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Understandably, the tension was thick as the three gathered up their things and waited for the cab. Zac desperately wanted to make things right between he and Moirah but felt that it just was too fresh a wound to tamper with. He left it for the time being and let her come to terms with what she felt to be a horrific violation before he attempted to make peace. He stood in the hallway, stacking up their luggage for quick removal when he spied the white glossy box that lay forgotten on the hall table. His eyes misted over. Not once, but twice now, that combination of a floral trinket may be a savior to his sanity. He left the rest of the bags that he had needlessly been idlely playing with, wanting to busy himself and seperate from the other two. He passed a pacing Darius in the livingroom and headed towards the kitchen where he could hear the softly dieing whistle of the teakettle. Tenatively he entered the room and watched Moirah distractedly steep her tea bag in a sapphire hued glass mug. Gently he cleared his throat to alert her of his presence. She looked to him, pain still in her eyes but a deeper wash of love remained behind it. He approached her, slowly, cautiously. "I... I found something that belongs to you." He spoke in a small voice. She watched him with a slight quizical look but waited for him to continue. He pulled the box from behind his back as he spoke. "I know this in no way makes up for what we did, and we are sorry, but this is yours. I thought you should have it. I know your mad at me right now, and you have every right to be. I understand, I think. Last night... was incredible... and it left me dazed and confused, happy... I forgot about this. I guess it didn't seem needed after what we gave each other..." He handed her the box and waited with uneasy breath. She took it almost reluctantly, opened it and drew back the tissue layer to find the slip of paper, his handwritting scrawled over it. It read; 'Forever, Zac.' She spread back the rest of the layers of soft white paper to reveal a nosegay. Identical, but in better condition, of the original one she kept in a treasure box next to her bed. Her lip trembled a tiny bit and she breathed in softly as she tried to catch her breath before it ran away with her emotions. One tear escaped and fell to the soft textured petals below. Closing the box once more she set it on the counter next to her tea. She leaned against the smooth surface before her for support briefly before she gathered her strength, head dropped and gaze distant. Her voice came, cracked, inflicted with great burden. "Thank you." She said, barely above a whisper. Her eyes raised up. She searched his face, drinking in the lines, curves and imperfections. Her sight settling in his eyes. Grasping at and studying the remorse there. She looked deeper and was caressed by his love. Sighing she walked around the counter and entered his embrace. His voice was raspy with his heavy weight of need. Need to be forgiven. Need to put things right. Need to... just have her near. "I don't deserve that." He said, knowing her approach to him was an acceptance of his appology. She looked up at him. Her whisper conveying volumes in her simple words. "It always belonged to you." He closed his eyes and drew her closer to his starving body. It would be alright. She was still mad, things were strained still, but she did not deni her love for him. It began to mend the new rift between them. Time would stitch it up and all would be well in the end. Their quiet moment was torn from them as the buzzer sounded and a grating voice came over the speaker. "Taxi." He bent to her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. She opened her eyes and looked up to him. "Let's go home." She stated quietly. Once more she placed her hand in his and he led her down the hallway to collect their things. As they passed the livingroom she stopped as he continued, tugging their hands apart. He turned to watch her. She looked to him, he understood what she needed to do. He offered her a small smile and picked up the majority of the luggage, heading out the door and leaving her to her task. Quietly she stepped into the small room. Darius looked like a cornered rat, eyes darting and breathing erratic. He did not want to upset the apple cart anymore than he had already. She gave him a timid attempt at a smile. His body visibly relaxed a fraction. She stood, arms wrapped around her middle and gaze dropping to the woven carpet below. "I'm sorry I ripped into you like that. I know you meant no harm, it's just that... well it's just that I felt violated." She tried to explain. He was no artist, that concept was foriegn to him. And he was certainly no expert of women, that point proven with the divorce papers he signed a few years back. But he had been with the Hanson family enough to know an honest appology was in order. Even if it did not solve the problem, it certainly did wonders to help the situatin start to heal. "I'm sorry, really I am." He offered her with all the conviction he had in him. She nodded. "Let's get to the airport. We have so much work to do." She eased the tension away. He smiled at her knowing that things would get better. She turned and headed for the door, he followed close behind her, grabbing the rest of the bags on his way out the door. She locked the portal and walked beside him down the hallway. As they approached the elevator, they were greeted with a questioning Zac. "So?" They looked to eachother and smiled. Together they shoved Zac back into the elevator and enjoyed his small laugh. "I guess that means we're all cool now." Zac's small statement soothing frazzled nerves all around. She turned to face him. "I warned you not to piss me off... did you not remember?" She tossed toward him. He shrugged. "So, I'm an idiot. The case is well documented. Take it up with my psychologist." He shot back. They laughed a bit together and the three headed for the waiting cab, and home.
