Happier Than Ever — Epilogue (5/5)
WC: 12.8k words Warnings: Fluff. Comfort. Closure. A/N: And yes. We'll have a sequel about just Luna. We love her too much to give her up.
Previous chapter: Epilogue (4/5)
First chapter: Year 0 (Part ½)
masterlist
The boys were practically bouncing with excitement about going to class. It didn’t surprise Luna in the slightest — after nine whole days stuck in that suffocating room, even she was itching to see the outside and feel the hum of other people around.
“Alright, line up, let me see everyone,” Luna called out. “Let me see, let me see!”
It was ten kids, six of them going out to join the morning classes. Most of them got dressed on their own, all she could really do was inspect the results and make sure no one looked like a disaster.
“Mama,” Hunter groaned dramatically. “We want to go!”
“And I want to make sure you don’t show up looking like wild animals,” she replied, walking over to him. “Did you wear your good socks?”
“Yes,” came the chorus of replies, some enthusiastic, some whiny.
“And did you check your shirts for stains before putting them on?”
A few guilty glances darted away.
They hadn’t brought much — just a pair of nice outfits, the rest purely practical. But still, just because this place wasn’t glamorous didn’t mean her sons were going to show up in wrinkled, sleeveless shirts, half-untucked, no belts, hair sticking up in ten different directions.
She reached out to tame Hunter’s wild hair, trying to smooth it down from its spiky chaos, but he backed away like she was made of burning iron.
“Mama! It’s my style!” he protested.
Luna raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Oh, is it?” she teased. “Well, your ‘style’ is going to scare off everyone in this building.”
“No, it won’t!” Hunter huffed, crossing his arms.
Luna scowled playfully.
“Fine,” she sighed, tugging lightly at his shirt collar to straighten it. “But try not to get this one too dirty, alright? I still have no idea how laundry works around here.”
They’d already gone through half the boys’ clothes — and that was with them wearing things on repeat. Most days, Luna and Mum had just been handwashing whatever they could manage in the tiny basin, using the rationed detergent they’d been given. But that was for the everyday stuff. These were their good shirts.
She moved to Prince next, quick and efficient, and he gave her a quiet little smile as she tucked a stray bit of hair back into place.
“Weren’t you clever to remember to bring some gel?” she teased, stepping back to check his overall look. “How are your shoes?”
“Fine,” he nodded. “I packed the big ones. Stuffed them with paper.”
That made her smile. Prince’s feet were growing fast — to be fair, Prince was growing fast — and he’d already outgrown the shoes she’d gotten him just last year. Thank goodness she’d thought to buy the next size up the last time around.
“Smart boy,” she exhaled, giving his shoulder a little pat.
Then she turned to Ted, and her expression tightened slightly when she noticed the top buttons of his shirt were undone.
No, that would not do.
“Mama!” he whined, trying to squirm away as she reached for him. “It’s my style!”
Luna raised a single brow. Style, was it?
“And what exactly are you hoping to show your new classmates, sweetheart?” she asked as she swiftly buttoned him up. “How smooth your chest is?”
Prince and Hunter snorted as she adjusted Ted’s shirt, her boy’s face going pink as she closed it up.
“I have chest hair!” he insisted.
“And so do I,” she replied simply. “Doesn’t mean anyone else can see it — unless they’re standing in front of a mirror, squinting at it while the sun hits just right.”
He pouted — honestly, he looked half like Jupiter at that age.
“Let’s wait a few more years of puberty and some informal occasions before you start showing off, alright?” she requested, patting his shoulders with a light squeeze. “This is school. Temporary school, but still school.”
Luna tried not to show her worry too much as she looked up at his blushing face. She cupped his cheeks and kissed his temple softly.
“You’re a very pretty and smart boy,” she reminded him gently. “No chest hair needed.”
The pout didn’t disappear from his lips, but he didn’t argue or reach for his buttons again, which she took as a small victory.
Then she moved on to Archie.
He stood still, shoulders a little stiff, jaw tight. He looked tense, far more so than the others.
“And what about you, my dear boy?” she asked softly, brushing her thumbs over his cheeks.
He lowered his eyes, the usual sparkle in them missing.
Luna pressed a kiss to his cheek.
“What is it?” she asked softly.
“I don’t know,” he mumbled. “Just nervous, I think.”
Luna watched him quietly for a moment, her hand still on his cheek as he leaned into it, all deflated.
“You’ll do great,” she said softly. “Sammy and Sweetie will be with you the whole time.”
As if on cue, Sweetie rushed to Archie’s side and grabbed his hand.
“We’ll sit with you!” he declared.
“Yes!” Sammy chimed in, bouncing on his toes. “And we’ll play with you too!”
She brushed his hair back gently, already growing long. Oh, how she hoped he would let it grow a little bit. He looked so cute.
“See? You’ve got two very loyal little companions,” she rubbed his shoulder, then turned her attention to the duo flanking him. “And speaking of you two…”
Luna squinted the dynamic duo on each side of Archie, focusing on Sweetie.
“Did you wash behind your ears this morning?” she asked, tone light but suspicious.
“Of course!” he said quickly.
She tilted her head, unconvinced.
“So if I rub it and smell it… it won’t stink?”
Sweetie’s eyes went wide — guilty wide. He squeezed Archie’s hand tighter, trying to look innocent.
“It might stink a little…” he admitted, voice small.
Her brows rose slowly, and Sweetie gave her his best pout.
“I forgot!” he whined. “But I did wash the rest of me!”
Luna scowled.
“I believe you,” Luna chuckled, tugging him gently forward by the shoulders. “But those ears are your responsibility, mister. And if I sniff a stinky ear again, I’m assigning your brothers to scrub them with soap.”
He gasped dramatically.
“You won’t!”
She fixed him with her most serious, no-nonsense stare.
“Don’t doubt me.”
His eyes widened, and without another word, he bolted off to the bathroom.
“I washed mine!” Sammy declared proudly. “And under my nails!”
He thrust his hands out for inspection, little fingers splayed wide. Luna chuckled as she leaned down to take a look — sure enough, his nails were squeaky clean.
“No stains?” she teased. “And you washed everywhere?”
“Everywhere,” he confirmed with a serious nod, then dropped his voice to a whisper. “Even where people can’t smell me.”
Luna laughed, brushing his cheek with her fingers.
“Good boy,” she said, smiling. Then she exhaled and smoothed her hand down his arm. “Now, try to let your brothers do some of the talking too, alright?”
Sammy nodded — vigorously — but Luna knew that look. Whether or not that advice would stick was anyone’s guess.
He really was the sweetest boy, but like Juno when they were younger, he loved to talk. Nonstop. Endlessly.
And sure, when she was a quiet kid, Luna had loved having someone do all the talking for her too. But the boys had to learn how to speak up for themselves. That would only come with practice — and patience.
“Mama?” a small voice called.
She turned just in time to see Lex padding over, still messy from sleep, his hair sticking out in every direction.
“Are you sure I can’t go with them too?”
Luna softened immediately, crouching slowly to meet him halfway as he came into her arms.
Her poor baby had been so excited about his first day, he barely slept a wink the night before.
“I know you want to, sweetheart,” she said, holding him close. “But your class starts after lunch, remember?”
Lex pouted, little brows tight together.
“But I’m almost seven!” he protested. “Six is almost seven!”
Luna smiled, fingers gentle as they smoothed his sleep-mussed hair.
“I know, love,” she agreed. “But you just turned six, remember?”
He pouted deeper at that, dramatically resting his head on her shoulder like the world had betrayed him. Luna let out a soft breath, pressing a kiss to his temple.
“Why don’t we kiss your brothers goodbye,” she offered, “and wish them a good day?”
He hesitated for a moment, and Luna did her best to straighten up fully.
The pain had eased significantly — with the anti-inflammatories and access to proper medication again, there were even moments when she almost forgot it altogether. She could move more easily, engage with the kids more naturally, and even her arm was regaining some usefulness. Compared to the day they arrived, everything had improved.
Luna nudged Lex toward the boys, and, as expected, he was instantly swarmed with attention — kisses, hugs, and a chorus of goodbyes.
Oh, her sweet baby.
