I'd do anything for the ones I love

Robbie Fraser - bear shifter - mechanic

[robbiethebear]

The quick glance his way by his sister when Austin announced Poppy had just arrived wasn't lost on him. Though he was glad she carried on in her conversation. "I'll go see if she needs a hand," he declared to no one in particular as he put his half drunk mug of tea down. The bite of the snowy air was a shock after the warmth of the pack house, but a very welcome one. He'd always done better in colder temperatures. A smile spread across his features at the sight of Cosmo trying to catch snow flakes, "She's not wrong," he sat to the cat. As his eyes moved to Poppy his smile softened. "Here let me get some of that for you," he offered as he approached, "Oh, and merry Christmas Poppy,"

-

"Thank you!" Abi reached for the photo, staring at it as it slowly started to develop. "Our first photo of our first Christmas officially together," she said turning to Ivy and pressing a kiss to her cheek. It was odd how natural it felt to do that even here in front of everyone.

-

"Our turn," Killian took the camera from Rory's hands, wrapping an arm round her to take a selfie of them. "You and me after, right?" he said to Mercury, who'd been curled up by his feet till he'd gotten up.

-

Livvy jumped up from where she'd been squashed into an armchair conspiring with Enna and Star and ran over as the latest group arrived. "Merry Christmas you gorgeous creatures!" she said, pulling Darcy and Lucas into a hug.

-

"So Bry," Star said by way of calling her over to the spot just vacated by Livvy, "Fletch said he saw you chatting to some super tall, handsome nephilim guy the other day. What was that about?"

-

Lottie entered in through the back door, having gone across country to get the basket of forgotten veg they'd left at home this morning. "If I'm not mistaken I think it's trying to snow again," she commented as she put the overladen basket on the kitchen island. Maggie had taken off towards the living room the second she'd opened the door. "Someone's about to get a lap fully of snowy retriever puppy,"

-

"It's my hospital, I can't not be on call," Torben grumbled as the little group made their way up the drive of the local packs main house.

"It's very good of you to take the day though," Jonna interjected before Iver could comment. All four of them were carrying something, not wanting to arrive empty handed. It was by pure luck that none of them had picked the same thing to bring. Jonna had a basket of saffron buns she'd baked that morning, Iver had a large jar of Christmas toffees, Fenrin a gingerbread cake and Torben had a case of Glogg tucked under one arm.

"It's good of Jonathan to invite us all, clearly he's never met Torben," Iver ducked as he made the comment, pre-empting the first full of snow thrown his way with a laugh.

"I am delightful at parties, I don't know what you're talking about," Torben replied, wiping snow from his hand against Iver's coat.

Fenrin turned his head to grin at Adelaide as they brought up the rear, stopping as Jonna knocked on the door.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

As Robbie left their little circle Matt couldn't help but chuckle a bit to himself. "You lot are as subtle as a hand grenade," he noted, though only out of fond teasing.

"Can you blame us though? It would be sweet if they both got around to... well, admitting things to themselves," Rosamund mused before nodding off in the direction of the younger pack members around the sitting room. "They could take inspiration from the pups in that regard."

Matt nudged Kenna's side then. "And I suppose you agree?"

-

Poppy started a bit at the sound of Robbie's voice, as she almost always did. Force of habit really. She offered him a sheepish sort of smile as awkwardly maneuvered one of the bags off of her shoulder and the dish at his offer. "Thank you,and Merry Christmas Robbie," she replied. Cosmo let out a faint sort of 'mrrrp' as he landed in a slightly deeper spot of snow, emerging with little flakes coating his black fur. She laughed at the sight of him before moving to lift him up in her arms and dust him off. "Honestly... you'd think you were the arctic fox, hmm?" He nuzzled into her arms with a gentle purr. She looked up at Robbie again then as they stepped up to the doorway. "I hope I'm not the last to arrive. I was a bit behind schedule this morning."

-

Ivy blushed a bit at the kiss to her cheek, though not the least because of embarrassment. She felt a deep sort of joy and pride at being about to be with Abi, and that this would be the first of many Christmas days for them. "You do know that my dad will likely want to take one or two more of us when we go to the manor later, yeah?" She could imagine the fond sort of fussing of that moment, and she was already looking forward to it in truth--all good memories to be made. "And that if Jules spies it she'll want to put it on the fridge."

-

Rory giggled a bit as she leaned into Killian's side. She decided to kiss his cheek for the photo, and left a red lipstick print where she had. "Oops... I keep forgetting about that," she noted with another bit of laughter as she reached to wipe it away.

Mercury, meanwhile, was nearly dozing even still from his spot on the floor until Killian spoke to him. He tilted his head up at the young couple before turning to the newcomers in the room and somewhat clumsily clambering to his feet to greet Brynne.

-

Darcy and Lucas returned the hug from Livvy with varying smiles and enthusiasm. Lucas tucked each of the girls under his arms as they pulled away, maneuvering them over to the large window seat in the corner of the room. "Merry Christmas Liv, although I doubt the Grinch will share the sentiment," he joked, giving Darcy's shoulders a squeeze.

"I might if someone didn't wake me up at 8 AM like a fucking toddler," Darcy grumbled, jabbing her elbow into Lucas' side a bit. She pushed him over to the side as they moved to sit so that Livvy was in between them now. "Give me an hour to get into it and then I'll say it."