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Traffic was murder! She was thinking that maybe they should have left earlier, she was afraid that they were gong to be late. She didn't want to miss their flight, miss their chance to get to Tulsa as soon as possible and put all of this behind them. Zac and Darius seemed not to be bothered by this much. She trusted them and relaxed back into Zac's casual embrace in the back of the taxi. After all, Zac flew more than anyone she knew, Darius at his side. When they did finally manage to arrive it was not a casual hurry up and wait kind of thing that she was used to. The two men jumped from the vehicle, paid the man and yanked all of their stuff from the car. Distributing the belongings between the three, they walked, laden with cumbersome luggage, towards the right gate. Relinquishing suitcases to be stowed in the belly of the beast accomplished in record time, they headed in the right direction to board before too many people cluttered the path. Zac knew it was too good to be true when he was innocently striding towards his destination, Moirah in tow and Darius bringing up the rear. He heard it before anyone else did, having years of conditioning. The teenie squeel. Unmistakably irratating, potentialy dangerous. Moirah felt his body stiffen just before she was hit with the barage of sound. A half dozen, perhaps more, teenaged girls were barreling toward them at a frightening velocity, every one of them emitting a high pitched scream that could not possibly be of this world. Before she knew what was happening Zac whipped her around and infront of him, his arms instinctively going around her protectively. Darius jumped to put his body in the line of fire so to speak just as the multiplying band of adolescent insanity came crashing up around them. Moirah, bewildered, burried her face in Zac's chest, his hands trying their best to sheild her from the mini mob. With brute force Darius peeled off the girls. The three assulted bodies desperately trying to make it through the other side of the sea of braless fans. Airport security came to the rescue and quelled the tiny uproar, leaving them to dash off to the safety of the plane. Eyes wild and breath short Moirah was the first to speak as they stood, in the aisle, catching their breath. "What the fuck was that?!" Zac shook his head and directed towards Darius more or less. "Someone opened their mouth, and I bet I know who too... I don't know her name, but I know her insipid laugh and glassy eyed look well." Darius nodded. "They were waiting for you, this could be bad. I better call ahead and make arrangements. Once one knows... they all know." Darius walked away to find his seat, fishing out his cell phone from his bag. Zac caught Moirahs line of vision as she leaned against a seat, head shaking back and forth a bit as if she were in denial. His voice sounded noncomittal but informed her of the answer she was seeking. "At the resteraunt... that girl you deemed as harmless... well she made good on her promise. She posted her version of information on her site, and God only knows where else. It spreads like wildfire. You get used to it." She puffed out a ragged breath, standing straight to find her seat as well. "One can't ever get used to that. Now I understand what you meant about... well, what you told me. The fans and the anxiety and everything." Her eyes softened and she lay her hand against his stubbly jaw. "Thank you. I know that had to be hard for you and you thought of nothing else but keeping me safe. I love you." He turned more to face her and drew her into a clinging hug. "I didn't even think about it. Not like I usually do. It was just instinct really. I couldn't let them do to you what they do to me... I could never let them take away from you what they took from me. I'd do anything to prevent that, even if it meant putting myself at risk, you're well worth it." He whispered. She hugged him fiercely then broke away from him so they could find their seats and settle in. They needed to relax. ... and talk.