“And you?” Mum came up beside her, laying a hand lightly on Luna’s shoulder. “How’s my baby?”
Luna sighed, her eyes still on the children.
“Content,” she replied quietly. “But nervous for them.”
The interview had aired the night before, though none of them had watched it — not Luna, not Mum, and certainly not the kids. It was better that way. Better if the boys didn’t hear or see any of it.
They’d had breakfast together in their quarters, keeping the morning simple, familiar. Safe.
Still, Luna didn’t know how people would react to the boys. How they'd be treated once they stepped out into the world beyond their door.
Mum rubbed her shoulder gently.
“They’ll be fine,” she said with quiet certainty. “They’re good kids.”
Still, Luna couldn’t help the way her brows drew together as she watched Lex cling to his brothers. The older boys were already straightening up, gathering their schoolbooks and the old, worn bags they'd been given to carry them in.
Then came a knock at the door.
A soldier, most likely.
“Now you, my sweet darling,” Mum turned to Lex, cupping his cheek, “are going back to sleep.”
Luna offered her a small smile and moved toward her boy, adjusting her clothes quickly before answering the door.
When she opened it, Jones stood on the other side, giving a respectful nod.
“Ma’am.”
“School express, I see,” Luna said on an exhale.
He smiled gently — and something about his face tugged at her again, like every time she saw him.
Where had they met before?
She squinted at him, trying to place the memory, but quickly looked away before he noticed.
“Kids,” she called over her shoulder, “Soldier Jones is here.”
The boys straightened up immediately. Jones cleared his throat, his voice quiet.
“Before we go…” he hesitated, then lifted a book from under his arm. “I, uh… I found something.”
Luna turned to him again, both curious and confused.
Something?
“For the little gardener,” he added softly.
Her eyebrows shot up.
Wait...
“For Lex?” she asked, surprised.
Tiny bare footsteps pattered on the floor the second before Lex appeared at her side, as curious as a little cat.
“Me?” he beamed, already breathless with excitement.
Soldier Jones smiled.
“I remembered you were always talking about plants whenever I escorted you kids out,” he said gently. “Thought you’d like this.”
He held out the book, and Lex grabbed it with both hands, squeaking with excitement.
It was a book on the plants and flowers of District 2.
“Thank you!” Lex exclaimed, practically bouncing. “Mama, it’s a book of plants!”
Luna couldn’t help smiling at the joy on his face.
“It is,” she said warmly. Then she looked to the soldier. “Thank you, Soldier Jones.”
“Thank you, Soldier Jones!” Lex repeated even louder, still hugging the book to his chest.
He rushed off, and Luna could hear Mum chuckling in the background.
“Nana, nana, nana, nana! Look, look, look! It’s a book on plants!”
Luna laughed under her breath, watching him go.
Oh, he absolutely wasn’t going back to sleep anytime soon.
“Come on, the rest of you,” she called. “We don’t want to be late.”
She stepped back, offering a small smile to Jones. Her eyes lingered on him for a moment.
His gun was strapped to his back. Whenever he came up to their area and thought no one was watching, he always wore it that way — different from the other soldiers. It was a quiet, but thoughtful gesture, and she noticed.
The boys headed out, and she caught Jones mouthing their names to himself as they passed, clearly trying to remember who was who. Archie, still all tense, slipped to her side and took her hand, squeezing it tightly.
“We’ll drop off the younger ones first,” Jones explained, glancing at the group. “Then the older kids’ classroom is a bit further down.”
He hesitated, his eyes resting on Archie before he looked at Luna.
“In case no one mentioned it, lunchtime’s collective. You’ll be able to see your mother, grandmother, and brothers there — plenty of time to catch up before heading back to class.”
“Well, isn’t that nice?” Luna said, smiling down at Archie and raising his hands to give his knuckles a kiss. “I’ll want to hear everything about your morning.”
He gave her a soft look, still pouting at her.
“It’s gonna be great,” she assured him.
Archie exhaled, and Luna didn’t let go of his hand. She kept it wrapped securely in hers as they walked, trailing just a bit behind the others. The older boys — bless them — seemed to focus more on Sammy and Sweetie up ahead, giving her and Archie a quiet bubble of space.
Sammy and Sweetie, of course, looked far less nervous. If anything, Sammy was practically buzzing with excitement.
“Do you think there’ll be dirt?” he asked, glancing up at Prince. “They might let us dig. The doctor said we’ll do lots of stuff there! Oh, and recess! We have recess in our school!”
“I think they do,” Hunter answered. “We see a bunch of kids outside around the same time every day. Must be recess.”
“Yes!” Sammy pumped a fist in the air and skipped a little as they walked.
She smiled a little, watching him go. Well, at least someone was excited.
The classroom wasn’t far. Luna guessed they’d chosen this location as a sort of middle ground — close enough to their living area to feel safe, but not so close it stifled anything.
When they arrived, the door was already open, and Jones stepped forward, pausing at the threshold.
“This is the classroom for intermediary children,” he said, his tone gentle as he looked at the boys. “You can say your goodbyes and head inside.”
Luna gave Archie’s hand a squeeze, raising it to her lips in a gentle kiss.
“Alright, you three,” she said, patting his shoulder. Archie let her go, stepping aside as she drew the other boys closer too.
She kissed each of their foreheads with care, adjusting their shirt collars one by one, fingers fussing nervously with their hair.
“Okay, now; no getting into trouble,” she reminded them, her eyes flicking between their faces. “Listen to the teachers, stay with your group, and don’t wander off. If anything happens, you tell me, and I’ll try to fix it. Alright? No handling things on your own. And no running to your brothers either.”
They really couldn’t afford to stir up any kind of trouble here.
“Okay?”
“Okay,” all three replied in that drawn-out, slightly nervous chorus.
“Alright then,” she exhaled. “Let’s go in. And I’ll say hello to your teacher. Or… teachers?”
She winced a little. Oh, she really hoped it wasn’t too many people.
Sammy darted into the room without even waiting for her, his excitement carrying him forward like a little whirlwind. Sweetie and Archie, more hesitant, stayed close to her sides as they stepped in together.
It was a small classroom with just two other children already seated and only one instructor, a woman who looked to be in her thirties. Her accent seemed to be from District 2, though Luna had now thought better than to trust that kind of assumption after everything with District 13.
The instructor introduced the boys to the other kids — Marcus and Aurelia, a sibling pair as well — and by the time Luna stepped back, they were all settling in around a round table, quiet but curious.
She lingered in the doorway just a second longer than necessary, watching as Archie cautiously took a seat by Aurelia’s side, and she offered him her book, and Sweetie glanced back at her one more time. Luna gave him a soft wave before stepping fully out, leaving them to settle into the room on their own.
She took a breath, straightened up, and turned to the others. Hunter immediately stepped forward and took her hand, giving it a small tug.
“Already missing them?” he teased, eyebrow raised.
Luna smirked, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
“As much as I’ll miss you.”
It wasn’t a lie, she had gotten used to spending her whole day with them already — and it was good to keep an eye on them.
Hunter made a face at that, though it couldn’t quite hide the little smile tugging at his lips.
Jones led them further down the hall to the next room, where the noise level was a little higher. When they stopped outside the door, it was clear this classroom was larger — busier, too.
Inside, there were seven — maybe eight — other kids already settled, boys and girls ranging from preteens to early teens, clustered in small groups around the room. Two instructors were near the front, both older and with that look and posture of experience, and they wore the standard grey uniforms like the soldier.
Luna shifted, uneasy as at least half the room turned to watch their arrival. The boys ducked behind the doorway almost right away, pulling her along with them. Hunter’s face was all pink when he tried to peek inside again, clearly nervous.
“What?” Prince hissed, glancing at him.
“It’s a big class,” Hunter mumbled, clearly embarrassed.
She took in a deep breath.
Yeah, it was a big class.
Still, she smiled at them and reached out to smooth the front of their shirts, her good hand was still steady, even if her heart wasn’t.
“Alright, you three stay out of trouble,” she reminded them gently. “If you have any problem—”
“We talk to you,” Prince finished for her, his voice soft but certain.
Luna paused, her eyes finding his.