-

Brynne caught Mercury's paws against her shoulders, just keeping from tumbling over at the greeting. She laughed a bit as he kissed her face. "Somebody missed me, huh?"

She looked up at the familiar nickname, letting Mercury settle back onto the ground and move back over to Killian and Rory before she neared the overcrowded armchair. Brynne took a seat on the empty arm as Star finished her question, all too sure that she looked a bit bashful about it though. "Well..." She trailed off, considering her words.

Layla, who was leaned up against the side of the chair from her spot on the floor chimed in. "Don't try to deny it, I saw you too. Caught red-handed... or rosy-cheeked," she declared with a wink.

Brynne rolled her eyes a bit. "I've been getting to know him over the last couple of months. We met at the park in September. Not sure what else there is to be said of him," she replied, though she knew that was a far more conservative answer than they were looking for.

Finn had moved in from the kitchen, holding a cuppa in one hand as his other gently reached into his sweatshirt pouch to grab Hazel. He cleared his throat as he approached the corner group and Brynne, handing her the hedgehog as he directed his words to the girls. "His name is Elion, and apparently he's 'positively dashing,'" he revealed.

The words warranted a gentle glare from Brynne. "I told Rory that in confidence, you little eavesdropper."

He held up his hand in mock surrender before taking a seat on the floor beside Layla. "Shifter hearing. Not my fault."

-

Cami watched Maggie on her barreling path into the living room with a small smile. "I think Mercury distracted her from any direct targets by the looks of things."

Juliet moved to look through the glass in the back door, spying the stray snowflakes coming down as Lottie had suggested. "Hopefully it won't pick up too much. I always get so anxious about anyone driving in the snow."

Nehir reached over to place a steaming hot cup of tea in front of Lottie. "Here, I've not even had a sip yet. You need to warm up a bit."

-

Adeline shifted the basket she held on her arm as they walked. It contained a festive bouquet arrangement as well as her lavender and lemon shortbreads. She couldn't help but laugh at Iver and Torben's antics, having grown quite used to it in the past while. "You're delightful once you remember to take the stick out of your arse," she joked, shooting Torben a wink before bumping shoulders with Jonna for her latter comment. "And a wonderful dancer when he's had a bit of rum."

She returned Fenrin's grin as they reached the doorstep. She was looking forward to seeing some familiar faces inside, as well as getting to see Jonna and Jonathan together. It was a treasure to witness the beginnings of their connection, really.

-

Jonathan was moving out of his office when he heard the knock at the front door. His wolf recognized the arrival before he fully did, and he caught himself beaming a bit as he opened the door to greet Jonna and her family. "Merry Christmas," he greeted warmly, stepping back to allow them into the entryway. "Make yourselves at home. I believe we've just stuck on the millionth round of coffee and tea for the morning if any of you are looking to warm up a bit." He moved to gently take Jonna's basket from her hands and place a kiss to her forehead. "You all really didn't have to make anything."

[robbiethebear]

Hollis nodded in agreement with Rosamund, "We'll all be ancient if we don't give them a little nudge,"

"The pups do seem to be putting all to same lately," Nico commented in between sips of his coffee, "Well, with a few notable exceptions,"

"Oh absolutely," Kenna nodded enthusiastically as she looked up at Matt. "I would bet everything I own on those two being soul mates. They'd be perfect for each other, if they'd just admit their feelings already. You don't see it?"

-

A fond smile softened Robbie's features even more as he watched the interaction between Poppy and Cosmo. His gaze lingering on Poppy. She looked so beautiful out in the snow. Part of him wished they didn't have to go inside, that he could monopolise her time a little longer. But instead, he pushed the door open with his free hand before stepping back to let her enter first. "There are still a few other stragglers. Jonna and her family, and the Bonnaire's haven't arrived yet,"

-

"Maybe I'll be the one to put it on the fridge," although in truth Abi had the intention of pinning it to the wall above her desk. "And your Dad can take as many photos of us as he likes as long as I get one of his spiced cranberry scones, so there better still be some left," she joked. Gendry could still take all the photos even if all the scones had been eaten by others. And of course she'd be asking for copies of every single one. Another beaming smile spread over her lips as she looked at Ivy. That kept happening. When she looked at her and often when they weren't even together. That warm bubble of joy that spread through her when she thought about Ivy. The fact that she got to be the soul mate of her best friend and spend her entire life loving her. She didn't think she'd ever get over the joy of it.

-

Killian smiled down at Rory as she cleaned his cheek, one arm still lingering round her waist. If the boys wouldn't likely have teased him mercilessly for it, he'd have told her to leave it. "I'm going to be wearing more of it than you by the end of the day," he tugged her lightly towards the armchair he'd vacated moments ago to take the photo with her.

-

"You're not getting your Christmas present till you do," Livvy teased, settling into the window seat between her two friends. "Also, if you were up at 8 what took you so long to get here?" she added, looking between the two.

"Nollaig Chridheil guys," Ainsley said with a warm smile as she approached the occupied window seat. "I'm taking drinks orders, would you like anything? Tea, coffee, hot chocolate?"

-

At Layla's added information Star pulled in a dramatic gasp, "I knew he was telling the truth!" she slapped Brynne's thigh lightly. "You sneaky so and so, fraternising with hot nephilim without telling us,"

Enna laughed at the interaction between Brynne and Finn, "You lot should be careful," she said to the little group, "Bry isn't the only one who's been spotted rosy cheeked of late,"

"Ugh," Star slumped back into the cushions of the arm chair, folding her arms across her chest. "I actually think I'm way too fucking single for this conversation," The comment earned her a teasing aww from Enna and a pat on the head.