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For the duration of their flight Zac and Moirah sat and talked. She was still hurting over that mornings blow up in the studio, but reasured him that that would pass, she would have to learn to live with it. He felt he could never appologize enough. With skill, she directed the conversation away from the incident and headed into more tretcherous waters... Taylor. With enough prodding and a small amount of discrete tears, he revealed to her the gaping wound his brothers barbs had left. He told her everything. She was furious at Taylor for being so closed minded but understood that he was hurting too, perhaps he didn't really mean everything he had said. She had to push all of that away from her for the moment though. She needed to be in the here and now. The past was over and the future would unfold when the time came. The longer they were in the air, the more she saw Zac relax. It was as if his body knew subconciously that he was nearing home. She actually saw him smiling when they were about to land. He gripped her hand tightly and nearly skipped through the crowd of the airport, the earlier incident forgotten and pushed behind him. Darius's call to the security of the airport working well to keep the teenies at bay so they could be free to exit unmolested. It didn't take long for Ike to locate them. He hugged Zac without a hint of self conciousness, proof of his security in his manhood. He imediately stuck his hand out in Moirahs direction. "Hey, I'm Ike. Nice to finaly meet you Moirah." He charmingly quipped. She liked him already. She took his hand. "Charmed, I'm sure." She replied. "Sup Darius?" Ike directed at the fourth member of their small circle. "Ike." Darius nodded in reply. "So, let's get your shit and get you home. Jess is threatening to kick your ass, so be forewarned. She found that lovely little gift you left for her in her room before we left." Isaac said as he gripped Zac's shoulder. "Huh? I didn't... oh shit!" Zac groaned. Moirah looked on, confused, questioning with her eyes. Zac gave her a sheepish grin. "Um... tunafish sandwich. I was scarfing my lunch and on her computer cuz mine was already packed. I... I think I accidently left it in her jewlery box." Moirah didn't know what to say to that... she just laughed and shook her head, walking away from her boyfriend. Nope. She didn't know the weirdo behind her, not her. "Dude, that thing was in her room the whole time they were home, how come she didn't find it before?" Zac asked. Ike chuckled. "Cuz she hid it in the closet. Zoe was swiping her stuff and loosing her earrings. I tell ya man, it still sorta stinks in there, and they've had the window open twenty four seven since they got back. She's been sleeping in your room." He informed his little brother. Zac rolled his eyes. "Lovely, it's gonna be filled with stupid stuffed animals and smell like that crappy perfume her boyfriend gave her. Why have I been cursed?" He grumbled. They all lugged the bags to the van and piled in. Ike slid into the drivers seat. He looked into the rearview mirror at Moirah. "It's kinda a long ride home. I'm sure you're tired. If you like you can catch a nap. We can wake you up when we get there." He offered sweetly. She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, I am tired some. I just might do that." She replied, snuggling her back into Zac's chest as she got comfortable in the back seat. Zac tightened his hold on her and lay his head back. "Man I'm bushed. Wake me when we get to the gate Ike, I wanna have time to get fully awake before I'm attacked by the ankle biter brigade, K?" He sighed. Ike chuckled. "Sure thing Zac." And they were on their last leg of their journey home. It had been a wild ride, now it's time for the second show... hang on.
