WITHOUT

No Time For Stupidity.

I had no real knowledge of "The Others". My father knew some things, Jefferson had some experiences. Clark had history.    But, I needed to be sure. In some ways, I wished I had been able to attend some of the extended learning classes at school. They had the now crucial information. Leader was going to need a firm hand, and proper guidance.     Ethan just needed to be understood.     I gave my head a small shake, I really just wanted some reality, so many things needed to be done - Or just finished up. If I could just go back to the beginning, and complete what I had come here to do.

My thoughts were suddenly filled with Madeline.    My stupid, stupid cousin!    (The best laid plans. How did they get so mess up!)

I moved close to Ethan, cupped his check (Small peck of a kiss), took hold of his arm - Gently guided out into the hallway.     Maybe I knew things would work out in the end, but the immediate issues would need to be settled first.     Within my bedroom, I could pretend - There weren't things I needed to sort (Sort my own agendas, what I felt was most important : That being Me and Ethan) But, Blood witches must rule (And sort the affairs of those under them, upmost and foremost)   Basically, if I didn't start getting my shit together - Ethan would suffer.

(And a few other people)

"We'll head to where they all seem to have gathered. We talk, we see what's happening. Pray for no trouble.  Cool?..."      I looked up into Ethan's face. He frowned back. He wanted me under his hand, he wanted to face what came next with me as his secret ace.    They could be angry, annoyed, over-joyed.....Basically, whatever they chose to feel. But, he'd have me.    They wouldn't be able to touch him.

He looked at his feet, he looked down the hallway...He shifted about, he made an odd sighing noise.

"Trouble.    I'm....in trouble.    Scared. All ssscared...."       It took all he had for that brief fleeting comment.     I just nodded.

~~••$&$••~~

Pixie was picked up, quick check of the sunhat on her head (A smoothing hand to her dress)  Both shoes on her feet.     Fern gave her a small hug...."Dressed. Ready!    Let's join Abby, Hector and the others.   We, have more people to see.."       Pixie grinned at her, shook her small head..."no. mama...me!"     Fern laughed at her, shook her head back...."I just want it to be us too. But, Abby is waiting to see us.    You like seeing Abby and Stella.."

Pixie thought of Reef and Leader, she'd liked to see them too. She was a little fearful of Hector, but she knew EB was a friend.    The one called Trin, made her just stare (I was interesting to look at, she saw my magic)     Ethan made her wet her pants. There were no other words for the feelings she got when it came to him.

Fern and Pixie found EB and Stella trying to tidy Leader up, he'd just had breakfast....He had jam all over his face, through his hair - And he'd taken off all his clothes!     Pixie laughed with absolute delight when she saw him running shrieking with laugher, around a tree and Stella was chasing him.

Benton sat Reef on a chair, started to neatly comb his hair.    The child was a delight, Clark was impressed with him too.    Benton knew Clark wanted to be apart of Reef's life, but for the moment Ethan was in her thoughts, in her every waking action.   Her wicked boy wasn't out of the woods yet.     Ethan always seemed to be "struck" - Never entirely free.    And, it tore at her very being.

Clark still attended to Reef, she was talking to him, holding him.    But, Reef would look for Benton. Calm within his hold.