Returning to Normalcy (Blue)

Stepping back in to Blue's original apartment, Ethan Kelly - no longer John Rivers - laid a box full of more crap on the floor with a sigh. They hadn't taken nearly this amount of stuff out of the apartment once he and Blue had fled his burned status with the corporate underground. The real question was where exactly had Blue acquired all of this? Ethan had been living out of two duffel bags and a few stashed dry cleaner suits and yet Blue Tiran needed a small personal haul trailer to move back in.

I think that's everything. Where exactly did you get this stuff?

Ethan's eyes followed Blue as she stood from the top of stairs. Whatever she was doing, she had been upstairs since they had gotten home. He left her alone and let her do whatever it was she had decided she needed to do whilst he brought box after box in to the living room.

The amnesty through the Terran Guard had helped Ethan get cleared from his original work after the war ended. Plus, the assault on Paladin headquarters had given Kelly some much-needed revenge: crashing through the plate glass in to a board meeting to arrest the CEO did that for a man. The look on his face was priceless and it was something Ethan would look back on and smile for some time.

I...do not want to deal with this right now. Ethan thought as he surveyed the mountains of boxes, shaking his head. Deciding they would be better dealt with later, he strolled casually in to the kitchen and set up the coffee maker.

If there was one thing that could get Blue downstairs, it would be fresh coffee. As the brew began to send its smells throughout the apartment, Ethan prepared the necessary add-ons and mugs for the two of them. The day was very relaxed and Ethan hoped that the lack of stressful surprises was kept to a minimum.

All he needed now was Blue.

Ethan Kelly.

It was 'the day'. He had no idea of course. She was going to blindside him with it. If she told him, he would find a way to get out of it. The strong very confident man was very nervous about meeting her family. Why shouldn't he be? Her sister was a werewolf and hadn't liked him all ready, she was certain he feared that her parents would be the same. Though, she was certain Nathaniel would have liked him. Nate had always just wanted his little sisters taken care of, and Ethan had always done that for Blue. In ways that, she had never thought she would know.

As soon as they reopened the apartment, she headed up the stairs to the room that had been theirs since he had moved in properly. She had turned the apartments circulation system on days ago so there was no musty or stuffy smell to accompany them back home. All the clocks were set, and the blast doors and windows had been retracted. She felt much more relaxed just being home now instead of the Safe house which had been a little comfortable, but it wasn't home.

This was home.

Blue headed to her closet and found her favorite pair of dark wash jeans. Then she pulled on a blue button down shirt with a white pinstripe that accented her slight figure. Putting that on over a white camisole it made for a nice impression buttoned up over her stomach only. She brushed out her curls and slid some cream through them to tame them back to the way she liked them but left them down.

Grabbing a new shirt for Ethan, she could only smile as she headed back down the stairs. The smell of coffee permeated the apartment, MAN she had missed her favorite brew. She bounded into the kitchen, dodging boxes after boxes stacked everywhere. She had basically created her own personal lab when they were in the Safe House and it all had needed to be moved back here.

Here and there. she grinned. Here, change your shirt, I'm taking you out.

She handed him her favorite charcol grey button down shirt that she loved when he wore with jeans. It turned her on in ways.. well.. anyway. It was her favorite shirt on him it brought out his eyes and that cocky little smirk of his. So, she wanted it on him today, they had been forced to leave a lot behind and her favorite shirt was one of them so.. she waited happily enjoying the view of his sculpted chest as he took off the shirt that was slightly sweaty from moving all her crap upstairs and into the new shirt. She poured them both travel mugs of the coffee and handed him one.

Come on, I'll drive, we can deal with all this crap later. I might just have the new assistant from New Dawn come pick it up in the morning and take it to the storage unit til the new lab is built. Blue turned, opened a cabinet. Grabbed a box of Twinkies and headed for the door. Humming softly as she went. Ahhh, this was going to be a fantastic day.

When she finally came down for good, Ethan smiled to himself: the coffee had worked. It usually did, being one of the few weapons Ethan had in his arsenal for getting Blue to come...at least, downstairs anyway. She was smiling as she was in new clothes...probably something from her closet they had left behind. Stepping up to him, Blue handed him his gray button down as she explained.

Here, change your shirt, I'm taking you out.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, Out? We have tons of stuff to put away and figure out where its supposed to go. I don't think we really have time to go out today. We can order in if you want, but I was going to get some of your unpacking done.

Come on, I'll drive, we can deal with all this crap later. I might just have the new assistant from New Dawn come pick it up in the morning and take it to the storage unit til the new lab is built.

Stopping what he was doing, he glared up at her. Is she saying what I think she's saying? The smirk on her face said it all: all his work had been for nothing.

So...I just... He snatched the shirt away and took off his own shirt, using it to wipe the sweat off his chest. Watching Blue with her hungry eyes, he changed in to the gray shirt she had given him. Once he was properly changed, albeit somewhat disheveled, he noticed the travel mugs and the Twinkie in Blue's mouth as she headed to the doorway.

So, where are we going, exactly?

Blue grunted, and bit her Twinkie in half. Chewing as she made him wait for his answer because there was nothing more gross than talking with your mouth half full of Twinkie guts. When she swallowed she could only smile.

Well... if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, and since that's kinnnd of important today, you'll have to stay in the dark love.

She grinned over at him and pecked his cheek leaving a tiny spot of Twinkie filling on it as she headed back down to the large Tank that sat now empty and waiting for the both of them. She slid into the drivers seat and put the travel mugs into their cup holders waiting for him to get in. It was going to be hard to keep her hands to herself when he was wearing that shirt but, today was too important for her to mess it up. She'd rip it off later.