“We got it, Mama,” he said, nodding. “Don’t get into trouble, listen to the instructors, have a good day.”
“And… stick together,” Teddy added quickly.
Both boys turned to look at him, and Teddy’s cheeks flushed a little pink.
“Please,” he mumbled, a bit curled in him self.
She looked at the three of them.
“And stick together,” she repeated, then added with a soft smile. “But try to make friends too.”
It would do them good to spend time with kids their own age.
“Do you want me to come in with you?” she offered gently.
Teddy glanced over at Hunter and Prince, uncertain, but her two oldest boys straightened almost at once.
“We can go in on our own,” Hunter said quickly.
“Yeah, we’re not little kids,” Prince added, chin tilted up.
Luna scowled, just a little. If only they knew how young they still were.
But she nodded, taking a quiet breath.
Alright. It was their choice.
She kissed each of their cheeks in turn, squeezing their hands one by one.
“I’ll see you at lunch,” she promised. “You can tell me all about your day.”
They stepped through the door, and she stayed behind, fingers tightening around the fabric of her overalls as she watched. When the instructors glanced her way, she gave them a small nod.
A few kids approached the boys almost immediately — maybe nudged forward by their parents beforehand — and Luna caught the sight of two girls elbowing each other and exchanging sharp little hisses, eyeing them.
It was oddly comforting.
Teenagers. Just… teens. In a different place, but still kids.
She stepped away — even if, yes, every part of her wanted to linger, watching them like she used to when they were little.
But they weren’t babies anymore. And she couldn’t hover.
So she turned to Jones and let out a long breath.
“Well…” she glanced up at him. “I guess that’s that.”
He gave her a gentle smile and fell into step beside her as they started walking back, subtly shifting his weapon so it pointed away from the classroom and Luna herself.
“I’m sure that wasn’t easy,” he said, voice low and kind.
Luna exhaled, rubbing her fingers over the fabric of her overalls.
“It’s not,” she murmured. “I just hope they don’t get into any trouble. Things are hard enough as it is.”
“From what I’ve seen?” Jones said gently. “They’re good kids. Full of personality, sure, but kind. And with their heads on straight. That counts for a lot.”
She let out another breath, slower this time.
“I’m trying to focus on that,” she agreed quietly.
They walked in silence for a stretch, and Luna found herself sneaking another glance at him.
Jones was… familiar. Tall, dark brown hair, dark eyes… she was tired of turning that over and over in her mind, but she knew him. She had to.
They had to know one another.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
She blinked, caught off guard.
“Your neck,” he clarified. “And your shoulder?”
Luna nodded a little, exhaling.
“It’s alright. Easier, at least. I don’t think I can take off the braces yet, but… it’s bearable.”
“Are you getting medicine?” he asked — quieter this time, and definitely worried.
“Yes,” she said. “Daily.”
Another pause. And again, she glanced at him.
“Have we met?” Luna asked suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Jones turned to look at her, brows lifting slightly in surprise. For a moment, he just looked at her, like he wasn’t sure what to say.
“I’m sorry,” she added quickly, her voice softer now. “I just… I have this feeling I’ve met you before.”
Jones seemed to not mind, nodding slowly — almost to himself — as he searched for it mentally.
“Fourth of July,” he said at last. “Year of the 75th Hunger Games.”
Luna stopped mid-step, blinking.
Oh?
Jones had stopped too, looking at her now with something more focused in his gaze, and she quickly caught back up.
That was a long time ago.
“On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder that even the most devoted among us were not spared the losses brought by rebellion,” Jones recited like it was buried into his memory. “The male and female tributes shall be drawn from the heirs of previous victors. No volunteers will be accepted. In this, we honour the cost of peace — and the legacy left behind.”
Luna breathed in deep.
Heirs of former Victors, yes. She remembered that. Children, and grandchildren. Nephews and nieces if they had no direct descendants — the closest related children between 12 and 18 they could find if needed.
It had been her first Reaping with Prince. They’d dragged her all the way there to stand behind Cato, and her baby had been so fussy the whole time…
And…
She frowned, thinking back to that stupid hot afternoon.
“I was with the adults,” Jones said softly. “My brother was reaped.”
It dawned on her slowly.
Yes. Yes, she remembered.
“Romulus,” she said aloud.
Romulus Jones. Fifteen years old. He had been their male tribute that year. The boy had been so terrified when his name was called that he’d—
She turned to look at Jones. He was already watching her, and there it was — that long, old sadness etched deep into his face, clouding his eyes.
Romulus had run straight into his brother’s arms — just a few steps away from where she’d stood for the reaping moment. The Peacekeepers had pulled him so roughly they tore the poor boy’s clothes, and still, he kept calling out for his brother — Remy.
And Remy had to be held back by three peacekeepers to stop him from chasing after the boy. They dragged him away, kicking and screaming, and Luna had never seen a man cry the way he did — with such desperation, such pain, such unfiltered love.
Jones looked away then, eyes distant, jaw tight as he faced forward.
Cato had called the boys so many names before he joined the tributes. But after he left, when it was just Luna and Prince alone in that big, echoing house, she had held her baby so tightly. Kissed him over and over.
She had even wanted to attend the poor boy’s funeral. But when the news came that he’d died, she had been so devastated she could barely leave her bed. She was grateful Cato was still in the Capitol — because she cried for days, spent days holding her baby, aching for that terrified boy who had only wanted his brother.
She’d been pregnant with Hunter then, just into her second trimester. And all she could think about was the image of her own kid running to her or to Prince and being dragged away the same way.
“I’m sorry,” Luna said quietly, voice thick. “I’m so sorry.”
Jones nodded once, firmly.
“I’m here for him,” he said. “So no one ever has to go through that again.”
She exhaled.
Of course.
Of all the reasons to rebel — and there were many — his was certainly a noble one.
They walked together in silence, the quiet stretching comfortably between them as Jones guided her back toward her quarters. When they reached the door, he offered her a gentle smile.
“I really hope they have a great day, Mrs Hadley,” he said kindly.
“Luna,” she corrected, the word slipping out before she even thought.
Jones glanced down at her, one brow lifting in quiet surprise.
“Just Luna,” she repeated, softer this time.
She was going to shed that surname as soon as she could. There had to be a way.
He exhaled, nodding softly.
“Luna,” he repeated and looked into her eyes with a gentle smile. “Remus.”
Remus and Romulus, like Juno and Jupiter.
“Remus,” she echoed.
He held her eyes a moment longer, his smile deepening, warm and real.
“Just… don’t let them hear you saying that,” he added in a lowered voice. “Security and all.”
Luna nodded sharply.
“Yeah,” she confirmed, soft. “Makes sense.”
They stood there together for a bit of time, and he cleared his throat.
“I’ll come pick you all up for lunch,” he said, voice firm but kind. “We’re still looking for a proper chair for the little boy and the crib for the baby, but I’ll bring them over as soon as they’re in our possession.”
“Of course,” she nodded. “Thank you.”
He dipped his head in a stiff but respectful nod.
“Until later, Luna.”
“Have a nice day, Remus,” she replied softly.
He smiled — and there was something so deeply sweet in the way his whole posture softened as he walked away. Not like a soldier.
Just… a man.
Just a man.
She went back to their quarters feeling a little lighter — though sad, too, in a quiet, settled way.
Lex was curled up on his little bed, clutching his new book tightly to his chest. Luna’s heart ached as she sat beside him, brushing his hair back gently. The image from so many years ago came rushing back — a scared boy being pulled from his brother’s arms, screaming his name.
Remus Jones had become a rebel so her sons wouldn’t have to live what he had lived.
And that mattered more than she could put into words.
Their morning was strangely quiet — which was absolutely new since… everything.
It was weird.
It wasn’t silent, of course. With Lex, Blue, Dash, and Juni all under one roof, quiet was relative. But still, there was something about the hush that felt almost unfamiliar.
When lunchtime came around, the true chaos began: it was almost impossible to keep Lex in the outfit he was supposed to wear to go down.
“But I want to wear my nice shirt!” he insisted, holding it up like it was made of pure gold.
Luna knelt in front of him carefully, brushing back his hair.
“You will, sweetheart,” she told him. “But first, we’ll eat.”