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"Lucy! I'm home!" Zacs voice rang out over the cluttered yard and bounced off the house. An explosion of blonde hair rushed out the door and circled them like a well planned invasion. Many a hug passed before he gave a sharply piercing whistle. His deep voice followed it with true athority. "Ok! Listen up people! I want you to shut up cuz I got sump'n to say!" A hush fell on cue. "That's better. Everyone, this is Moirah." He gestured to her, one hand open and flat in a palm up gesture of presentation. The other firmly twined around her tiny one, one finger poking out in double indication as if the first hand were not sufficiant. She waved shyly, eyes passing over each faces similar features. "Moirah..." He pointed with his index finger at the furthest to the left of the crowd. "That's Mack... littlest bro. Jess is the one shooting daggers at me next to him." He blew her a kiss and she huffed comicly. "Next is her boyfried Daniel, Sup Dude?" He nodded at the boy recieving one in return. "Then Zoe, princess of pop... trust me, she will be. Ike; but you already knew that. My Mom." He bent down and forward, kissing his mother sweetly on her forehead. Moirah extended her hand. "A pleasure to meet you M'am." She made a mini curtsy. "Oh please, call me Diana. One musn't be so formal. You'll freak out the natives." She laughed, gesturing to her brood surrounding her. A few 'oh Mom's' were chorused. Moirah laughed lightheartedly with her. Zac continued. "My Dad." Moirah stuck out her hand to shake but was surprized to be pulled into a friendly hug. She now knew where Zac got his special breed of charm and funhouse antics. "So good to meet you finally." His chest rumbled against her smushed face. Her tiny reply barely heard over the laughter. "It's a pleasure sir." This causing a new uproar of giggles. He held her at arms length. "Walker." He stated simply. She nodded as Zac rescued her and retrieved her hand once more. He went on with the informal introduction that closely resembled a cattle call. "Darius, of course." She threw the man a smile, they may have been in the middle of a tiff, but certainly she felt a comaradere with him. "My cousin Nancy, though I don't know why she's here..." He trailed. The girl stuck her tongue out at him, he did likewise. "Avie. Future prima ballerina. I don't know if that's true or not, she just makes me introduce her like that." He teased his little sister, giving her a wink as she gaped at him, then smiled. "Ashley, all round nice guy and family friend." Nods were passed all round. "And... obviously Tay is either sulking in his room, squireled away in the studio or doesn't have the balls to face me now." He finnished, forgetting himself. "Zachary!" His mother bit at him. He hung his head. "Sorry Ma. I forgot." He toned. "See to it that it doesn't happen again." She warned. His scolding past, the group broke up. Nothing more to see now as he, Moirah and his parents started to walk away toward the chairs beneath the shade trees on one side of the lawn. They sat and chatted in a friendly way, Nancy bringing out a tray of lemonade politely. Zac stifled a yawn as his father was trying to convince Moirah that she should watch some of the video tapes of their enormous collection. All of the family of course. She politely put him off and Diana saved them all. "It's time I started supper for the army. Zac, why don't you go get Moirah settled into the guest room? I'm sure she's tired from her flight, or at least from you." She teased, bringing forth a smile to all. He escorted her towards the house taking note that Darius and Ike had already taken her bags and his from the van. He held the door for her and closed it firmly behind himself. He gave her the five cent tour. "Livingroom." He gestured to the right. "And the study too." He pointed to a closed door on the other side of the room. Then he directed her attention left. "Diningroom and through there is the kitchen." He indicated the room seen beyond. He moved her forward and pointed out a set of doors. "Bathroom. Door to the studio. Closet, don't open that one, you will get attacked by the shoes and shit." He joked. She giggled appropriately. He opened his arm and gestured their current position. "Hallway." She rolled her eyes and smiled, tugging him up the stairs which were next on the list. She gave him a warning glance not to say 'stairs', surprizingly al she got was a smirk. For once he behaved. He slung an arm around her waist as they headed up the staircase side by side. She carried her purse in one hand and laced her fingers with his hand at her waist. He heard the front door open below as they approached the top, followed by a small 'aww' of his mother. He rolled his eyes and fought the urge to be a smartass toward her. Not a good idea to piss off the woman who was about to feed you. He led her down a hallway. "These are the girls bedrooms and their bathroom. Our rooms are on the other end. Mines the last door on the left. Just in case you ever need to know." He teased. She squeezed his hand and giggled. "Mom and Dads room is the first door at the top of the stairs back there." He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. She nodded in understanding. "And this..." He pulled down a set of stairs from the ceiling. "Is the better guest room of the two. We sorta have the other one in use now." He confessed. She followed him up the stairs. "It's sorta like a communal room for us away from the studio. In our old house we had a little room outside of our bedroom. I guess we just got used to the idea." He shrugged. She nodded once more, surveying the nicely decorated room. The small half bath off to the left. It was cozy, and her bags were already sitting next to the bed. How nice. She plopped down on the bed unceremoniously, huffing a great breath. He laughed at her. "I know. It's all a bit much at first. You'll get used to it I suppose." He said as he knelt before her.