She'd probably have to considering she would owe him big time.

She started to drive, heading off into the direction of the freeway. They merged on, but they weren't heading to Librium, instead they were heading out of it. She still didn't say a word though she didn't want him to figure it out because they had never talked about him meeting her parents but it was something that desperately needed to be done. So she let her hand settled on the wheel as they drove.

You didn't move all that stuff upstairs for nothing hun. I have to go through some of it, I just figured that some of it does need to go to the lab. So I'll have the guy come pick up the boxes I go through later.

She didn't want him to think she didn't appreciate the work he had done. Her free hand reached over and found his. She loved him, a lot, and if it were proper in an elven world she would probably propose to him instead of waiting for him to get off his ass and do it. But, her mother would keel over for sure, and that was something she didn't need on her conscience so it was best to leave it in his hands.

So, I heard you.. go that job I was .. hoping you would get. she said with a bright smile looking over at him for half a moment and then turning her eyes back to the road. They were building the new New Dawn lab, but the Director of Security had been fired for being a complete idiot and Blue had done everything she could to get the position for Ethan.

Nearly tapping his foot as she chewed, Ethan only glared more when she mentioned the day was a surprise. She knew how he felt about surprises, yet she continued to insist upon bringing them to him. When she came to peck him on the cheek, Ethan softly rolled his eyes and suppressed a sigh. There was no arguing with Blue when she was so determined about something.

All I am saying is that you know how I feel about surprises.

She ignored his comments as they walked out to her car and they got in, driving off towards the city proper. She explained that she still planned on going through the lab boxes, so he hadn't done all the work for nothing. While it was nice to be acknowledged by her, at the same time, couldn't she have packed the boxes more efficiently?

As they got on the expressway, Ethan stayed focused, trying to figure out where they were going. Blue was a very predictable driver, and always got herself in necessary lanes well ahead of time. Since Ethan's knowledge of the layout of the streets was near perfect, he may have been able to keep track of where they were going.

So, I heard you.. go that job I was .. hoping you would get.

He hand reached over and took his while Ethan turned and met her eyes for the brief second she had been looking over at him. Blue had practically pushed him in to it, but he enjoyed the proximity to Blue. It would still give him excitement, but without enjoy a lack of life harrowing escapades that would keep him coming home.

Yes, I did...I start in two weeks. How is it you know things before I tell you?

They continued in to the overpasses above the city, the sight quite magnificent. Blue hadn't really signaled towards any particular exit..and the lack of knowledge was driving Ethan batty.

She smiled.

Technopath, remember? she laughed. Plus I kept feelers out since I put your resume in, for any kind of decision or movement on the matter, I get updates constantly, or I did until you accepted the job and the position is now filled.

Course she helped, and she supposed she had been a bit pushy about it, but that was just the way she was. She knew that he would never be happy until he could make sure that she was safe day in and day out. Even though they had taken down Paladin, that didn't mean that they weren't capable of sending someone after her. Or someone that wanted vengance, someone that escaped, someone that was hidden, etc. So she knew that she might never have that sense of security that other people lived their lives day in and day out with.. but she had Ethan which was like being wrapped in a blanket all the time anyway.

they continued through the heart of the city, through the other side of the city and out into the opposite side of the Outskirts of the city before she finally signaled. They weren't getting out until the very edge of the city and finally they began to exist. Blue tapped her fingers on his hand, she was a bit nervous with all this .. and she knew that he hated surprises but she also knew that if she had told him what was going to happen he would be upset with her and want to stay home or postpone it and it needed to happen.

Funny thing was, her parents didn't know they were coming either.

So... we need a vacation. We should go to a beach or something. Something we don't normally get to do. Afterall, you and I took down Paladin we're mostly safe now and we need to celebrate the small vicotries. What do you think?

They were driving through the more touristy type areas of Librium, not her normal place and not a place that she usually went. She visited her parents so rarely and she went to them almost every Sunday for brunch but that was when Ethan was doing other things like working out or buying guns.. or whatever he did for his 'man time' on Sunday's. She wasn't sure she just knew that it wasn't church because that wasn't his scene she was fairly certain about that. Still, she figured that it was important that they did this today.

Blue smiled, proud of herself. Explaining about keeping tabs and being a technopath kept her informed and in the know until he had accepted the position a few days ago.

You know, as Director of Security...I think my first task is going to shore up our cyber security. If various departments want to keep their business to themselves...they should have that privacy. Don't want any wandering Technopaths just skimming any information they want.

He winked at her as they headed back out of the city, and took an exit heading towards a more touristy part of Librium. It was a side of the city they rarely visited. Mainly because it was filled with gawking tourists!

So... we need a vacation. We should go to a beach or something. Something we don't normally get to do. After all, you and I took down Paladin we're mostly safe now and we need to celebrate the small victories. What do you think?

I think you're stalling for time about something. Although, a vacation would be nice. Something to relax and have fun.

Personally, I think you're stalling for time over something. I don't know what...but I will find out.

He had no idea how right he was...but the surprise wouldn't come until Blue decided where they were going. Ethan couldn't figure it out. Blue hadn't mentioned anything about getting food...and she would if she was hungry.

C'mon Blue...where are we going?

She glared at him. You can't, because I'm the one that builds the security for the whole building and all the departments and keeps it running. So I will always have a way in.

Besides, if you cut her off from technology like that it would be like taking all of Ethan's guns away and tying his hands and feet together and telling him he was going to work a desk job for the rest of his life using only his mind. She continued to drive. Moving at a very odd way, because she was taking the very l ong way to get where she was going but her parents had their vacation house here that they lived in more than the home in Elyria where they stayed sometimes. She was certain eventually they would just move to Librium fully but they liked the ability to move to the Elven city if they wanted to for a short while.