-

Lottie gave a sigh of relief, even though she knew they'd all likely be finding little patches of melting snow Maggie's trail. At least no one was going to get a lap full of it. "You Christmas angel, thank you," she replied, taking the hot mug of tea from Nehir and wrapping her hands round it. In hindsight she really should have worn her gloves. Another cold draft sent a shiver through her as the back door opened again but thankfully Lambert was quick to close it behind him.

"That should be enough logs at least till the evening," he said putting the large basket down, deciding to leave it in the corner rather than try to find room for it in the already busy lounge. At least they wouldn't have to go out to get more for some time. "Is there anything else I can do?" he left his coat hung by the back door and his boots on the mat but somehow even his jumper had gotten that smell of cold air.

-

Iver laughed loudly at the look on Torben's face after Adelaide's comment. "Et tu, Brute?" Torben said to her with more of a note of hurt than he actually felt.

Jonna couldn't help but smile at Adelaide. She really couldn't have picked anyone more wonderful for her twin, or for their family as a whole. The way they'd all taken her in like she was always meant to have been there.

"Not sure I'd use the word wonderful," Fenrin commented with a laugh that earned him a snow ball to the chest. It only made him laugh more.

"I hate all of you," Torben declared, but of course he actually meant the opposite.

-

The smile that lit up Jonna's face was entirely out of her control when the door opened to reveal Jonathan. "Merry Christmas," she replied, stepping inside just enough to let the other enter whilst also not moving that far from the alpha. Merry Christmas was echoed by her brothers as they pasted.

"Excellent," was all Torben said, apparently not needing any more invitation to do as Jonathan bid and make himself at home. Before the word had even really finished leaving his mouth he was heading off in search of the kitchen with the Glogg still tucked under his arm.

Jonna smile up at Jonathan again after the forehead kiss. Little actions like that filled her with a warmth that made her wanted to hug him as tightly as she possibly could. She resisted for now, but still wanting that contact, found herself putting her hand on his arm. "Didn't have to, but wanted to,"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Christmas at the Pack House

Jonathan and Juliet had been making rather a tag-team affair out of Christmas Day within the pack since he'd taken charge and she'd joined. It wasn't to say that others didn't help, as that was far from the truth. In reality it was a collective affair of prepared dishes, drinks, decorations and the like. But a good deal of the cooking, present wrapping, and 'magic' of it typically fell onto their shoulders, though both loved that. In truth they were thick as thieves in their efforts, particularly in the years when Maisie and Abi would still believe that it was, in fact, Santa and not Jonathan in his famed red suit. But they still persisted with a grander sort of affair than most because it was a day to truly appreciate and celebrate the pack, and with the ways it had grown over the years the festivities only followed suit. This year felt even more special given the recent scares with some of the pups, and so their doors would be open to more guests than ever before to embrace the season.

Everyone in the pack knew well enough that they were able to arrive or wake up at their own pace, so by 11 AM nearly everyone had gathered, save some of the additional guests.

-

Juliet had returned to the house not too long ago, continuing in her cooking efforts in between moments of doting on little Gemma who was decorating sugar cookies with Sam. Cami was off to one side of the kitchen putting the finishing touches on a few festive drinks she'd helped prepare.

-

Austin had left to collect Brynne, Lucas, and Darcy from halls and they'd just entered the front door to begin shedding off their layers of snow coated outerwear and shoes. While the three younger ones darted off into sitting room, he made his way over to some of the older pack members, though his intent was really to speak to Robbie.

"Poppy's just pulled up outside," he said to the group, though he trusted well enough that everyone there would know why he was even saying anything at all. He even caught a knowing sort of smile from Rosamund who nudged his side covertly.

"And Cosmo, I'm sure," she chimed in before casting her gaze towards the direction of the foyer in a purposefully nonchalant way. "Must have her hands a bit full."

-

Ivy had joined the slow growing group of younger pack members milling about in the sitting room ahead of the gift giving once she'd arrived. She sat tucked against Abi's side as Rory snapped a picture of the two.

Rory passed them the mini polaroid so that they could have it once it developed. "It's cute, trust me," she assured with a grin.

-

Poppy had parked her light blue beetle in beside Juliet's car a few minutes ago, and was now doing her best to balance her two bags--one being her overnight bag and the other being Cosmo's--while also carrying a large covered dish that held some treats Magnolia had baked for the back. Cosmo, meanwhile, had darted out into the snow and was trying to catch falling snowflakes. She shut her car door and turned her focus to her cat with a bit of a laugh. "Your feet are going to get terribly cold doing that, you know," she chided.

[robbiethebear]

The quick glance his way by his sister when Austin announced Poppy had just arrived wasn't lost on him. Though he was glad she carried on in her conversation. "I'll go see if she needs a hand," he declared to no one in particular as he put his half drunk mug of tea down. The bite of the snowy air was a shock after the warmth of the pack house, but a very welcome one. He'd always done better in colder temperatures. A smile spread across his features at the sight of Cosmo trying to catch snow flakes, "She's not wrong," he sat to the cat. As his eyes moved to Poppy his smile softened. "Here let me get some of that for you," he offered as he approached, "Oh, and merry Christmas Poppy,"

-

"Thank you!" Abi reached for the photo, staring at it as it slowly started to develop. "Our first photo of our first Christmas officially together," she said turning to Ivy and pressing a kiss to her cheek. It was odd how natural it felt to do that even here in front of everyone.