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"That's not it. It's just that all of this has made me realize how much I miss my own family." She sighed. "Aww, come'ere." He said as he pulled her into a hug. "Why don't you call 'em later? I'm sure they would all love to hear from you." He offered. She nodded on his shoulder. "Knock. Knock!" Came Diana's voice from below. She breezed up the stairs and Moirah wondered what gave that woman so much energy. Must be a genetic thing surely. It seemed to run a deep course in the whole of the Hanson clan. She supposed one needed it just to survive in their environment. "I've brought you some fresh towels dear. I was sure that Zac would forget." She spoke over her shoulder as she hurried towards the small room. "Thank you. You've been too kind. I really do appreciate it." Moirah offered. "Oh nonsense. We wouldn't have it anyother way. Besides, I doubt if Zac would have let you out of his sight long enough for you to stay else where." She teased her son. "Mother!" He groaned. She pinched his cheek comicly giving him a big lipped smoochie face making Moirah laugh. "Dinner in an hour. I'll send one of the little ones up to get you two when we're ready." She informed them as she headed back down. They both knew it was her way of letting them know that they had better behave themselves for there were children afoot. They looked at each other and cracked up quietly. He stood up and kicked off his shoes. Waltzed over to the stereo and flipped on the radio. Then danced his way over to the bed and jumped onto it with a mighty leap, landing smack dab in the center and causing a tremendous shock wave that nearly threw Moirah off. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" She squeezed out between her laughter. He rolled over and propped his hands up behind his head. "Catching a snooze." He mummbled as his heavy lids closed. "In my bed?" She asked skepticly. "Yeah." Came his retort. "And this is why?" She shot at him. "Because you're here, I don't wanna leave you. Aaaand Jess has conquered my room... so I thought that... ya know..." He came back with. She shook her head. "Firstly, it's a lovely sentiment that you want to be near me. Secondly, you have to face your sisters wrath sometime love. I'm sure your mom and dad wouldn't freak too bad over a nap, but you definately can *not* spend the night... so don't get too cozy mister." She warned him. "I know. I know." He cracked his eyes open and watched her as she loosened her jeans, kicked off her shoes and took her hair down before she climbed up on the bed next to him. He welcomed her into his open arms and wrapped her up in them. "I'm gonna hate to get up in the morning." He sighed. She slung an arm over his middle and drew the afghan up over her hips and across his belly, snuggling into the crook of his arm. She closed her eyes and her face pressed to his firm chest. "Why's that?" She querried with a delicate yawn. "Because you won't be next to me." He whispered into her hair, kissing the top of her head. She squeezed him tight as she could over his ribs. "Do you know how much I love you?" She growled. He chuckled. "I have a faint idea, yes." He came back with. She joined his laughter for the few moments it lived until the room was quiet again and they were fast asleep. But it wasn't long before a wiggle on the bed stirred her from slumber and she opened her eyes just in time to see one mischief making Zoe lean her knees into her big brothers chest and smack him in the face. What a lovely way to wake up! "What the...?" He jumped. When he realized the situation he snatched up the pint sized hooligan and squeezed her into a tight hug, tickling her. Through her squeels he interjected. "I don't think that's how Mom told you to wake us up you imp... what am I gonna do with you?" Moirah laughed as she sat up and stretched, making no attempts to rescue the youngster from the not so terrible torture. "I think she learned well from the master. What do you expect?" She chided. He gave her a look and abandoned the blonde for the red head. He pounced on her and tickled her with out mercy, Zoe trying her best to pull him off her, using his ponytail as a tow rope. "Uncle! Uncle!" She shouted. He pushed back a bit held her down by her shoulders to the bed. "What do you say?" He coached. "Um... Get 'em Zoe?" She giggled, causing Zoe to launch a mini attack on his back. With little effort he held Moirah down with one hand and withdrew Zoe with the other, flipping her down and pressing her next to Moirah on the bed. He squished them together and leaned down to place a kiss on each girls cheek. "I think we all know who won this battle. *Now* whadda ya say?" He waited for a response. Zoe and Moirah looked to eachother then in unison said. "Uncle." "Very well then." He quipped and let them up. Zoe ran from the room giggling all the way as she yelled. "They're awake!" Moirah got up from the bed as he was smoothing down his hair to put the tail back in better. "I will get revenge... of that you can be sure." She warned, wagging her finger in his face. He grinned. "I can't wait." He chuckled. A few minutes to make themselves presentable, and they headed down to join the others at the table for dinner.