Blue looked over at him and she sighed as he tried to get out of her where they were going. Since she hadn't stopped at any restaurants and they wouldn't be eating touristy food she knew that he had figured out they weren't going to a simple restaurant. She pulled into a subdivision. It was one for people that weren't just staying for a small term, like a weekend or a small week, it was for those that had permanent vacation homes that lived here for some time of the year.

Not telling, you'll find out in about three minutes anyway.

She continued driving through the subdivision. Kids were out playing in yards, and dogs barked and some other beasts of various nature lumbered about as family pets. Old people were in hammocks enjoying the sun. Some people had built tree houses here that were beautiufl and tall and looked quite a lot like a tree even if it was not a real tree. Some people were very creative. There was even one house that was built to resemble a boat. Which was really quite interesting because the front walk was a plank and everything.

Some people went over board to an amazing degree.

They turned right on a street and then left on another that was a dead end. This was the street they would be stopping at apparently. She pulled down the street and then pulled into the drive way of a small blue house with white shutters and a dark blue door. Perfect beautiful gardens radiated in different levels from the front of the house to the street, there wasn't much grass it was more garden but the front was nothing compared to the back which was a giant garden filled with fruits, vegetables and various vegetations. You could only just see the tops of the trees from over the one story house. It was a quaint house, a white porch swing swung slightly in the breeze though it was empty. There was a large bay window in the front of the house and one could hear the soft flow of music coming from within.

Blue turned off the tank.

Ready?

You can't, because I'm the one that builds the security for the whole building and all the departments and keeps it running. So I will always have a way in.

Her glare spoke volumes...Ethan had hit a nerve. Blue was very protective of the network she had created and nurtured. Now, Ethan was going to be the Director of Security, and that meant all aspects of security, networks included. In his final interview, he had outlined a plan to introduce a reliable third party monitoring and security back up service to assist them with the maintenance. The Board of Directors loved it, and Ethan really felt that that one particular got him the job.

She didn't seem amused by his new badgering about there they were going, promptly turning in to a neighborhood. Ethan put his head on a swivel, noticing the strange construction of the houses. They were all unique...it was rather strange.

Where the hell are we?

They turned down in to a street that ended in a cul-de-sac. Spinning in his seat, Ethan caught the street name and started thinking. Where were they? The car stopped in front of a small, normal looking home practically overflowing with flora. Ethan's eyes widened as the pieces came together and he turned to face her.

Ready?

You're surprising me....with your parents!?! No...I'm not READY Blue! Why didn't you even ask me about this?

Ethan was unbelievably pissed. Of all the surprises...this was easily the worst! If Blue had actually breached the subject with him, they could've come to an agreement. But at this point, Ethan was so mad, he didn't have words.

Uh oh....

Blue bit her lower lip. He was mad. Beyond mad. She sighed, he said he wasn't ready but she knew that he was. They both were and if they waited any longer they'd be married before they got to do this and it was important. Blue unbuckled herself, and twisted her body to slide herself into his lap. Straddling and facing him she put her hands on either side of his face.

Firstly, calm down hun. They're just people. Besides, I didn't tell you because you grossly over think things sometimes, and.. you do better when you have to go off the cuff. I know you love. I know you don't like surprises but this was the best way to do it.

Blue leaned in placing her forhead against his. She knew that he wasn't thrilled. She hadn't ever really mentioned it at all to him. Maybe once in passing many months ago. But her parents had just come into Librium again last week and she wasn't sure how long they were staying this time so she didn't want to wait any longer than she had to.

It won't be bad. It won't be like Neona. They'll be very happy. Besides... I've never brought a boy home before.

She sighed and looked into his eyes. Softening her face as she stroked over his cheek gently. Opening the door on his side of the car she slid herself out. Moving her hip slow as she swung it back into normal position. There was some residual pain from her run in with the android, but that was something she would and could live with. She held the door open for him, hoping he wasn't going to sit in the car and pout all morning.

I tell you what. We do this, and afterwards we'll go to that dojo you like so much and you can toss me about for a while? Thennnnn since we'll be the only ones there, we can take advantage of the showers there.... and thennnn I'll take you to that icecream place you like where they put the candies in the icecream.

Okay.. the last part was her favorite place too. Buuut she hoped it sweetened the pot even more. She took his hand and tugged weakly.

It's going to be great. Annnd you'll get it over with, and we'll be good for.. like ever..

Ethan wasn't opposed to Blue straddling him...but outside her parent's house was the exception!! She tried to explain to him about how she knew him and that this was the best course of action. His eyes narrowed on her as she spoke, but he bit his tongue. The level of anger he felt wasn't going to get him anywhere...especially if he said something that he would later regret.

It won't be bad. It won't be like Neona. They'll be very happy. Besides... I've never brought a boy home before.

No pressure, Ethan. You're just the first 'boy' who she brought home. Never mind the fact that you're ten years her senior.

I hadn't even thought of that...thanks for adding that on.

She softened, knowing that she had pretty much said all she could, and extracted herself from the tank and Ethan's lap. He was sad to see her go, but at the same time, he kind of wanted her to leave. She tried to entice him with sex and ice cream...like a stubborn child! It was like she hadn't just blindsided him with her parents for the first time.

Ethan stepped out of the car and closed the door softly, making an actual attempt not to destroy the door, keeping his anger in check. He followed her towards the house, making casual notations of their surroundings. It was the bodyguard in him...always have an escape plan.