-

"Our turn," Killian took the camera from Rory's hands, wrapping an arm round her to take a selfie of them. "You and me after, right?" he said to Mercury, who'd been curled up by his feet till he'd gotten up.

-

Livvy jumped up from where she'd been squashed into an armchair conspiring with Enna and Star and ran over as the latest group arrived. "Merry Christmas you gorgeous creatures!" she said, pulling Darcy and Lucas into a hug.

-

"So Bry," Star said by way of calling her over to the spot just vacated by Livvy, "Fletch said he saw you chatting to some super tall, handsome nephilim guy the other day. What was that about?"

-

Lottie entered in through the back door, having gone across country to get the basket of forgotten veg they'd left at home this morning. "If I'm not mistaken I think it's trying to snow again," she commented as she put the overladen basket on the kitchen island. Maggie had taken off towards the living room the second she'd opened the door. "Someone's about to get a lap fully of snowy retriever puppy,"

-

"It's my hospital, I can't not be on call," Torben grumbled as the little group made their way up the drive of the local packs main house.

"It's very good of you to take the day though," Jonna interjected before Iver could comment. All four of them were carrying something, not wanting to arrive empty handed. It was by pure luck that none of them had picked the same thing to bring. Jonna had a basket of saffron buns she'd baked that morning, Iver had a large jar of Christmas toffees, Fenrin a gingerbread cake and Torben had a case of Glogg tucked under one arm.

"It's good of Jonathan to invite us all, clearly he's never met Torben," Iver ducked as he made the comment, pre-empting the first full of snow thrown his way with a laugh.

"I am delightful at parties, I don't know what you're talking about," Torben replied, wiping snow from his hand against Iver's coat.

Fenrin turned his head to grin at Adelaide as they brought up the rear, stopping as Jonna knocked on the door.

[poppy-and-her-cuppa]

NYE Confessions

To say that Poppy had been avoiding Robbie since the hasty Christmas kiss incident was an understatement. She'd already planned to have the week off of work between Christmas and New Years, but had even gone so far as to stay with Magnolia for the bulk of that time. She was quite the sort to panic, which came as no surprise to anyone that knew her well. And her friend hadn't pressed the issue... at least until the afternoon of New Years Eve. She'd been giving Poppy the heads up that she'd be away for the night, and had not so subtly told her to face whatever was bothering her head on so that she could go into the new year with a clear conscience. And, well, Poppy couldn't really argue with that logic.

So she'd moved herself and Cosmo back into her flat, gotten nearly settled in, and then picked up her phone to call Robbie. Only she was remembering him having mentioned bwing open on NYE even despite the day. And that thought was really all it took to send her off on her jaunt to Caledonia Repairs.

It wasn't far, all in all. About a ten minute walk normally. But she hadn't properly looked into the fact that it was about to start snowing about halfway into the journey. So her hair was now faintly damp and dotted with the odd few snowflakes, much like Cosmo's fur on Christmas morning.

She'd nearly started to knock before the door opened into the small office space attached to the garage, revealing a clearly surprised Robbie who seemed to be trying to close up shop. "Hi..."

@robbiethebear

[robbiethebear]

Despite having planned to stay open normal hours Robbie was slowly starting to close up the shop several hours earlier than planned. No one else had booked in for the afternoon and given the weather, drop ins were unlikely. Most people would probably leave it till New Year’s Day or after that now. He paused before opening the safe to check his phone. It was something he’d found himself doing more frequently in the past week. But the message he was hoping to see was never there. This time wasn’t any different. Sighing he put the cash drawer away in safe. All that was left to do was close up the main space and he could go home to that glass of Scotch Kenna had promised to have waiting for him.

Switching the light off he stepped out of them office and came face to face with the person who hadn’t left his mind since Christmas Day. Though if he was being honest that wasn’t entirely unusual. But this week had been. She’d kissed him and then left and it had been all he could think about. All he could worry about - the possibilities of why she would avoid him after that.

“Hi…” he replied, surprised to see her even though it’s what he’d been hoping for. Now she was here though he wasn’t quite sure what to say. “How have you been?” Was all he could settle on in that initial moment.

[alpha-of-chicago]

Pack Christmas Celebration

It might come as a surprise to most, that Adam was a sucker for the holidays. Especially Christmas. Mostly because it provided a safe space for the pack to come together and celebrate.

He never slept the night of Christmas Eve. There was simply too much to do. The great room in the Pack house held their three large Christmas trees. All decorated. Each member of the pack given the opportunity to have an ornament for themselves. It was a week long process getting everyone's ornaments on the trees. And they didn't have to be anything specific. Some were simple colored orbs, some were pictures, some were crafts, or there was Ben who always put a little stuffed Krampus on the center tree just to be funny. Some of the younger pack members were scared of it. Assuming Ben had it cursed somehow and if they got too close it would ruin their Christmas. But for the most part, it was a fun activity everyone enjoyed. Even Bryce added to the tree this year. A little wedge of cheese. Only it was coated in glittery green paint, with his name scrawled accross. Adam imagined Jessie helped him with it.

