nope! I'm leaving! I'm leaving and burying myself under a rock! Oh God, I need to bleach my fucking EYES!" Caroline was just laughing as she replied, "That's what you get for walking in unannounced!", "I thought it was just you! GOD, you fuckin' HORNDOGS!" Caroline was bent over laughing so hard and Mick turned the shower off, grabbing a towel and putting it over her form before wrapping one around his waist. When she could finally breathe again, she got up and moved into the bedroom asking, "What were you saying before?" Terry, who was not in there, called from the other room, "Whatever! It doesn't matter! Enjoy your fuckin' shower!", "Terry!" Caroline called, meeting her in the lounge. Terry covered her eyes, "And put on some fuckin' clothes, you freakin' lunatic!", "You've seen me naked so many times..." Terry put her hand down to glare at her, "Yeah, but I haven't seen you pinned to a fuckin' wall!" Caroline wiped the laughter tears from her eyes and asked again, "Just tell me what you were saying before." Terry was about to, but then she looked behind Caroline and said pointedly, "Oh look! and here's number two! Come on! Don't be shy, I've already seen your dick so there's no point!" Mick, who had peeked his head to look, awkwardly shuffled out of the doorway with the towel still around his waist and pointed to the door, "I'm just gonna go." Caroline pointed at him, "You, stay." She pointed at Terry, "You, stop being a bitch and just tell me." Terry threw up her hands, "I was just trying to tell you that I ain't gettin' together with Tavi! That's it!" Caroline blinked at her, then smirked, "Tavi, eh?", "God! You're so fu-freakin' annoying! I'm leaving!" She growled and stormed out the door. Caroline watched her leave, not knowing if she was really upset or not. It was sometimes hard to tell with her. Still just standing there, Mick said, "...We should probably get dressed and go back down before people start to worry.", "Yeah probably..." She nodded and he kissed her on the head saying, "Meet me out in the hall when you're done." Before opening the door, peeking around to make sure no one was there- then he shut it quick and called, "Lynn!" She moved over and he signaled to be quiet before cracking the door to peek down the hall. In front of Mick's suit, Terry was ranting very aggressively at Tavish, who nodded, listening intently. They couldn't hear what they were saying, but eventually she calmed down, making a few gestures and he opened the door to Mick's suit, letting her inside. Mick and Caroline looked at each other and he said, "Actually I think I might stay here a bit longer." They closed the door back and Caroline snickered, "What? You don't want to return the favor?", "Oh, fuck no." Mick stated plainly, "Tavish might actually kill me for that.", "Fair enough." She shrugged, then gave him a smile, "Want to pick up where we left off, then?", "As long as you lock the bloody door this time. Fuckin' hell, girl." They laughed, moving back into the bathroom, and locked the door behind them. She turned on the shower again, but it was cold and she groaned, "We were only gone for a second..." Mick threw off his towel and got in the shower, pulling her in with him. She squawked and tried to get away from the cold water, but he pinned her to the wall again. This time though, her front was pressed up against the tile and she whined, "You know I don't like it cold!" and he pressed his body over hers, teasing, "Let me just warm you up then...", "Get- me off- the damn- tile." He laughed and caressed her hip, "You weren't complainin' before.", "It was warm before.", "Or maybe, you were warm before." He leaned forward and drew his tongue over where her shoulder met her neck and she shivered, "You motherfucker. What am I gonna do with you?", "You're gonna marry me, that's what.", "Damn right." She said and he bit her shoulder. She bit her lip and moaned, "You're so lucky my dress has sleeves.", "I'm lucky?" He mused, bringing his hands around to feel her up, "I think you're lucky. It's gonna show on your body.", "You know I wouldn't hide it.", "I know." He said, giving her another love-bite. She winced, loving every single bit of it. He went to move his hands down to her sex, but she said, "Wait- You got me good yesterday... I'm still a bit sore. Sorry.", "No need to apologize, love." He said, moving his hands back up. Then Caroline hummed, and wiggled her hips, "I can still get you, though..." He just rested his body against her, squishing her against the wall, "Yeah, but I don't wanna get off if you ain't gettin' off.", "But what if getting you off gets me off?", "That ain't how it works, love.", "Come on, it's your birthday. Be a bit selfish.", "Exactly. It's my birthday, so I get to do whatever I want." She waited, then wiggled her hips again, "So, do it.", "I am.", "What?", "I'm usin' you like a pillow. You're very soft, you know that?" She squirmed under him, "Get off you goof-ball.", "But it's my birthday, I get to be selfish.", "Yeah, but if you want to use me like a pillow, might as well just do that in bed, where it's not freezing.", "...Alright." He agreed, getting off. She got off the wall and they turned off the shower, getting out toweling themselves off before Caroline pulled on her night shirt and Mick put on his boxers. They crawled into bed and he laid on her as she started running her fingers through his hair. He sighed happily and said, "You are the best birthday present I could ever ask for." She laughed, "That's funny, because you were the best birthday present I could've asked for.", "Right," He chuckled, "It was your birthday when we met, wasn't it?", "It was!" She grinned and they laid there for another long moment. He asked, "You think they're gonna worry too much if we just... Don't go back to dinner?" She shrugged, "I think they'll forgive us. Besides, I'm feeling a bit selfish too." She emphasized her point by running her nails down his back and he shivered at the feeling. "You like that?", "You know I do." He mumbled and she chuckled, "Yeah, but I wanna hear you say it.", "I bloody love it." He sighed, sticking his hands under her shirt just to feel her skin under his finger tips, "You're fuckin' amazing.", "You're fucking amazing.", "How 'bout we're?", "I can get down with we... Wee wee." She laughed and he chuckled at that, "You dork.", "Oui oui?", "Don't be startin' that now.", "Hoh, hoh- oui oui baguette?", "Quit that. Spy might come after you.", "Unless I am Spy!" She gasped dramatically. "You ain't." He mused confidently and she grinned, "How do you know?" He moved a hand up and squeezed one of her boobs, "That's how.", "Ngh- You c-cheater...", "Is it really cheatin' if there ain't no game?", "Well how do I know you're not Spy?", "His impression of me ain't that good.", "Yeah... Also his cologne gives him away.", "What?", "Also, please don't start wearing cologne.", "I- a-alright, I wasn't plannin' on it?", "Good, 'cuz I like your smell.", "...What?", "That's the one nice thing about you being gone on assignments, because when you come back I can smell you.", "...What do I smell like?", "Mm... When you get back, you always smell like outside and then you have your own- I don't know how to describe it... Musk?", "Musk?!", "I don't know! You just smell good to me. It's a compliment." He hugged her waist as she continued massaging his scalp and he nodded, "Well... I like your smell too.", "Oh really? What do I smell like?" He took in a deep breath through his nose, contemplating, "You smell like home." She blushed, "You sap... I love you.", "I love you too, darlin'." He laid there as she continued to pet his hair and before either of them knew it, they both fell asleep.