Blue sighed.

She had actually.. never seen him this mad before. At least, not at her. She watched as he got out of the car, and began making his way up to the house. She grabbed his hand, to stop him. She knew that he was angry at her, so she stepped in front of him and put her arms up around his neck, getting him to look into her eyes.

I'm.. sorry. she whispered softly, seriously. I should have never just sprung this on you. I honestly thought we'd be good and you'd just roll with it and I realize my mistake now. I'm sorry. It was wrong, and .. I hope you'll forgive me.

She bit her lower lip.

Look, they don't even know that we're here. We could just.. go. And they would never know. It's completely up to you if you want to go in or not. I'd like for you to meet my parents because you're such an important part of my life. Because, I want a future with you, and because I love you. But if you aren't ready, then we'll go. We'll go out to eat, see a movie, have a date, and go home where I'll make you forget about today.

She was leaving it up to him. It was completely his choice since him coming here was not his choice and she didn't want to force him into a situation he would be even more awkward in later. She didn't want to force him and she felt bad for having brought him there without saying anything before hand. It wasn't something to be sprung on someone and she had, which meant she was a terrible person.

The soft touch of Blue's hand on his wrist stopped him dead in his tracks as she rounded him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Eyes meeting eyes, Ethan smiled at her as she apologized. It was nice for her to realize her mistake...it was just unfortunate for that to be realized once he was ripping mad at her and about to stalk to in her parent's home.

Its ok...I just wish the 'no secrets' thing applied to both side. Don't say it doesn't. This in and of itself shows a double standard.

Blue went on to explain the reasons why she wanted to have him meet her parents. The reasons were pretty standard; by and large Ethan agreed. Their relationship needed to get a bit more serious before anything else happened and it was a pertinent next step if Blue and Ethan were to have a successful life together. As she spoke, movement caught Ethan's eye.

There was a tall, attractive woman with black hair staring at them through the window. The second his eyes caught hers, she ducked away and she reappeared at a different window. Ethan softly touched Blue's arm, making her stop apologizing and offering to make it up to him.

Does your mom have black hair with golden almond shaped eyes?

Blue confirmed she did as Ethan met eyes with the mystery woman once more. As the woman in front of him put things together, the woman in the window smiled and waved.

I think she knows we're coming.

He softly waved back to the woman and smiled.

Showtime.

Blue's mouth opened, then closed.

You're right. It's a double standard and.. I'm sorry. I won't do it anymore... I .. I promise to be forthcoming with you from now on and...

he stopped her from saying anything else and was looking over her shoulder. Then asked if her mother had dark hair and golden almond shaped eyes. Blue could only nod, and then it was obvious that her mother had caught them. Damn Elven hearing. Her father was all ready probably pacing the floor wondering when his daughter was going to come in with the first man she had ever brought home. Hell... ever dated as far as they knew. Blue wasn't big on sharing her personal life with her family, she pretty much stuck to what was going on at work and left the personal stuff.. well.. personal.

Welll... I still meant what I said. From now on, no secrets on my side, I promise. And I mean it.

Blue turned, linking her hand with Ethan's and as they approached the house the door to the house was flung wide open. One could tell that her father had probably been holding her mother back from just going into the yard to introduce herself from there. Afterall, she had been watching them for a few minutes, and she was the intrusive type sometimes. Especially, when both her girls were unmarried and as far as she had known before today, not even in a relationship. The fact that Blue was the first one to bring a boy home was thrilling her beyond belief. She'd always feared that Blue would end up an old spinster. With mechanical cats if any.

Mom I umm.. Blue was cut off as she was practically mauled into a hug by her very beautiful tall mother. She was almost half a foot taller than her daughter and several inches taller than her husband. Long curling black hair fell all the way down to her hips she wore a very fancy very nice dress with jewelry and everything to match. She was much more like Neona than she was like Blue. To look at Blue you could see her father with a touch of her mother making her the beautiful girl that she was. More human than elven.

Niara!!! You never come over! You should come more often. You used to come every Sunday and then not a word, for months! Your sister said you were going through things, but Niara.. darling.. that isn't fair to Mommy and Daddy now is it.. and besides the fact of that is... oh... you brought home a boy!

As if she just noticed.

Blue rolled her eyes. Yay.. elven theatrics. She looked at her father who just shrugged in his good natured way. They had all learned long ago you just lived with it. She turned in time to see her mother practically launch herself at Ethan giving him a hug. Running her hands down his arms.

Oooo Niara likes them strong. Oh my, you're a nice boy aren't you? How did you win my little Nia's heart hmmm?

Hun, why don't we let him inside before we go through the Elven Inquisition. Besides. You're probably freaking him out. Not everyone is all physical like that. Like Blue, he said without saying. She wasn't big on family.. affection she had gone a long time without it and.. she didn't like it now. Ethan didn't realize how lucky he was that she adored his touch.

Oh right! Right, my husband is right. Come one in... Niara... show him in, he's your guest.

Ethan let Blue take his hand and lead him up the steps towards the door. Said door promptly opened, showing the same tall dark haired woman. The glass in the window wasn't good to her, as she looked far more beautiful in person. The woman, Blue's mother, smiled and barely let Blue get a word out before practically leaping in to a large hug for Blue.

Is that something to look forward to with Blue? Her mother looks younger than me.

Niara!!! You never come over! You should come more often. You used to come every Sunday and then not a word, for months! Your sister said you were going through things, but Niara.. darling.. that isn't fair to Mommy and Daddy now is it.. and besides the fact of that is... oh... you brought home a boy!