There were totes and totes of presents to be placed under the trees. Adam placed each one into his masterpiece. Running his fingers over each name. A smile of fondness for each member of his pack. Some might say the numbers of shifters would be too much for one -person to handle. But Adam loved his Pack. They were his family. And he'd never have it any other way.

There was one present, that didn't make it under the trees. A soft velvet box, tied together with a red ribbon. Juliet scribbled on the tag. They were already engaged. But Adam hadn't given her the ring yet. He was an old-fashioned sort. He meant to get down on one knee and propose to her properly. But that would be for later. When the two were alone.

Once the presents were settled in their respectful places. Adam moved to the kitchen. He worked tirelessly on his Christmas Spread. There were all types of food. The sweet treats, savory croissants with egg and ham, mimosas for the older pack members, a variety of bagels and muffins, with different flavored cream cheese and jams. Adam rarely cooked. But when he did, it was a masterpiece.

Once satisfied, Adam poured himself a generous portion of hot cocoa and settled himself on his easy chair set in the corner of the main room. Sighing contently, he sat to wait for the earliest of the pack to wake and come stumbling in.

[robbiethebear]

Just because it was Christmas Day didn't mean Robbie's body was going to let him sleep in. He didn't set an alarm but he was showered, dressed and heading downstairs by half five. Someone else was bound to be up too. He wasn't surprised to find that it was Adam. Though he suspected his alpha actually hadn't been to bed yet. "Merry Christmas," he said with a smile as he entered the kitchen.

"This looks, and smells, incredible," as he said it he heard another light set of feet hurrying down the stairs. A smile spread over his face before she'd even entered the room.

Kenna tackled her brother with a giant hug. Not that it even moved him an inch. "Nollaig shona," she said, squeezing him tightly. Robbie laughed softly, hugging her in return and replying, "Nollaig shona,"

"Merry Christmas Adam," Kenna then said, going over to give him a hug too. Knowing how early Robbie got up, Kenna always set her alarm early Christmas Day. Unlike him though, she was still in her pjammas. She had at least brushed her hair though.

[poppy-and-her-cuppa]

"Thank you. That's rather sweet of you to say."

[robbiethebear]

"I mean it, you look beautiful," Though in reality she always looked beautiful to him he supposed.

[alpha-of-chicago]

...

[robbiethebear]

Robbie was admittedly rather surprised to find Adam drunk. He wasn't sure when the last time he'd seem him like this was. Actually he wasn't sure he'd ever seen him like this. "Right,"

[agent-gianna-duran]

"What? Sometimes I just want to eat cereal. Makes you feel like a kid again."

[robbiethebear]

"Can't argue with that. Though for me its porridge with golden syrup. That's what I always had as a kid,"

[robbiethebear]

"There's no need Poppy, honestly," he assured her. "I might not be a regular coffee drinker but it's good,"

[poppy-and-her-cuppa]

Poppy bit her lip as she watched Robbie. He was polite to a fault, and she felt rather like an imposition for insisting he try the latte simply because of the art on top. "You promise you don't want a regular cuppa? I wouldn't be offended."

[robbiethebear]

He gave her a small smile. Because it was just like her to need to be absolutely sure he was ok with what she'd given him. That consideration of others was one of the things he admired about her. "I promise," he repeated. He likely would have drunk it even if he hadn't liked it. But it did actually taste quite nice. "It makes a nice change. You know how much of a creature of habit I can be,"

[poppy-and-her-cuppa]

At Poppy's Brews

"Oh... I could make you something different if that's not to your tastes?"

[robbiethebear]

"There's no need Poppy, honestly," he assured her. "I might not be a regular coffee drinker but it's good,"

[through-the-eyes-of-yasin]

Kaiden laughed a bit at the scam call before promptly hanging it up.

"Why do they always choose talk about a warranty?"

[robbiethebear]

"Probably think everyone has one," he shook his head, "I don't know how they can live with themselves doing that,"

[hiro-builds-things]

At the Pack House

"Oh no I haven't really met much of the pack yet. I'm Hiro."

[robbiethebear]

"Well there are quite a lot of us to meet, it could take some time. I'm Robbie,"

[the-beauty-of-bea]

Leaving the Hospital

"Sorry, did you say something?"

[robbiethebear]

“Just that you dropped this,” he said, holding out her ID badge

[will-wants-to-save-you]

“Sorry about the mess.” He said gesturing to himself. “Just delivered a baby before i got off. 7 pounds 6 ounces. Perfect little baby girl.”

[robbiethebear]

Robbie waved away the apology, “If I cared about mess I’d be in the wrong industry,” he gestured to himself in turn, his coveralls and t-shirt covered in grease stains. “Well done, hope it went smoothly?”

“It was an easy fix, just some lose wiring,” he said, handing over Will’s car keys.

[robbiethebear]

"Only if you're absolutely sure, I'm ok if you'd rather not," If she'd already done the office and hall he'd won't blame her if she'd had enough. Both of cleaning the blood and of the smell. Robbie sighed at her question, rubbing the spot between his eyes with the back of his wrist. "Yeah, I'm doing ok," and he was in truth. A little worried, a little tired from the come down from the adrenaline and stress. But ultimately ok. "I've dealt with worse. I'm more concerned about Fletcher, I don't think he's been around anything like that before," he added. "How are you with it all?"