Lex frowned, hugging the shirt tightly to his chest.
“But how will I go to class wearing it if I’m not already wearing it?”
She smiled gently, smoothing his hair. Oh, her sweet boy.
“We’ll come back after lunch and put it on. That way, if you drop food on it, it won’t get stained.”
Lex considered it very seriously. Then, at last, he nodded, satisfied with the logic.
“Okay. But only because it’s a special shirt.”
Luna exhaled. Well, that was easier than expected. If it were Blue, they’d still be negotiating by dinnertime.
She kissed his forehead and stood, stretching her back a little.
Juni was already cooing at Mum, while Dash was upside down in a chair he had no business climbing while Blue read his book on his bed.
“Dash, baby, come down,” she called, sighing. “You’re going to fall.”
“No!” Dash barked, standing tall on the chair like a tiny daredevil.
Luna pinched the bridge of her nose and glanced around his spot.
No sharp corners. Not too far from the ground. He looked like he was just about to jump.
“Dash,” she warned, voice firm. “If you jump, you’ll bang your knee or elbow, and I’ll have to put the chair away.”
“No!” he shot back, louder.
Terrible twos. Her ninth round of them.
Mum stood up, Juni in her arms, already giving Dash the look.
“Dash,” she started.
“No, no,” Luna interrupted, waving a hand. “Sammy was just like that. Let him fall.”
From her math, the worst that could happen was a bit of a bruise, and some crying.
Mum raised her eyebrows, clearly amused.
“Well, aren’t you the one who used to run out screaming if Prince or Hunter scraped a knee in the garden?”
Luna snorted.
“That was eight kids ago.”
Mum chuckled.
Luna wasn’t even looking anymore when she heard it — a squeak, and then… thump.
Three… two…
“Mama!” Dash wailed, the tears already coming.
Luna sighed softly as she turned, and there he was: already standing, rubbing his little butt.
Well, she thought it’d be his knee, but the booty was pretty close.
She walked over and knelt in front of him, and Dash threw himself into her arms without hesitation.
“What did I tell you?” she whispered, rubbing gentle circles on his little back.
Dash cried into her neck with every ounce of strength in his tiny body — sniffling, hiccuping, letting the betrayal of gravity wash over him.
“Mama!” he sobbed again.
She adjusted him in her arms, rocking slightly, pressing kisses to his temple.
“Oh, my poor baby,” she cooed softly. “I know. I know.”
Luna held a little groan as she stood, rocking him.
“That’s why we don’t jump from chairs,” she reminded him gently. “It hurts our butts.”
Dash cried harder at that, and Luna could see Mum biting her lip, clearly trying not to laugh as she watched them.
Luna rocked him a little more, stroking his back.
“Next time you listen, hmm?”
Dash didn’t answer — just clung tighter, sniffling like the world had betrayed him.
She made a mental note to move the chair somewhere Dash couldn’t climb when her good arm was free.
Luna rocked him gently, Dash still sniffling against her, and Mum looked far too amused as she set Juni down and went to help Lex shower for lunch and then his class. Luna shifted, reaching out to pet Blue’s soft hair where he sat curled up with his book, completely absorbed.
“Honey,” she called softly. “Blue, eyes on me.”
He hesitated, then carefully placed his finger on a paragraph to mark his place before looking up at her.
“Lex is showering, and we’ll leave for lunch in ten minutes,” she said clearly. “I’ll remind you again when he’s out.”
“Lunch?” he echoed, his big eyes blinking slowly.
Luna nodded.
“Remember how I’ve been telling you for a few days that we’re going to start having lunch downstairs?”
It had been a whole process, easing Blue into the new routine ever since the preparations for the interview began. Carefully, gently, step by step.
“It’ll be a bigger table,” she continued. “And we’re going to eat with Lyme. Okay?”
Blue’s honey-brown eyes searched her face, quiet and serious as ever.
“Okay,” he said slowly. “Ten minutes?”
“Ten minutes,” Luna confirmed. “Soldier Jones will walk us down.”
Blue considered that with his eyes still fixed on her.
“I like Soldier Jones,” he said finally. “He is nice.”
Luna smiled, warmth swelling in her chest.
“He is,” she agreed.
Ten minutes later, at last, they were walking out the door, with Soldier Jones — Remus — guiding them.
Did it take a little extra time to get Lex to set down his new garden book, along with a solemn promise that no, Blue was not going to take it the moment he left it behind?
Yes.
But hunger won the battle, and they were off to lunch, the boys already eager enough that obeying instructions was the easiest solution in the world.
The older kids and Lyme had already claimed a large table by the time they arrived, and Prince, Hunter, and Ted looked suspiciously sweaty when she spotted them.
Those practical lessons must have started early.
“Luna,” Lyme greeted her, giving her a smile that was half tense and half relieved. “It’s good to see you.”
After that whole interview mess? Yeah, it was good to put that behind them.
“Lyme,” she greeted back. “Thank you for joining us.”
“My pleasure.”
Mum was already settling Dash into a worn-looking highchair tucked at the end of the table, taking the seat beside him, while Luna set Juni’s pram carefully at her side and locked the wheels with her foot. Lex and Blue clambered up between their brothers without much prompting.
Juni seemed to realise she was somewhere new — her wide little eyes taking in the room — and Luna couldn’t help melting when Ted hurried over, grinning as he crouched beside the pram.
“Hi, Juni,” he cooed.
She kicked her little feet excitedly, opening a big gummy smile.
“Hi,” Ted laughed, reaching to tickle her belly. “Did you miss me?”
Juni gurgled even louder, reaching for him, wrapping her tiny hand around his finger. Ted chuckled, leaning in to press a kiss to her little belly.
“Hello, pretty girl,” he cooed.
Luna’s attention shifted as Remus spoke from behind her, his voice polite but warm.
“I’ll leave you kids to it,” he said. “I hope lunch is great.”
She looked up, offering him a smile, and he nodded gently before straightening into his usual, stiffer posture — all discipline again.
But before he could take a step away, Lex’s small voice piped up across the table, clear and earnest:
“Can you eat with us?”
Luna turned to her boy, just as everyone else did — even Remus seemed caught off guard.
“Please?” Lex asked again, his big blue eyes locked onto him with all the quiet hope in the world.
Oh, it ached Luna’s heart. She braced herself for the no she was certain would come, already preparing to gather Lex into her arms when he cried about it.
For a moment, there was only silence.
When Luna glanced at Remus, she found him looking toward Lyme, his face carefully blank.
Lyme's neck was stiff as she glanced from Lex to Luna, and then back to Remus.
The nod she gave him was tiny — barely a flicker — but Luna caught it. And she saw the way Remus’s shoulders eased the slightest bit, the tension bleeding out.
“Of course, little gardener,” he said at last, his voice warm. “Let me just grab a chair.”
Lex immediately set about bossing everyone around, making them shuffle and scoot so Remus could place his chair right between him and Prince.
Prince, for his part, was glaring the entire time — but, to his credit, he didn’t say a word about it.
Luna smiled a little to herself as she settled Juni more securely by her side. And around, the realisation only now dawning on her that she had no idea how the food distribution worked.
All this time, it had just… appeared, delivered straight to their quarters.
Were they supposed to line up? Was someone bringing it?
Before she could speak up, Lyme did so, almost as if she'd plucked the thought from her mind.
“We should go get the food before you sit,” Lyme said, standing as Remus put his chair down. “The table’s secured now. The older children can come with us,” she looked at the boys, and then at Luna. “And I can bring yours back for you as well.”
She exhaled, relief softening her shoulders.
“Thank you.”
Lyme nodded, her eyes warm, as Remus — efficient as ever — locked his gun and set it securely at his side.
“I’ll get your food too,” Lyme added, turning to Mum with a respectful incline of her head. “We’ll be back soon. Morning students, follow me, please?”
The boys stood awkwardly, exhaling looks, but following after her while Luna stayed back with the youngest four and Mum, who already had a steadying hand on Lex’s shoulder to keep him from getting too antsy.
“It’s alright, they’ll be back in a minute.”
Luna watched them make their way, surprised to find several eyes either following them or suddenly turning to look at her.