Ethan raised an eyebrow. Hadn't they shared a wave just moments ago? What was with the theatrics? As Blue and her mother hugged, Ethan shared a brief look and nod with her father, a sign of respect between two men. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad after all.

Without warning, Blue's mother leaped at him, embracing just as thoroughly and tightly as she had done to her daughter. Ethan hugged back, just not with nearly the same amount of enthusiasm. Hell, he had practically lost his balance. Blue's mother felt up his arms, which made him shoot an eyebrow in to the sky.

Oooo Niara likes them strong. Oh my, you're a nice boy aren't you? How did you win my little Nia's heart hmmm?

Her husband interrupted and beckoned them to come in, to which Blue's mother told Blue to invite Ethan in, as he was her guest. He looked to Niara and gave her an expectant look as he waited to be let in to the house.

Elven Inquisition huh? Can't be that bad...

Blue closed her eyes. Trying desperately not to lose her cool at the moment. Her mother was going way overboard something that she had always done and always embarassed her a great deal. Finally, her dad broke in and told them to come in the house and Blue left her eyes closed letting her mom and dad get out of sight before she opened them again.

Whyyyyyy had she wanted to do this again?

I'm a terrible girlfriend, feel free to punish me fully when this is all over she said with a falsely light hearted tone.

Taking his hand, she pulled him into the house. Best to just get it the hell over with, was her thinking. Besides, how long could it possibly take? An hour, to have tea, eat Elven pastries and talk. Then they could go, Blue could pretend there was an emergency with the building of her new lab that she was supposedly overseeing but every time she showed up things were changed the way that the people 'paying' for it wanted it. Things that she didn't like.

Like the fact that everything was.. white.

Inside, the home was warm and inviting. They entered through a small entry way, to the right was two steps down into a kitchen with a large wooden butcher block that was mostly the trunk of a very large tree took up the center of the kitchen as an island. There were the normal 'human' things and some Elven inventions as well. There was a window looking out into the front yard, the same one her mother had been seen looking out of.

Through the kitchen there was a small hallway with a single office room off to the left that held an amazing amount of trophies, plaques, and other various award type things that they passed right by and came into the massive sitting room. There was a long large table surrounded by tons of cushions that serves as the dining table for big dinners. There was a lot of furniture and the entire back wall was nothing but windows that slid open allowing instant connection to the emaculate garden that sprung forth like it's own paradise complete with walkways and fountains.

Her father smiled warmly and hooked his arm over his daughter's shoulders giving her a soft squeeze knowing how she was with physical affection that was all he did and let her go. He understood her a lot more than her mother and sister did. She was far more human than they, she was his only child that he could somewhat grasp but Blue was different in her own ways and she was the kind of girl that no one could fully understand. He figured.

Hey there son, my name is Nate. That's my wife, Elherial. We call her Ellie for short though, it's a human bastardization of her name, but she's come to love it. he grinned and Ellie smiled warmly from her spot on the couch.

Blue lead Ethan across from her mother, onto a little love seat, keeping his hand in hers because it was seriously all that was stopping her from having the creeps right about now. Especially, the creepy happy smile on her mother's face.

Sooo... how did you guys meeeeet?

This is ... Ethan, and we met at work. He was my bodyguard.

Nate's brows rose. Ah, fantastic, they finally realized what a comidity you are. I'll expect you to keep her safe son. Not just anyone gets to my girls.

His hand was taken by Blue's again, and he was softly pulled in to the house. Following without a word, he did catch Blue's sudden reversal in her opinion of coming to visit her parents.

I'm a terrible girlfriend, feel free to punish me fully when this is all over

You're not terrible, not by a long shot. Ethan mused to himself, a neutral smile on his face as 'Niara' brought him through the Tiran's inviting home. This was a good idea...no matter how you feel about it now.

As Blue led him to a loveseat across from her smiling mother, her father introduced himself and his wife, making a joke about how she had fallen in love with her bastardized Elven name. They all shared a chuckle, the smile ever present on Blue's mother's face.

Sooo... how did you guys meeeeet?

Ethan smiled, it was obvious that Blue's mother was happy for her, maybe even proud. It seemed she approved, at least on some level, of Ethan. Opening his mouth to speak, he was quickly cut off by his better half.

This is ... Ethan, and we met at work. He was my bodyguard.

Ah, fantastic, they finally realized what a commodity you are. I'll expect you to keep her safe son. Not just anyone gets to my girls.

Well, I have kept her safe for the better part of a year. Its nice to finally meet you both, Bl-, a look from her mother said that 'Blue' wasn't her real name, Niara, talks about you all the time.

The smile on Ellie's face seemed to grow with that, which relieved Ethan. He was scoring brownie points...and that was a good start. To answer your original question, Elherial, Ethan's Elven accent was choppy, but it was pretty good in the circumstances, I think she fell for me when I was in the hospital after taking a bullet to the chest for her. Nurses told me she stayed with me the entire night.

It was a pseudo-romantic story, and an extremely fond memory for Ethan. Waking up to Blue that night had cemented him on the path he was on now, it was very important to him.

Blue only rolled her eyes at the look her mother shot at Ethan when he started to say her nickname instead of her real name. The thing was, Blue had never truly felt like a 'Niara' a form of elven flower that she was named after. She had felt like it was .. something she couldn't fit. Blue fit her in many ways, it had nothing to do with her personality. She knew that it had originally come from guys calling her Blue when she was working with them because of the natural blue streaks in her hair and them forgetting her Elven name.

It had stuck and she had actually liked it in the end.