[jealous-of-josie]

Josie nodded assuredly, grabing a couple of cleaning clothes and securing them over her hands with the hair ties on her wrists to guard her skin at least somewhat from the chemicals. "I'm sure. No sense in you doing it all by yourself," she replied, wiggling her fingers in her makeshift mittens. It wouldn't really lighten the mood, or the reality of what the were doing, but she couldn't help but try. His reply made her expression drop though. He looked drained, that much was clear, even if he wouldn't let on. "Okay in the sense of being upright, but you don't need to pretend it doesn't affect you." She climbed up into the truck, beginning to scrub at the stains on the back floorboard. "I think he was still asleep. At least when I came back downstairs... we can both go check on him when we're done, yeah?" The question made her pause. Robbie wouldn't know about her former pack or the reason she'd come to Chicago. "It's not the worst I've seen either... or the first time I've cleaned up this sort of thing." She brought her gaze back to Robbie. "So, I'm upright," she replied, a sad sort of smile on her face.

[robbiethebear]

He watched her fashion her cloth mittens with some amusement. “Well thank you then. Though I’m sure there’s a pair of marigolds in the kitchen if you’d rather,” he nodded towards her hands. Robbie watched her for a moment. He couldn’t deny she’d sort of hit it on the head. He wasn’t unaffected but he was upright as she said. “Yeah,” was all he said in confirmation though. “That’s good, he needs the rest,” he picked up a fresh cloth and got back the the patch he’d been working on. “I think that’s a good idea, if you’ve got the time.” When she said it wasn’t the worst she’d seen, or the first she’d cleaned up, his head popped up. There was a deep frown on his face. He didn’t know about her past, knew nothing really of her life before coming her. So her words concerned him about what she might have been through. It was her story though and he wouldn’t push her on it. He forced the frown the ease, “Upright is good,” he said, echoing her sad smile.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Closed for Pack Members

Jonathan’s slow walk home to the Pack House was far from quiet. His mind ran through the events of the evening. To the blood that remained on his hands, dried in patches on his skin and clothes. Thankfully, in true Chicago fashion, nobody seemed to notice—or care enough to approach him.

His talk with Hayden had involved a lot of repetition. Numbing movements of his mouth and tongue to form the same half-explanations and truth that ended up being as much value as saying ‘I don’t know’ in the end. Hayden was livid and on guard, and the pack second would expect nothing less of the head of the Institute. It was an effective declaration of war on the shifters’ part, and Jonathan considered this an extremely serious, not to mention delicate matter of negotiation from there.

He hadn’t much noted the passing of time as he’d stood there in the courtyard of the Institute, nor the stiffness of his muscles after what had, indeed, been hours in the company of the nephilim. Magnus Bane had rushed in with the two girls who had gone to fetch him in the first place, and his exit broke the effective cycle of the conversation between Jonathan and Hayden. Jace was stable, at least. Both of them had been waiting to hear that much, and the gratitude was mutual even if it went unspoken. Jonathan reaffirmed that Hayden would be welcomed, encouraged to speak to Adam. To investigate as he ought to. The logistics of that would fall on the two leaders to decide in the coming days, of course, but Jonathan’s hand in the matter had come to a close then.

At least, it began to. He was starting to leave when the Midbreeze sister came forward, catching his arm. Both of the other nephilim nearly jumped to her defense on instinct, but she held up a hand behind herself. Her focus remained on Jonathan, who posed her no true harm. Even she seemed to know that with her bold action. “Promise me you’ll protect my brother,” she began, her voice quiet. “I know he won’t let me come with him, so please… I can’t have him come back like that.” Jonathan was pained by the implication that Adam’s violence was nearly expected to repeat itself, but he could hardly blame the girl for her worry. She seemed to have a strong spirit and in that moment he felt that she was quite like Elle. Hardened exterior, defensive, but truly vulnerable when it came to the people she cared about. He nodded, placing a hand over the top of hers. “I swear I will protect him.” It was a dangerous promise given the implication of staring down his alpha once more, but he couldn’t help but feel devoted to her plight. The two of them released each other then and Jonathan left without another word.

But that weighed on him. It all did. Jace had nearly died, and all over Jessie. It confused him still, and he hoped that the answers would come in time.

He came in through the back door of the Pack House, managing to avoid any of the cubs as he went about cleaning himself up. Nobody needed to see the blood, least of all himself anymore. He’d just settled to sit on the edge of his bed when a knock at his bedroom door alerted him.

“Come in,” he called out.

[robbiethebear]

Robbie and Fletcher had both wanted to wait up for Jonathan to get home after they'd cleaned up. Kenna had found them falling asleep at the kitchen table though and after a bit of arguing gotten them to go to bed. Fletcher had still been out for the count when Robbie had checked on him this morning. One of the should really talk to him later, make sure he was ok.

Cleaning the blood out of his truck had taken longer than he thought and by the time he came back in he could tell Jonathan had returned at last.

At the summons Robbie pushed the door open, "I won't keep you long, expect you'll want some rest, but just wanted to make sure you were ok?" he asked. Then the other question that had been playing on his mind, "And the boy?" he didn't add 'is he alive'.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan offered Robbie a tired smile. It was good of him to check in. He'd always seen the bear shifter as an effective pack third for the sake of his attentiveness, and the current moment only proved the value in that. "I don't think I merit much worry, but I appreciate you checking, in any case. It was a bandage over a bullet hole at best, my staying there. A gesture. I'm not sure Hayden appreciated it, but I wouldn't expect him to either," Jonathan explained, his eyes lost in thought still. "Magnus Bane saved him. So we won't be charged with murder, at least. But tensions are certainly high with the nephilim. They won't take this lying down."