She straightened her back, looking away, her fingers twitching to fidget with the fabric of her overalls. She scratched at the seams with her nails, trying to ground hersel, staring at the table.
Well, it didn’t really matter where her eyes were, she could feel every single pair of eyes on her and the kids as they sat and waited, keeping her eyes on the table as something buzzed under her skin, uncomfortable.
Luna flinched when someone moved too close, her whole body tensing — only to find Lyme standing there, tray in hand, frozen mid-motion.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
Luna exhaled sharply, forcing a tight smile as she shook her head.
“It’s fine,” she said quickly, her voice a little too high. “Just... a little jumpy today.”
Every day.
Lyme gave her a short nod, knowing look but didn’t push. She simply set the tray down gently in front of her, careful not to invade her space again.
The meal was as organized as always — closed portions labelled with her name, the clear lids foggy from the warmth inside.
Luna waited until all the boys were seated and settled before touching hers.
Remus quietly brought over Blue and Lex’s trays, setting them down in front of the boys with a gentleness that didn’t match his sharp uniform or role. When he finally sat, Lex beamed, looking downright thrilled to have him sitting right beside him.
The smell of the food was practically the same as always — lentils again, with grains and vegetables she couldn’t quite identify.
But something else lingered in the air. Something different.
When she looked up, she caught Lex, Hunter, and Sweetie all subtly leaning into Remus’ plate, eyes wide and hopeful.
Ted, Prince, and Sweetie were not much better, trying — and failing — to sneak glances at it.
“Boys,” Luna called firmly.
All their heads snapped toward her at once.
“He has chicken!” Hunter whispered, sounding genuinely shocked.
Luna gave him a pointed look.
“We do not eye other people’s plates,” she reminded them.
Well, her own stomach gave an excited little jump, anyway.
They hadn’t had meat once since the day they’d arrived.
Luna had held out hope it would show up eventually — any meat, really — but so far, nothing.
All their protein came from vegetables, grains, and the occasional sad little bean. Not even eggs.
She kept her eyes firmly on her own plate — not just because it would be rude to stare, but because she would really rather not think about what she wasn’t having.
“Eat your food,” she told the boys, tapping on the table. “Soldier Jones is part of security. He needs the extra protein.”
“I can spare some pieces,” Remus offered calmly. “It’s fine.”
Oh, God.
“You don’t have to,” Luna rushed to say, her words tumbling out. “We have perfectly fulfilling food.”
“I want chicken,” Blue spoke up immediately, his voice bright with hope.
“Me too!” Lex chimed in, sitting up straighter.
“I want chicken!” Dash echoed, kicking his little feet. “Can I have chicken?”
Luna grimaced, feeling the headache this would become already poking the back of her mind.
“Boys, please.”
“I’ll be right back,” Lyme said suddenly, stepping away with her tray.
“It’s Soldier Jones’ food,” Luna reminded them, exasperated.
But Remus only gave her a soft, steady look.
“It’s fine, really,” he said gently. “Just a piece for everyone — it’s not a sacrifice.”
And without making a fuss, he simply cut the meat, setting small strips onto the boys’ plates with an ease that made it clear he didn’t mind that at all.
He went around the table, placing pieces of chicken not only on the boys' plates, but even on her own, and on her mother’s as well. The boys attacked their food so quickly that it left her momentarily stunned.
“Remus,” she said, his name slipping out before she could stop it.
He looked at her, a soft, easy smile on his face.
“Just once,” he said, his tone casual, like it was no big deal. “It’s no problem.”
He settled back into his chair, a lone shy piece of chicken on his own plate. Without a second thought, he ate it, then moved on to his grain portion as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Luna stared at the chicken on her plate, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort well up in her chest. Her thoughts were interrupted when Lyme returned, making rounds around the table. She placed another slice of chicken on Luna's plate before sitting down, offering the same to Remus with a nod.
Luna stared at her for a moment, but it was her mother’s shocked expression that caught Lyme’s attention.
“I asked for an extra portion for myself,” Lyme said simply, her voice steady and matter-of-fact. “I have privileges.”
Yes, she had privileges. But an extra portion in a facility that controlled food so close that only very specific people beyond security got chicken didn’t seem exactly like something someone could just have.
Mum looked back at her plate, slowly starting to eat. It took Luna a moment to comply, seeing Dash grabbing his slice with his very hand, biting on it like a starved animal, and she didn't even have the soul to remind him to use his spoon.
Finally, she started to eat and it was honestly so strange to feel the texture of the meat in her mouth after what felt like months — when it was just ten days.
She left the last bite for last, to remember it.
There was a bell to announce that lunchtime was over, and the boys said goodbye quickly, going together to their classrooms, and Lyme returned to her duties, leaving Luna and Loba to take the kids up, and Lex was jumping and skipping and squealing to go change into ‘class clothes’.
Mum went in with the kids inside, leaving Luna with Remus, and she couldn’t even wait for the door to close before speaking up.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said, firmly. “The chicken.”
Remus looked at her with a little easy smile.
“It’s fine,” he said quickly.
“No,” Luna pushed, arms crossing. “It’s rationed. We’re on weighed portions, Remus. So are you. They’re stretching everything.”
He needed that food, he needed that protein.
Remus’s smile didn’t waver, but there was something gentler in the way he tilted his head at her — almost like he’d expected the scolding and welcomed it anyway.
“I’m not collapsing from hunger,” he said lightly. “And I’m not one of nine growing boys who miss chicken like it’s a gift from the skies and have gone through a hell of a week.”
“That’s not the point,” Luna pressed, arms crossed tightly. “They’re children. You’re security. You’re on your feet all day, you train, you — Remus, you need that food.”
He gave a small shrug, eyes warm but unreadable.
“I need a lot of things. One less piece of chicken doesn’t break me. But it made them happy.”
Luna tightened her teeth. Was he always this stubborn?
Yes, it was very kind. It was also very stupid.
“They’re going to expect it now,” she said, voice quieter.
“Then they’ll be disappointed tomorrow,” he said, not unkindly. “But for today, they were happy.”
Luna scowled — but the warmth blooming in her chest betrayed her.
The boys had been through a lot. So had she.
“It was very kind of you,” she said softly. “Thank you.”
Remus’s smile didn’t change.
“You’re welcome,” he replied simply. “It was nice to see how happy they were. Even the older boys smiled at me.”
That made her chuckle, the tension in her arms loosening.
“That is a victory,” Luna agreed, slowly uncrossing them.
He shifted, slipping his weapon behind his back in a motion that made him seem suddenly more at ease. Her eyes followed him, softer now.
“Lex loved the book,” she added. “So I think you might be on track to becoming his favourite soldier.”
Maybe even his favourite adult man, she thought, though she didn’t say it. Remus might be the only decent one Lex had ever known.
His smile widened at that.
“That’s great,” he said. “It was Remulus’s book, actually.”
That made her pause, surprised. She looked up at him, caught off guard.
“He loved gardening,” Remus explained, serious, though the corners of his mouth lifted faintly. “And…”
He hesitated. She saw the moment he swallowed hard, collecting himself.
“When we were boys, he had that same light blonde hair,” he murmured. “Bowl cut and all. Our mum used to do it in the kitchen.”
Luna chuckled. Did Lex have a proper bowl cut? No, not really.
Cato had always insisted the boys wear their hair just like his — sharp, uniform, controlled.
But it was growing out now, softer, longer. She’d managed to delay the last few haircuts so much that it was starting to fall in that awkward, charming way that could be mistaken for a bowl cut.
She glanced up at Remus again.
“I thought the book would be more useful getting loved by Lex than hiding in my things,” he said finally, low and thoughtful.
Luna’s chest ached gently at that.
“It will be,” she agreed. “He was holding it tight when he went back to sleep this morning. Insisted I made sure no one will touch it while he is away.
Remus’s soft laugh was barely audible, but it reached her just the same.
Their moment, light and quiet, broke as the door creaked open and Lex stepped out, chest puffed with pride in his freshly pressed clothes. He was dressed in the outfit he’d been eager to show off all morning: a crisp white shirt tucked neatly into his long navy shorts, new socks pulled high, and his shiny shoes gleaming with effort.