Though when Ethan mentioned she talked about her parents all the time, which she didn't, it made her mother's day. Greaaaat. Well at least, it was nice that he was winning points with her mother. That would definitely help him out later when he told them the whole John Rivers story and how that all turned out.

Which in her mind, was better than ever expected.

Blue's mother, beamed when he butchered his accent over her name but he actually did it really well. Blue's eyes shot over to him. She had never actually heard him use Elven that much but it appeased her mother to no end that Blue had found a man that learned the language that was obviously such a hard one for most human tongues to wrap around. He had never spoken Elven to her, but then she wasn't exactly the most Elven of sort, though Blue's brows rose a hair, because.. well.. he sounded really sexy like that.

She might have to ask for him to use it more often with her.

Blue blushed, squeezing his hand slightly as he repeated a very shortened version of the fact that he had taken a bullet for her and she had stayed by his side all night. Holding his hand and hoping that he would be all right. Even though the doctors and nurses had told her that was so... it was another thing for her to actually see it.

Bullet! her mother squeaked.

Niara, we never heard about a hospital visit.. outside of the android attack on the lab.

Blue pursed her lips. There was a lot they didn't know about her work. About how dangerous it was to walk around with a mind that was a veritable machine, a computer of coming up with ideas, schematics, and the like. She was.. a hot commodity, though not as much now that Paladin had been taken out, they were the ones that had caused all the issues, without them around, she felt a little safer. Especially with Ethan around.

Well. that's why I had a bodyguard for a while. I think.. we kind of fell for each other that day. I saved his life, after he took the bullet, and then stayed at the hospital until he was released. I .. think we just finally realized outside of all the playful bickering we just.. liked each other.

She smiled and looked over at Ethan, a soft look on her face that her parents had never seen. It was almost enough to make the whole bullet issue go away though her mother would probably bring it back up another time. As would Neona if the wolf sister ever got her claws back into Blue again.

Well, if Niara is bringing you home then, it must be very serious. Is there a wedding planned? How did you propose? Did you do it the Elven way? Or the human way.. I'mmmmm not saying one is better than the other, but all mother's have their preferrences and mine is..

MOTHER! Blue hissed causing her mother to stop in midsentence and look at her daughter who's face had never been more red.. except maybe the first time Ethan had called her beautiful. That .. had been very unusual for her. And it still made her toes curl when he did it, looked into her eyes and used that sexy rough little voice of his, the one that got her in all her naughty places.. yeah.... he knew how to wrap her around his little finger.

Ellie smiled big when Ethan had spoken in Elven and Blue gave him a look that wasn't easily described with words. It was a mix between confusion and raw sexual desire...seemed someone else enjoyed Ethan's skills in the Elven tongue. As he told the short story about the moment she saved his life, she squeezed his hand, which he quickly reciprocated. Blue's mother didn't sound so thrilled.

I think.. we kind of fell for each other that day. I saved his life, after he took the bullet, and then stayed at the hospital until he was released. I .. think we just finally realized outside of all the playful bickering we just.. liked each other.

Well, if you hadn't been so stubborn and just listened to me, I wouldn't be alive today. So annoying...

He smiled at her and softly kissed her cheek. The memories of that day were of annoyance and thoughts of actually throwing her off that dumpster pile, followed by that determined look in her eyes when she told him that she wasn't leaving him. Nate had a knowing smirk on his face, as he was most likely familiar with his daughter's stubborn antics.

So, I've been her bodyguard for the better part of a year. With the budding relationship, we've technically been living together for the majority of it, and as far as I know, Niara hasn't been happier. Winking at her for full effect.

Well, if Niara is bringing you home then, it must be very serious. Is there a wedding planned? How did you propose? Did you do it the Elven way? Or the human way.. I'mmmmm not saying one is better than the other, but all mother's have their preferences and mine is..

MOTHER! Blue hissed, turning a complete opposite color than her namesake.

Niara...its ok. I can answer your mother's questions. He turned to face Ellie, who had an expectant look on her face.

Well, I've been her bodyguard until about a month ago, and I haven't proposed yet. Whenever that comes to pass, I promise the proposal will take your wishes in consideration, Ellie. For that, you have my word.

Blue smiled. You're welcome. she grinned as he put a kiss on her cheek. She loved how affectionate he was and she knew that her mother was eating it all up because Blue was her least affectionate child. Sometimes she worried that they wished there were times Nathan had stayed alive .. not really in place of Blue but she knew that he had at least been a little bit more affectionate than even Blue was. Of course, that had also happened when her parents had basically shut her out.

She supposed there was a part of her that was still a bit bitter about that.

Blue looked over at Ethan, he was the ONLY one outside her family she let call her by her given name, though rarely. However, she knew he was using it here because it appeased her mother and her mother really didn't like Blue as a name. She thought it was too simplistic and it wasn't feminine at all. What sort of name is a color her mother often commented. Still, Blue appreciated it and used it often.

He stated he would answer her mother's questions which gained a bright smile from her mother and a bit of a wary expression from Blue herself. She wasn't sure where this was going or how it was going... but she was along for the ride. He said that he had not proposed 'yet'. Which caused Blue to tilt her head to the side. She liked the sound of that .. 'yet' it meant that he had thought about it. Though she knew that he had recently told her that he thought about such things a lot more often than she thought he did.. so perhaps that was actually true.

She wasn't exactly super on board with the whole.. Elven proposal but at this point if there was any sort of proposal she knew that she would be absolutely elated if it came from Ethan no matter how he used it. Or how he did it, the answer would always be the same. She put her head on his shoulder and settled in placing their joined hands on her lap.

Her mother beamed.

Niara, I like this boy. You might have taken forever but at least you found a man that understands what being a gentleman is all about. Shame he isn't Elven though...