[robbiethebear]

"You've been gone all night, and Midbreeze didn't seem inclined to let you in. Which means you've been stood outside with him all that time," Robbie countered, meaning in his book he definitely merited check on. Facing someone who quite possibly saw you as an enemy for that long had to be draining. He hadn't liked leaving their Second there undefended either. Not that he thought the nephilim would have attacked him exactly but it felt wrong, leaving a man behind like that. "Did he give much grief over it?" he asked with a frown, crossing his arms over his chest. Robbie breathed a sigh of relief. "That's something then," he was glad he'd been saved and not just for their sakes. "No," he scrubbed his beard, "Can't say I blame them if I'm being honest. Any inkling what they might do?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan laughed a bit at the retort, the sound a bit tired but still warm. He shrugged in defeat. “You have a point, I’ll grant you. But I needed to stay. I wouldn’t leave until I knew of Jace’s welfare, not for anyone’s sake… and I knew it would be a long night, so I didn’t want to keep you and Fletcher there. I do apologize though,” he replied genuinely. He stretched out his arms and muscles as he replied again. “As much as you started to hear at the beginning before I sent you away. He didn’t accept my half explanations as anything of real value. And I do wish I had more information to have given him. It felt incredibly detached, the whole ordeal.” The question made him pause. He knew only roughly about nephilim punishments and the like, and wasn’t certain he could comment on Hayden’s anger towards Jace versus the pack. “I think we’ll know better after he meets with Adam… but I couldn’t even say as to what that exchange will look like.”

[robbiethebear]

"Not necessary," he waved the apology away. He understood why he'd done it even if he didn't like it. "We would have happily stayed though," perhaps is was an unnecessary thing to say but he wanted to voice it. "Admittedly we tried to stay up to see you arrived back safe, but Kenna sent us to bed," he gave the other man a rye smile. Robbie sighed, nodding to what Jonathan said, "I see," with everything still so raw and them having had such little information he couldn't imagine it going any other way really. "For the sake of everyone involved I hope they smooth it over. Is it bad to admit I'm not optimistic that they will?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

“I know you would have, and I’m grateful for it. I merely didn’t want to appear aggressive by maintaining some sort of backup.” Jonathan had to smile at Kenna’s involvement. Another pack member keeping an eye out for the rest when those officially in charge were caught up in other issues. It was nice to know things wouldn’t necessarily fall apart without their input. “Good on her. You both need the rest, especially after that sort of thing. Is Fletcher keeping alright?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he fought back a dry laugh. “If it is, then we’re both bad for it. I don’t really know what to think at this point.”

[robbiethebear]

“Ok, I can see that,” he conceded. It had been a delicate situation, still was really. He might have liked leaving their Second their alone but he could understand now that under the circumstances it had been the best course of action. Robbie smiled at little at Jonathan’s response to what his sister had done. “He definitely had a large amount of probably nervous energy last night, couldn’t sit still the whole way home. Saw him heading out on a run when I came in just now, so hopefully that’ll help him some.” Robbie hummed, considering this. “Well all we can do now is keep our fingers crossed I suppose. I should leave you, let you get some sleep while you can,”

[robbiethebear]

Robbie had been up early, wanting to get at least most of the blood cleaned from the truck before the younger pack members were up and about. Before Jessie was. He could still see the look on her face when he'd walked into the office last night. He didn't want to put any of them through seeing the blood. It was taking longer than he thought and he was starting to kick himself for not doing it as soon as they'd gotten back. When the fumes had started getting really bad he'd resorted to a painting mask. It didn't block it out completely but it helped.

At the familiar voice he glanced over his shoulder. "Morning Josie," he greeted, walking a little way away from the truck and pulling the mask down. "Thanks but don't worry, nay point us both getting dirty. I wouldn't mind the company though, if you can put up with the smell?"

[jealous-of-josie]

Josie had already started walking over, waving off his words. "It's quicker with two people, don't be silly. Besides, I got a nose full of the stuff this morning when I was cleaning up the office and hallway, so it's really no harm. I'll get used to it again," she explained, casting a glance over the truck. It was clear that he'd been working at it for some time given the collection of soiled rags and the like he'd accumulated. She looked back up at Robbie. "Are you doing okay? I know that must have been a lot to deal with."

[robbiethebear]

"Only if you're absolutely sure, I'm ok if you'd rather not," If she'd already done the office and hall he'd won't blame her if she'd had enough. Both of cleaning the blood and of the smell. Robbie sighed at her question, rubbing the spot between his eyes with the back of his wrist. "Yeah, I'm doing ok," and he was in truth. A little worried, a little tired from the come down from the adrenaline and stress. But ultimately ok. "I've dealt with worse. I'm more concerned about Fletcher, I don't think he's been around anything like that before," he added. "How are you with it all?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Closed for Pack Members

Jonathan’s slow walk home to the Pack House was far from quiet. His mind ran through the events of the evening. To the blood that remained on his hands, dried in patches on his skin and clothes. Thankfully, in true Chicago fashion, nobody seemed to notice—or care enough to approach him.

His talk with Hayden had involved a lot of repetition. Numbing movements of his mouth and tongue to form the same half-explanations and truth that ended up being as much value as saying ‘I don’t know’ in the end. Hayden was livid and on guard, and the pack second would expect nothing less of the head of the Institute. It was an effective declaration of war on the shifters’ part, and Jonathan considered this an extremely serious, not to mention delicate matter of negotiation from there.

