Morphine

Chapter Twenty One

Malcolm backed onto the ice. "Take it easy. Easy."

Marceline Anne wobbled out onto the ice, leaning on him heavily.

He went slowly. "Easy."

"I'm fine." She lifted off him and skated around him.

"You really can skate!"

"Why do you sound surprised? I told you I could."

"Yeah but..." He just watched her skate in patterns.

"I'm not going to lie to you." She stopped in front of him.

"People say that but..."

"I don't lie. Unless it's for self preservation or amusement."

"Amusement?"

"Less a lie and more of a prank but yes, amusement."

He thought it over before nodding. "I can handle that."

"And you?"

He knew what she wanted. "I'm not even a good liar. Madeline is the liar in our siblings."

"And Marc's ours but just because you suck at it doesn't mean you won't practice it."

He allowed that. "I won't lie to you."

"Unless?" She skated around him.

He waited until she was in front of him then captured her in his arms. "I will not lie to you."

She felt that oath in her soul. She smiled. "Good."

"You can trust me."

"The more you say it, the more I believe it."

He kissed her gently. "Good."

M-

"We can take you home." Artie offered.

"That's probably out of your way." Santana wanted to lick her wounds in private.

"I don't mind. Besides, I wouldn't want to subject you to the bus again."

"It sucks!" Gomez groaned.

Artie chuckled. "Come on, devil doll."

"What'd you call me?" Santana was stuck.

"Demon Barbie."

Gomez laughed. "That's San!"

"Shut up, Gomez!" Santana spat.

"He really knows you!"

"He doesn't deserve a ride!"

"Just say yes. You know you want to." Artie enticed. "We can get doughnuts on the way."

Santana was officially considering it. Carbs were her downfall.

"I know the light is probably on."

"Okay. But just this once."

The preteens cheered.

"Alright." Artie grinned. "Let's go."

M-

Mercedes Catherine climbed into her bed. They had a full day the next day, which was Christmas Eve eve. In the morning was breakfast with the family then shopping until lunch then boarding the plane for Japan.

She checked her phone and saw that Santana had called every hour on the hour since they'd had dinner. She knew it was late in America but if it was important, Santana would be up.