Blue didn't respond.

Ellie, that's rude. You know that I'm not Elven and that never mattered to you.

Fully scolded, Blue's mother blushed and stood. You're right dear, sorry, old habits sometimes die hard. I'm going to brew some tea for us all. And bring out some of the pastries I have. Niara, I have your favorites, from that little boutique.. I'll bring them out too.

As Ellie left the room Nate seemed to watch the two of them together for a few moments. Running his hand over his chin for a moment, something he did when deep in thought. Then he cleared his throat, a signal to listen up and listen good. All Tiran kids knew that sound.

I'm not going to ask you a million questions son. Blue is happy, and that's all that matters in my book. She isn't the easiest girl to woo, and she isn't really.. a girly girl which is what a lot of men look for. Can't cook, can't grow, but smart as a whip and funny to boot. I imagine you all ready know most of that. So allll I'm askin' here, is that you take good care of my youngest. She'll be the first I 'spect to get married, somethin' her Mother never thought she'd see, we all know how reclusive Blue can be.. so.. I want to thank you for giving my Blue a chance, but you best take care of her. That's my little girl you have sitting there with you and I'll have nothing bad happen to her. Do I have your word, Ethan?

Blue smiled, her father had always taken her nickname as it was.. because he understood that it fit her better and when her mother wasn't around, he used it freely. She appreciated it.

As Ethan answered Ellie's questions and addressed her concerns, Blue looked on with a look of both fear and pure intrigue. Good thing for Ethan the topic of engagement with Blue had been on his mind for some time. In addition, Blue was laying on the thoughts of moving forward ever since she mistook his wording of the old saying from his unit. It was of no real consequence, what happened in their lives would happen in due time as it always had.

Niara, I like this boy. You might have taken forever but at least you found a man that understands what being a gentleman is all about. Shame he isn't Elven though...

Ethan raised a curious brow to mirror his thoughts...really lady?

Blue's father quickly seemed to put Ellie in her place on the comment, and Ellie left to retrieve tea and pastries. It was then time for the father talk...it was easily apparent. In either case, Nathan didn't spend his time being wordy or eloquent. He was a former soldier, and was straight to the point. Ethan could appreciate that.

It was something that wasn't very original, but it made sense. Blue's parents hadn't expected Blue to bring home a boy, or to be married first. (Seeing as that was now apparently pre-determined for Ethan) Nathan did something Ethan did not expect, however: he thanked him for giving Blue a chance. That made Ethan smile.

I didn't get much of a choice...how could I have not given Blue a chance?

That's my little girl you have sitting there with you and I'll have nothing bad happen to her. Do I have your word, Ethan?

Ethan simply looked at the man, feeling the squeeze of Blue's hand on his own, and nodded.

I'll do my best to protect her from herself, he said, chuckling, she can be quite stubborn. But, like I said, I am not her bodyguard anymore...but I can find her one that will stick to her like glue.

The look Blue gave him made him smile and wink at her...if only she knew what he had planned for New Dawn.

What the HELL did he mean, protect her from herself. Blue gave him a glare that he had learned a long time ago not to feel. Still, she liked giving it, and there were times that the glare said everything he needed to know. Like get OFF the current topic. Or change the wording, etc. Right now it was saying 'you crazy!'

I don't need more bodyguards. Paladin is gone, and they were the ones after me. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself, I didn't really need a bodyguard in the first place, I think it attracted more trouble than it deterred. she shot over to him raising her dark brow.

Folding her arms over her chest she dared him to make a comment. Truth was.. she loved every second she spent with him. Even looking back on all the memories of the fighting, evading, and sabotaging she did to him in the very beginning she could only smile warmly and laugh. Ethan had always been there for her, and she had put him through the ringer. She could probably write books on how to truly test your bodyguard, the ice drip on his forehead from the AC unit test was by far the best one. Though.. he had given it back to her by ruining her carpet with her coffee and calling her a childish bitch.

Those.. those were the days.

She smiled at the thought of them and snuggled back against him. They had been through so much. Only a year together and all ready she felt like they had lived a life time together. She didn't need to tell her parents about the panic room or the safe houses or any of the other matters that they had to use when they were together. Paladin wasn't a threat any longer so she didn't feel that there was any need at all to bring any of that stuff up.

Well all right then, just keep her safe, not from work, just from the every day, that's the job of a man you know. You provide and care for.. and she does the same.That's all I really have to say on the matter, I'm not much for your indepth conversations on emotions.

Blue smiled. She knew that he wasn't, there were times he tried to sit down and have a real talk with her, that was his lingo and not her own. But the truth of the matter was, she just didn't.. do well with that kind of stuff and her father didn't either she had always been her Daddy's girl.

Ellie came back into the room with a tray of pastries and tea. Blue snapped up one of her favorites and began to eat. Happily. Almost like a child would, as she looked at both ehr parents. Her mother was always happy when Blue ate, for some reason the world felt that they needed to make sure Blue Tiran ate.

Have you given any thought to children?

Blue nearly lost her pastry.. right then and there... and DID find a way to choking on the damn thing. God.. her mother was a TERRIBLE person to bring ALL this shit up. She was LUCKY Blue's mouth was fully of tasty pastry.. though she had half a mind to toss it at her mother and leave....

The second he mentioned that Blue needed protection from herself, he heard her scoff and he knew that she was glaring at him. There was no need to acknowledge it, so he simply smiled at Nathan and tried not to laugh. She could get as huffy as she wanted, but Ethan would attest that Blue was very capable of being her own worst enemy most days.