He hadn’t much noted the passing of time as he’d stood there in the courtyard of the Institute, nor the stiffness of his muscles after what had, indeed, been hours in the company of the nephilim. Magnus Bane had rushed in with the two girls who had gone to fetch him in the first place, and his exit broke the effective cycle of the conversation between Jonathan and Hayden. Jace was stable, at least. Both of them had been waiting to hear that much, and the gratitude was mutual even if it went unspoken. Jonathan reaffirmed that Hayden would be welcomed, encouraged to speak to Adam. To investigate as he ought to. The logistics of that would fall on the two leaders to decide in the coming days, of course, but Jonathan’s hand in the matter had come to a close then.

At least, it began to. He was starting to leave when the Midbreeze sister came forward, catching his arm. Both of the other nephilim nearly jumped to her defense on instinct, but she held up a hand behind herself. Her focus remained on Jonathan, who posed her no true harm. Even she seemed to know that with her bold action. “Promise me you’ll protect my brother,” she began, her voice quiet. “I know he won’t let me come with him, so please… I can’t have him come back like that.” Jonathan was pained by the implication that Adam’s violence was nearly expected to repeat itself, but he could hardly blame the girl for her worry. She seemed to have a strong spirit and in that moment he felt that she was quite like Elle. Hardened exterior, defensive, but truly vulnerable when it came to the people she cared about. He nodded, placing a hand over the top of hers. “I swear I will protect him.” It was a dangerous promise given the implication of staring down his alpha once more, but he couldn’t help but feel devoted to her plight. The two of them released each other then and Jonathan left without another word.

But that weighed on him. It all did. Jace had nearly died, and all over Jessie. It confused him still, and he hoped that the answers would come in time.

He came in through the back door of the Pack House, managing to avoid any of the cubs as he went about cleaning himself up. Nobody needed to see the blood, least of all himself anymore. He’d just settled to sit on the edge of his bed when a knock at his bedroom door alerted him.

“Come in,” he called out.

[robbiethebear]

Robbie and Fletcher had both wanted to wait up for Jonathan to get home after they'd cleaned up. Kenna had found them falling asleep at the kitchen table though and after a bit of arguing gotten them to go to bed. Fletcher had still been out for the count when Robbie had checked on him this morning. One of the should really talk to him later, make sure he was ok.

Cleaning the blood out of his truck had taken longer than he thought and by the time he came back in he could tell Jonathan had returned at last.

At the summons Robbie pushed the door open, "I won't keep you long, expect you'll want some rest, but just wanted to make sure you were ok?" he asked. Then the other question that had been playing on his mind, "And the boy?" he didn't add 'is he alive'.

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan offered Robbie a tired smile. It was good of him to check in. He'd always seen the bear shifter as an effective pack third for the sake of his attentiveness, and the current moment only proved the value in that. "I don't think I merit much worry, but I appreciate you checking, in any case. It was a bandage over a bullet hole at best, my staying there. A gesture. I'm not sure Hayden appreciated it, but I wouldn't expect him to either," Jonathan explained, his eyes lost in thought still. "Magnus Bane saved him. So we won't be charged with murder, at least. But tensions are certainly high with the nephilim. They won't take this lying down."

[robbiethebear]

"You've been gone all night, and Midbreeze didn't seem inclined to let you in. Which means you've been stood outside with him all that time," Robbie countered, meaning in his book he definitely merited check on. Facing someone who quite possibly saw you as an enemy for that long had to be draining. He hadn't liked leaving their Second there undefended either. Not that he thought the nephilim would have attacked him exactly but it felt wrong, leaving a man behind like that. "Did he give much grief over it?" he asked with a frown, crossing his arms over his chest. Robbie breathed a sigh of relief. "That's something then," he was glad he'd been saved and not just for their sakes. "No," he scrubbed his beard, "Can't say I blame them if I'm being honest. Any inkling what they might do?"

[secure-with-j-lockhart]

Jonathan laughed a bit at the retort, the sound a bit tired but still warm. He shrugged in defeat. “You have a point, I’ll grant you. But I needed to stay. I wouldn’t leave until I knew of Jace’s welfare, not for anyone’s sake… and I knew it would be a long night, so I didn’t want to keep you and Fletcher there. I do apologize though,” he replied genuinely. He stretched out his arms and muscles as he replied again. “As much as you started to hear at the beginning before I sent you away. He didn’t accept my half explanations as anything of real value. And I do wish I had more information to have given him. It felt incredibly detached, the whole ordeal.” The question made him pause. He knew only roughly about nephilim punishments and the like, and wasn’t certain he could comment on Hayden’s anger towards Jace versus the pack. “I think we’ll know better after he meets with Adam… but I couldn’t even say as to what that exchange will look like.”

[robbiethebear]

"Not necessary," he waved the apology away. He understood why he'd done it even if he didn't like it. "We would have happily stayed though," perhaps is was an unnecessary thing to say but he wanted to voice it. "Admittedly we tried to stay up to see you arrived back safe, but Kenna sent us to bed," he gave the other man a rye smile. Robbie sighed, nodding to what Jonathan said, "I see," with everything still so raw and them having had such little information he couldn't imagine it going any other way really. "For the sake of everyone involved I hope they smooth it over. Is it bad to admit I'm not optimistic that they will?"