"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

Only One Way [] 9/14 []

"Thank you, Mr. Swan."

Leigh had taken Val up on his offer to host her for a while. Matthew was kind enough to sleep on the couch so that she could have an actual room with locks, just in case something were to happen.

"Anytime. We have a highly-ranked security system, so there's no need to worry. You're safe here. And if you ever need anything, Romeo and I are just on the other side of the living room. Have you called Luna?" Valentine stands in the doorway of Matthew's bedroom, previously the guest room, watching as Leigh checks the locks on the windows.

"I wrote her a letter. I didn't want to panic and worry her." She smiles somewhat at him, turning from the window. "She'll probably call me as soon as she gets it."

"Whether she's technically allowed to or not, knowing Luna." He grins.

"Leigh!" Romeo appears behind Val, a big smile on his own face. In his hand is a plate nearly overflowing with chocolate chip cookies. "Want some?"

"Please." She's all smiles as she takes two of the offered cookies. Neither of them can tell that she's faking it. She's grateful, sure. But that doesn't mean she isn't on high-alert. It doesn't matter than the Swans have an impressive security system...if Martin was able to get out of jail, he could figure out a way to get into the house.

Romeo, also beaming, moves onto the next room. He can be heard asking Draco if he wants a cookie. Leigh takes one bite of one of hers before setting both down on the dresser by the door. She dusts off her hands.

"I feel a bit badly for taking Matthew's room."

"He'll be fine. He switches between sleeping in Draco's bed, Mal's bed, Max's bed, and the nursery. At this point, I don't really think anyone has their own bed. They all just move around. But no one is going to try and sleep in here but you, so don't worry. Well, no - it's always possible that Oliver or Abby will, and definitely a cat or three." Val looks thoughtful. It's as if he's only now realizing how odd the sleeping patterns are in his household. Leigh just laughs.

"I trust everyone here, so I'm not worried." The first part is true. The second part not so much. She's always worried. Carwyn has been trying to convince her to see a specialist, but she's yet to follow his advice. "But I appreciate the warning. I've been really jumpy lately, and I wouldn't have wanted to accidentally hit someone."

"The only ones I'm worried about at the kids, everyone else can take a punch." Val chuckles, reaching over and ruffling the little hair that Leigh had.

"I'll be careful, don't worry."

"I know you will be. And again, don't hesitate to come to us for help."

"I will." Thankfully, this isn't a lie.