Well all right then, just keep her safe, not from work, just from the every day, that's the job of a man you know. You provide and care for.. and she does the same.That's all I really have to say on the matter, I'm not much for your in-depth conversations on emotions.

Ethan simply nodded and smiled...Blue was his father's daughter. He could see it clearly, even if Nathan was far more direct than his little girl. Sometimes, Ethan felt like he had to pry things from Blue with a blowtorch and crowbar. Then again, the game of back and forth the two of them sometimes had was entertaining in its own right.

When Ellie arrived with the tray of pastries and tea, Blue was quick to grab one. Ethan smiled and rose, walking over to Ellie.

I do believe as a courting man, I'm supposed to serve you the tea...no? Ellie looked shocked. That was Elven tradition for a courting man to his love's parents....not normal everyday knowledge. She seemed impressed.

It was less impressive when it was simply part of the Elven knowledge Ethan had from the war. To know your enemy is to beat your enemy. Pouring tea for Ellie and Nathan, he took care to serve them first.

Have you given any thought to children?

Ethan nearly lost his step carrying tea to Blue, especially after seeing her nearly choke on her pastry. His eyes wide, they shared a look that expressed Blue's great displeasure. Taking a short breather for a moment, Ethan turned and retrieved tea for himself.

We haven't discussed children, seeing as we aren't married. But, I know that should that happen, I wouldn't be opposed to little ones, maybe even adopting a orphaned Elven child...it would seem fitting.

Seeing how I orphaned so many...

Ethan sat next to Blue, tea cup in hand. Leaning in to kiss her on the cheek, closer to her ear this time, he softly whispered I got this...relax, to her.

It was one of the few things Ethan really hoped he did have.

Blue was just.. frozen.

Eyes wide open. Not moving. Her jaw mechanically chewing on the pastry that was in between her lips but there was no one home.

Children... she was deathly afraid that would never happen. It wasn't as if that would take their entire relationship and make it nothing.. it was more that. she was not capable .. of.. feeling confident without at least the ability to do so. After the android had crushed her, litterally, the doctors had done their best. And the ONE secret, the only one she kept from Ethan because she had promised on the Divine.. was that Liam, Neona's boyfriend had helped her healing along. Otherwise she never would have walked again. And for him, she was eternally grateful.

Ethan surprised her admitting that he would be willing to even adopt an elven child or something if it came to the fact that they needed to. Her eyes shifted. But she still didn't seem present.

It wasn't until his lips found her cheek that her eyes closed and she leaned into him softly for a moment. He told her that he had it, and she clung to his hand for a moment. Because, she was losing her cool at the moment. only Ethan understood that children was a very hot topic for her. She had cried a very long time in his arms in the hospital after everyone but Ethan had left... when she wasn't sure .. when it had first dawned on her that she might not be able to bear children.

She knew that he idn't understand it the way that she did. But he had held her that night, rocking her back and forth while she mourned what she might have lost and wouldn't know she had lost until later. The doctors thought she should be able to, but because of all the breaks and mending in her pelvis they could never be sure until it happened.

Thank you, for the tea. she said louder as she took it from him with her shaking hands and took a sip gently.

How about we drop the personal questions for a little bit Ellie. Besides, they will be together for a long time you'll have plenty of other opportunities to torture them. Nate says with a slight grin.

But, Niara never comes to visit and I have to find out as much as I can. She doesn't even talk to Neona!

Ohhhhh Goodness, this was not going to be pretty. Blue popped up and set her tea and pastry down.

I'm going to show Ethan the garden, we'll be right back. she grabbed Ethan's hand and lead him outside into the backyard shutting the door after them. She wove through the garden until she was sure that they couldn't be seen and then she thrust herself into his arms and whispered Hold me, for.. for just a moment okay.. she said almost breathlessly as she burrowed herself into his arms.

That's why I don't come... she .. she turns into the Elven Inquisition every time I come over and there's always judgement and pointed questions and ... I can only stand it for so long.. she mumbles into his shirt.

Ethan felt Blue's frustrations as she leaned in to his soft peck on her cheek. Her skin was warm to the touch, whether that was from her blushes or from being flustered, no one could know for sure. He knew that children were a touchy subject with Blue, on account that neither of them would know if she was capable until she tried. The doctors, after the Android attack on New Dawn, were optimistic yet very much agreed on the issue that it may not happen.

It had always devastated Blue...as shown through the way her hands shook.

How about we drop the personal questions for a little bit Ellie. Besides, they will be together for a long time you'll have plenty of other opportunities to torture them. Blue's father grinned at them, a gesture Ethan returned. It was humorous, even though he knew that Blue felt otherwise.

But, Niara never comes to visit and I have to find out as much as I can. She doesn't even talk to Neona!

Blue popped up, grabbing Ethan, hurrying out to the garden in the back. Ethan murmured excuse mes as he was pulled to a secluded spot and begged to be held. Unhappy words found his ears as he left. It was strange to hear Ellie so sad...she thought she was losing her daughter.

That's why I don't come... she .. she turns into the Elven Inquisition every time I come over and there's always judgement and pointed questions and ... I can only stand it for so long..

Holding her in his arm, Ethan softly kissed Blue's head as she snuggled in...knowing the things he should be saying. She wasn't going to like it...but it made a lot of sense.

Then...maybe we should visit more often. She won't drill you with questions if you actually visit. You heard what she said. 'I have to find out as much as I can,' Show that you'll be around, and the hard questions won't come all bunched up.

Blue looked up at his, near in shock to what he said, he smiled awkwardly.

You always supposedly go to brunch on Sundays...we could start doing that. If...well, I can come. I'm not family...