“Mama, Soldier Jones, I’m ready!” he announced, practically vibrating with excitement.
Luna smiled, hand going to her chest.
“Oh, look at this handsome student, Soldier Jones!” she exclaimed.
Remus gave a soft whistle of approval.
“Sharp enough to lead the whole unit, little gardener.”
Lex beamed, practically glowing.
“And I almost didn’t need Nana’s help to dress up!”
Luna smiled, trying not to laugh at his words. Mum had probably done most of the work after some talking of convincing him it would make him look his best.
“Let me see,” she said, crouching down in front of him to get a full look. “Oh, look at my handsome boy!”
Lex grinned, puffing out his chest as she straightened his shirt collar. His hair had clearly been brushed — probably with some grumbling — but it was in place.
“And let me see those teeth?” she asked with mock seriousness.
He opened his mouth in a huge grin, baring his teeth proudly.
“Blow on my face,” she whispered playfully.
He giggled and did as told, and she inhaled dramatically.
“Mmm! What nice minty breath!” she declared, grinning as she took his little hands in hers, lifting them up to kiss his palms. “And soapy little hands. All clean!”
Lex beamed, eyes sparkling with delight, and Luna supported herself on the wall to stand fully – though the ache she expected on her back had eased out with the medicine.
“I clean up very well, Mama,” Lex affirmed as if it was obvious. “I wash my hands, brush my teeth, and clean behind my ears.”
Remus gave a low chuckle, clearly amused.
“Well done,” he said warmly. “That’ll make you grow into a strong and handsome man.”
Luna reached out her hand, still smiling, and Lex grabbed it eagerly, bouncing on his feet as if he could barely wait another second.
“Now let’s go, Mama!” he urged, tugging her along. “We don’t want to be late!”
“Alright, alright,” Luna sighed with a smile, glancing up at Remus with a playful smirk. “We shall go, my little gentleman. Soldier Jones, would you care to lead the way?”
Remus gave a mock formal nod, voice dry with humour.
“We shall go — before he decides to find the classroom on his own.”
Lex giggled, gripping her hand tighter as they began to walk.
The classroom wasn’t far, tucked in the same wing as the others, but set slightly apart. When they reached the door, Luna took in the effort someone had clearly made to brighten the space. There were paper flower cutouts all around, drawings taped to the grey walls, and simple, hand-made decorations that softened the hard edges of the room.
Someone had tried — really tried — to make the space feel less like a concrete box and more like something soft, familiar. Safe.
Lex’s eyes lit up at the sight.
“There’s flowers!” he whispered excitedly, pointing with his free hand. “Just like the book!”
Luna smiled and squeezed his small fingers gently.
“Maybe you can draw some of your own today,” she offered him softly.
Remus stood just behind them, watching quietly, and when Lex turned to him, he nodded solemnly.
“I’ll be excited to see,” he told him.
Lex puffed up with pride, glowing.
“Mama, what are your favourite flowers?” Lex asked, eyes wide with excitement as he looked up at her.
Luna smiled softly at him, thinking about the question.
She’d never thought much about flowers — never received them as gifts, never planted any. Most of the names blurred together in her mind. Still, after a moment, one did come to her.
“Beardtongues,” she told him, at last. “The tall white kind.”
Lex frowned slightly, clearly trying to picture them. The way his brow furrowed made her heart squeeze.
Oh, he wanted to draw them for her!
Luna reached out, brushing her fingers through his soft hair, touched by the sweetness of it all.
“And daisies,” she added quickly, smiling. “The kind with yellow petals.”
Lex lit up again, clearly happy.
“And you, Soldier Jones?” Lex turned to him, eyes bright with curiosity.
Remus’s smile was gentle and genuine, something soft blooming in his expression.
“Geraniums, little gardener,” he said warmly. “You know those small flowers with five petals that grow in bushes?”
Lex nodded eagerly, already picturing them.
“They’re the most beautiful,” Remus said, his voice full of quiet conviction. “I love them.”
Her little boy nodded eagerly, clearly already full of ideas, and Luna glanced into the room — just in time to catch the teacher walking over with a warm smile.
“Oh, you must be the Hadleys!” the woman said brightly, stepping to the door.
Luna instinctively straightened, the comfort of the previous moment slipping from her shoulders.
“I’m Julia,” the teacher introduced herself, beaming down at Lex. “And you must be little Alexander.”
Lex puffed up with pride, standing tall and serious.
“Aren’t you punctual?” Julia laughed gently, before turning her attention to Luna. “And you’re Luna.”
Luna swallowed down, clenching her hand on her overalls as Julia looked at her as if she had known her their whole lives.
“Yes. Nice to meet you,” she managed.
“I saw your interview,” Julia added. “It was very moving.”
Luna breathed in deep.
Of course.
“Thank you,” she mumbled.
Julia glanced around the hallway before speaking again.
“I was told you were unsure about bringing the second boy,” she said gently.
Luna straightened up a bit more, reaching for Lex and running a hand down his hair, trying to soothe herself.
“It’s just Lex for this class,” she said, trying to keep her voice firm. “I’ll be handling the younger children’s education myself.”
Julia nodded slowly, though Luna could see the disappointment in her eyes.
“Well,” she said, recovering her warm tone, “Lex is our very first arrival — why don’t we come in, and I can show you around the classroom while we wait for the others?”
“Okay,” Lex confirmed.
He turned to look at Luna, and she gave him her best smile.
“Goodbye, mama,” he told her, serious. “I have class now.”
She chuckled a little bit.
“Goodbye, baby. Have fun, and behave.”
Lex wrapped his small arms tightly around her, holding on. She expected a quick hug, but he lingered, clinging as Luna gently rubbed his back.
“You’ll do great,” she whispered to him.
There was a little bit of a wait, and he stepped back from her, straightening his back and going to his new teacher, both walking in together.
Just before crossing the threshold, he turned to look back — and Luna waved at him, her heart squeezing in her chest as she did.
She lingered a moment longer, watching through the doorway as he explored the room, poking curiously at what he could, answering his teacher’s questions.
Then a voice startled her from behind.
“Oh, you poor thing.”
Luna turned instinctively, her whole body twisting rather than just her neck, which twinged painfully in the brace.
A woman — likely in her late fifties or sixties — had come up behind her and just grabbed her by the shoulders, her touch abrupt and overly familiar.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, dear,” the woman gasped, her voice softening into an overly sweet tone, like she was speaking to a child. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. Are you alright?”
Luna tried not to tense, though her body instinctively recoiled, squirming backwards to try to create space between them.
“Yes,” she mumbled, her voice tight as she tried to slip out of the woman’s grasp.
But the woman’s hands didn’t retreat — one simply slid down to squeeze Luna’s good hand, the contact oddly firm and lingering.
“Well, don’t you look gaunt,” she said, focusing on Luna’s face with concern. “I’m sure it hasn’t been easy.”
Luna could only stare at her, stunned, a thousand answers dying behind her tongue as it soured with the woman’s pity.
“I’m Cornelia,” the woman said with a bright, unapologetic smile as she finally stepped back. “I usually bring the children.”
Luna forced herself to look away from her, noticing the three kids who must have slipped into the room while she was distracted. Two brown haired boys, one red-haired one.
“My niece is very involved here,” Cornelia went on, not bothering to pause long enough for Luna to absorb anything. “She needed someone to watch her boys, so I moved in. They’ve become fast friends with that little redheaded boy — so now I just bring them all to class together.”
Luna looked back at her, eyes still wide with lingering shock.
“That’s… helpful of you,” she mumbled, catching the faint sound of Lex giggling from inside the classroom.
At a different time, she would have turned and felt more at ease at hearing it, but at the moment, it did nothing but make her more tense as Cornelia peered into the classroom.
“He’s adorable!” she cooed. “If you ever need someone to keep an eye on him — or the others — I’m always around.”
No, she would not be taking her up on that offer. Absolutely not.
But before Luna could take a step back, Cornelia reached for her hand again, trapping it between both of hers, and Luna had to fight the instinct to yank it away.
“I’m also quite experienced with… exceptional children,” Cornelia added, her voice syrupy sweet, as if it were a compliment. “So if any of them are like you, I promise — it’s no trouble at all.”
Luna’s jaw clenched so hard it tugged at the muscles in her neck brace. She stared at the woman’s face, her tongue bittering.
No. Fuck, no.
“Thank you,” she said, voice flat as she pulled her hand free, stiffly. “But I am perfectly capable and available to care for my own children.”
Cornelia’s smile wavered for the first time.
“Mrs Hadley,” Remus called from his spot, his voice low. “We should go.”
She stepped away from Cornelia quickly, closing the distance to Remus, who gave the woman a short glance.
“Ma’am,” he said, nodding politely as he shifted his weapon in front of him.
Luna followed as he started down the hall, her body so tense she felt like her limbs might snap like twigs just by moving them.
They walked quietly the way until she was the one who broke the sound.
“I see people have enjoyed the interview,” she mumbled.
He inhaled soundingly.
“It was… strong,” he said quietly.
Luna paused, turning her body to look at him.
“You’ve seen it.”
Remus paused, turning and looking at her.
“I…” he began, then gave a resigned pause. “Everyone did. It played everywhere.”
It shouldn’t have surprised her.
Still, the same old feeling settled heavily in her belly, making her throat feel tight.
Remus stepped back toward her, his gaze gentle.
“It… clarified a lot of things,” he told her, maybe as an attempt to ease things. “It endeared you to people, I think. In a new way.”
She exhaled, fingers fidgeting against the worn denim of her overalls, and swallowed hard as she squared her shoulders.
“I can imagine it’s not pleasant to be known like that,” he added, voice lower. “My family hated it too.”
Luna let out a breath and started walking again, falling in step beside him.
“It isn’t,” she murmured.
He looked at her with something in his eyes she couldn’t quite read, like he wanted to say something but wasn’t able to.
They stayed quiet as they made the way to her quarters again, and Lyme was just coming from the other side when they made it to the corridor.
“Luna,” she greeted. “Soldier Jones.”
“Commander,” he greeted back.
“Lyme,” Luna mumbled.
She received a small smile back.
“This is a quick visit,” she explained right away. “I need to share some updates with you and Loba — plans for the next few days.”
Luna tensed slightly but stepped forward, opening the door and giving them room to enter just as Mum adjusted Dash’s covers, tucking him in bed.
“Lyme,” she greeted softly. “Soldier Jones.”
He nodded politely to her.
“Mrs Elletra.”
“Loba,” Lyme exhaled.
“Is everything alright?”
Luna walked back to her, and Mum’s hands were right on hers quickly.
“Yes,” Lyme said, nodding. “More than alright, actually. As we hoped, the interview has begun circulating — and it’s having the impact we needed.”
She turned to Luna, offering a warm, genuine smile.
“Thank you again. Truly.”
Luna just gave her a stiff nod, and Lyme’s expression brightened a little more.
“And I believe you’ll all be glad to hear that the conditions of your stay have changed. You’re now free to move about as you wish — no need to be escorted by a soldier anymore. You can walk the grounds, visit the gardens, the yard, figure out the place... mingle with the others. We believe the previous... tensions surrounding your family have been eased. Your story helped with that, Luna.”
Luna glanced at Remus.
Was this what he had seemed hesitant to say?
“That is good,” Mum said gently, drawing Luna’s gaze back.
“Yeah,” she echoed. “It’ll be good for the kids.”
“And for you,” Lyme added, kind. “It can’t be easy, being cooped up in here all day.”
Luna gave a small nod.
No, it wasn’t.
But the idea of wandering into crowds, of mingling with strangers, didn’t feel much better.
“There’s a small map of the facility available at the cafeteria,” Lyme continued. “You’ll also find amenities like the laundry room. The garden is still under construction, but we could use extra hands. Of course, you’re welcome to join in on any of the communal activities. We’re always looking for cooks, gardeners… cleaners.”
So the goal was to make them work.
Luna rubbed her fingers along the seam of her overalls, denim rough beneath her touch. When her eyes met Remus’s, his expression was gentle — like he understood exactly what was going through her mind.
People.
She would have to see and meet people.
“And socialising, of course,” Lyme added. “I know you’re usually occupied with the children.”
“Oh, this is the calmest moment we’ve had since arriving,” Mum chuckled, glancing back at Dash and Blue. “And only because Dash is sleeping and Blue is reading. They’ll be tearing through the place soon enough.”
She smiled, and Remus offered one in return.
“I’m sure he’ll enjoy getting out,” he said. “The classes usually have recess around four. They play together then.”
Luna exhaled slowly.
Yes — it would be good for Blue and Dash to spend more time outside. They needed the air, the space, the sense of something beyond these walls.
Still, the knot in her stomach twisted tighter. The thought of walking around without a soldier nearby didn’t bring relief — it made her want to groan.
If with Remus there, that woman had felt entitled to grab her, what would stop other people?
Why did people have such an obsession with touching?
Luna didn’t get it. Not in the slightest. Why touch a stranger?
But… yeah. They went to the yard after picking up Lex, because the boys deserved to run and laugh and burn some of that endless energy somewhere. She wouldn’t take that from them. They needed joy where they could get it.
And thus began her peril.
Because somehow — for some reason — people thought it was their sacred duty to say hi. Hello. How are you?
They sat by her side or stood in front of her or simply came to her with wide eyes and bright voices like she was an old friend, or worse, some kind of inspiration, and not a woman just trying to keep her toddler from eating dirt.
Every smile she had to force herself into giving them, every hand on her arm, every casual ‘I saw your interview’ she heard just made her want to melt into the pavement from exhaustion. This whole thing, the whole performing sociability was exhausting.
Even Blue was hating it.
“No,” he whined from the shade when someone tried to reach for him. “No touching me!”
The woman — she didn’t remember her name anymore — threw him a confused look, but Blue just ran to Luna, and she wrapped her arm around him quickly.
“I don’t like it,” he protested.
She exhaled, rubbing his little back.
“Yeah, neither do I,” she mumbled.
It took time to adapt to the new routine. Not for most of the boys — they dove into it with the enthusiasm only children could muster — but for Luna!
After ten days of being mostly on their own, cocooned in privacy, she’d gotten used to it. Blue had gotten used to not having to see anyone but family.
Juni… Juni didn’t care about anything, really. As long as she could lounge outside of her carrier-made-bed, she was content.
The other kids had all adapted at different speeds. By day four, Dash had mastered his new afternoon schedule, waking up like clockwork just in time to run headlong into recess like he’d just spent his whole day in class.
Luna was just grateful that, at some point, people started realising Mum was the social one in the family and mostly directed their attempts of conversation to her instead.
She smiled down at Juni, who let out a soft giggle, all gums and sunshine. Lifting her baby girl up, Luna rubbed her nose against the chubby belly and blew a raspberry, earning more giggles and delighted gurgles in return.
Her arm was out of the sling for a little while.
Should it be?
Probably not. Not for more than a few minutes at a time. She was trying to be careful, she really was.
But she also had ten children, and among them a near-newborn, a toddler, and a very clingy four-year-old. All three who adored being carried — by her, specifically.
So yes. She needed two arms.
As she lowered Juni back into her lap, the baby’s tiny fingers latched into Luna’s hair with surprising strength, tugging enthusiastically.
Luna winced.
Oh no.
Not this phase again.
She tried to adjust her hold, but balancing Juni was a challenge with the neck brace and her bad shoulder. Luna couldn’t even tilt her head to look down properly.
“Mum?” she called out, tentative.
She couldn’t stand like this. Not without dropping something — or someone.
“Oh, that…” came a voice, familiar and soft with amusement. “Mustn’t be comfortable.”
Luna lifted Juni slightly to peer upward. Remus was standing beside her.
He wasn’t in uniform today — just one of those grey civilian suits everyone working in the facility seemed to wear as uniform instead. Was it his day off?
“Alright, little girl,” he murmured to Juni, crouching slightly. “Let’s not break your mother’s neck, shall we?”
His fingers brushed her scalp gently, prying Juni’s tight little hands from her hair with careful patience.
“There, there,” he soothed. “You can hold mine instead.”
Luna stayed quiet through the rescue, wincing slightly at the tug of hair breaking loose.
She had a lot of it. It would survive.
“Thank you,” she mumbled as she lowered Juniper back into her arms, unable to keep herself from smiling.
As the baby let go of Remus’s fingers, Luna immediately moved to check her tiny hands, carefully fishing through them for any stray hairs. One wrapped strand could tighten fast and cut off circulation — Sweetie had gone through that once, and she wasn’t eager to repeat the scare.
“It was no trouble,” Remus said with a soft smile. “She looks very… grab-happy.”
Luna chuckled, shifting Juniper carefully as her shoulder started to ache — a sharp and already radiating pain that made her wince. She had raised it far more than she should.
“They all go through that phase,” she told him, adjusting her hold again. “If you ever want any of your own, just be warned: you’ll spend a year with someone constantly yanking your hair for no reason at all.”
She tried to tilt back and push her hair over her shoulders, but with the neck brace and limited arm movement, it was near impossible. When she looked at Remus again, she caught the way he was watching Juni — his expression tender, but touched by something sadder.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he told her in a soft voice. “How’s the shoulder?”
Her face burned in embarrassment, and Juni grabbed her hair again, though this time it was thankfully away from her roots.
“Don’t tell my mum,” she requested, wincing. “Or Lyme. Or the doctor.”
He shook his head, clearly amused by her.
“I won’t,” he promised. “I can hold her if you want to push your hair out of the way and get your arm back in the sling before they notice.”
Luna chuckled, instinctively searching for a reason to refuse. Her mind usually worked fast in moments like this — listing excuses, grasping at doubt, mistrustful. But this time, none came. No reason. No warning bell
She… trusted him just fine.
So, Luna shifted Juni carefully to his arm.
“Watch the neck,” she warned. “She can be heavy and likes to throw herself back.”
But Remus adjusted like someone who had done it a thousand times. He cradled her with the ease of a man who lived with a baby in his arms.
And to his credit, Juni just let him.
The second she registered the transfer, her big eyes went wide with curiosity. She focused right in on his face like it was the most interesting thing she had ever seen, and her small hands rose up to reach for it, fingers open and exploratory.
Remus just opened a smile as he moved her a little closer, balancing her and letting out a soft chuckle when she reached for his beard, trying to grab it, but his hairs were quite short — to his luck, honestly.
Luna slipped her arm back into the sling quickly, adjusting the straps while watching him smile down at her baby.
“I guess you can’t get a good grip, little Juniper,” he murmured to her gently, his voice light.
He kissed the air at her and blew a soft raspberry.
Juni let out a delighted squeal and grabbed his lips instead, squishing them with her small fingers. He didn’t flinch — just grinned through the squish and let her explore, perfectly content.
“Well,” he mumbled through her grip, “you’re certainly strong for someone so small.”
Juni giggled like it was the funniest thing in the world, her fingers still on his mouth, like she was fascinated by the way it moved under her palm.
Luna wasn’t even blinking as she watched them.
There was something in how easily he just held her daughter — how unbothered he was by the grabbing, the drool, and the complete lack of boundaries that came with babies.
Most people flinched or stiffened or acted awkward.
Not Remus.
“She likes you,” she mumbled without thinking.
Remus glanced at her, his lips still slightly squished by Juni’s hand. But he was smiling anyway.
“I like her too.”
Luna’s heart squeezed in her chest, tight and full of something she couldn’t even describe.
He blew gently against her palm again, and Juniper erupted into giggles, kicking her little legs in delight.
Finally, Luna managed to sweep her hair back, tucking it behind her ears and neck, hoping it would stay in place.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
Remus shifted slightly, ready to hand Juni back to her — but the baby had other plans. She latched onto his face with both hands, practically lunging forward and throwing herself into his chest.
Luna held back a gasp, eyes widening.
That little traitor!
“I’m sorry,” she said quickly, leaning forward.
“No, it’s fine,” Remus replied, adjusting his hold on Juni with simple ease. “You want to give your mother a break?”
Juniper gurgled back at him like she understood perfectly, still completely fascinated by his face.
“You don’t have to,” Luna said, hesitating. “She can be a handful.”
He shook his head gently under the grip of her tiny hands.
“It’s all fine,” Remus said. “Tell her, Juni. Your mother deserves a break, and as a friend, I’m offering it to her.”
Luna’d heart and whole body softened at the word.
Friend.
She turned toward him fully, surprised by how deeply it landed in her chest. Remus met her gaze with a warm smile, before turning his attention back to Juniper, now busy patting his cheeks.
Luna couldn’t even remember the last time she had a friend.
Before Luna could even react, a little blond blur came darting toward them, and Lex held out his hand proudly as he stopped.
“Mama! Soldier Jones! Look!” he exclaimed, all pink on the face and sweaty. “Look!”
Oh, someone was absolutely going to need to shower when they got back to their quarters.
“Look!” Lex insisted again, pushing his hand forward with even more urgency.
At last, Luna focused on his hand. Little flowers, with five lavender coloured petals.
“I found geraniums!” he said proudly. “They’re your favourite flowers, Soldier Jones.”
Remus smiled at him, shifting Juni in his arms.
“They are,” he confirmed, voice soft. “Good eye, Lex.”
Lex took his job very seriously, distributing the flowers with ceremony — two to Luna, one to Remus, and one to Juni, who grabbed it in her chubby fist with great interest, squeezing a poor petal.
“I looked for daisies, but I could only find the ones with white petals, not with yellow ones,” he informed Luna, a little frown of disappointment forming. “And I don’t know what beardtongues look like.”
Luna chuckled, feeling her heart warm.
“Oh, sweetheart — I’m sure the white daisies are just as beautiful,” she assured him gently.
Lex lit up.
“I’ll bring them!” he declared.
Before she could stop him, he’d already turned and darted off.
“Careful!” she called after him, watching his small legs carry him across the yard again.
She shook her head, holding her flowers by the stem with the utmost care.
A quiet gasp from Remus drew her attention. She turned just in time to see him gently intercept Juni’s hand, which was an inch away from making the flowers her afternoon snack.
“No, no,” he murmured with a fond smile. “No eating flowers, Juniper. They’re for your hair, not your lips.”
Luna chuckled, leaning in to gently retrieve the flower from Juni’s hand, brushing away any lingering bits from her fingers.
“I suppose this also happens often?” Remus joked with a light laugh.
She grinned.
“Oh, for years,” she confirmed. “I don’t think a single day goes by without telling someone to take their hands out of their mouth. Or off their pants.”
The sheer number of daily “hands off!” warnings in her household was just uncountable.
Boys.
Lex came running back, his little hand clenched tightly around a bundle of daisies.
“Your daisies, Mama!” he beamed, holding them up. “I’m gonna put them in your hair!”
Luna smiled, softening, and he climbed the bench excitedly. Lex stood carefully, face furrowed in concentration as he gently tucked the small flowers into her hair one by one, and she made sure to hold him in place.
“You look beautiful,” he declared, very proud.
She reached up, offering him the geraniums she was still holding. He took them with ceremony, adding them to the arrangement with the same precision. Luna hoped the flowers would stay put, just long enough to make him happy.
She held Lex’s hand as he climbed down from the bench, glancing over just in time to catch Mum breathlessly chasing Dash across the grass, giggling as she pressed a hand to her chest and he laughed gleefully ahead of her.
Luna exhaled softly, her eyes drifting back to Remus, who still cradled Juni with such calm familiarity. He was watching her closely, mouthing shapes with exaggerated care as Juni mirrored him, all the peace in the world shining in her tiny face.
Luna hadn’t felt this light in a long, long time.
Cato was gone. But her mother was here. Her children were safe. And somehow, she had even made a friend.
Maybe things still weren’t easy — maybe they never would be — but for the first time in what felt like forever, she was feeling something very nice.
Like… she could finally start thinking of living instead of just surviving.
The Land of her Serenity (on AO3)
After a year of staying in the safe house and the end of a long war, Luna moves into her old childhood home with her mother and the children. When she struggles to have access to the money she’s been saving for fifteen years, their life hardens once more. With ten children to care for, very few resources and only her mother for help, things get harder. And then they get a little easier. It takes time.
I
. . .
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