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Dinner at the Hanson household was just as much fun as going to see the circus. They were a lively bunch. It reminded her of family get togethers back home. Still feeling a bit homesick, she tried her best and did a stellar job of keeping up with the wit and zingers that bounced around the enormous table. In the back of her mind she noticed that Taylor still had not made an effort to show his face. She hoped that it wouldn't be too long before they got things resolved. Eventhough Zac was jovial, she could still see the underlying pain behind his warm brown eyes. It hurt her to know that he felt like there was a piece of himself missing due to the tension between he and his brother. She watched the family. Observing each members reactions and interactions. She came to the conclusion that she was accepted and welcomed for what part she played in his life. That made her feel wonderful, but she still fretted silently over the rift between the brothers that she felt she had caused. She did not want to be the reason for two loving brothers to turn on each other. She was determined to do all she could to help resolve the situation before it got out of hand. She was sure with Zac's parents help she and Zac could bring Taylor out of the dark ages and come to see the light. During a moment of her trying to sort out some of the inner turmoil she sat quiet, creased brow and a slight frown. The crowd went on with the merryment around her, but Zac noticed. He gripped her hand under the table on her leg, leaned into her and whisperd. "You ok? You're awful quiet all of a sudden. Something wrong?" She smiled a bit at him and squeezed his fingers. He returned the smile. "I'm ok, I was just thinking that's all." She reasured him. He gave her a questioning look as if to say 'you sure that's all?' She nodded and smiled wider. He grinned at her and pecked her cheek. It didn't take but a split second for him to rejoin the conversation that was going on around him. She loved to watch him with his family. There was a great amount of love that filled that room. She was glad she had the privilege to be a part of it let alone witness it. But she still missed her own family. That settled it. Tonight she would call home, even if she had to spend an hour or more so she could talk to each and every one of them, it had been far too long since she had lain eyes on the rolling green hills of her beloved Ireland. Maybe she should think about making a trip home after her show in the fall, winter on the Isle was beautiful, and a christmas in her Mothers home was a welcome thought that stirred many a memory. Her body itched to paint... perhaps after dinner. She could let Zac find his brother to settle things with, she was sure it was best to leave the two alone for the first conversation. They needed to air out their differences. She could use that time to break out her watercolors and relive some of home. She only hoped that if they were alone, they wouldn't end up killing each other. She had to put her faith in them to act like reasonable human beings... at least she knew Zac was capable. She was nearly certain Taylor could be trusted to do the same. After all, he was raised in this family too. She would just have to sit and wait, and that killed her almost as much as she could see it hurting him that she loved who sat next to her. Just wait, love would triumph. When the din settled into a dull roar plates were collected and the table cleared, all doing their share. Moirah hung back in the kitchen as Diana was filling the dishwasher. "You don't have to do anything dear, why don't you go on and enjoy yourself. I can do up the rest of this, I'm quite used to it really." Diana urged. Moirah smiled, glad to know that she was worthy of an endearment. "I actually wanted to speak with you, alone. If you don't mind." She hushed. "Of course dear, what can I do for you?" Diana chimed. "I... I was just worried is all. About Zac and Taylor... I mean, Zac is terribly hurt over this. I'm sure Taylor feels just the same. I didn't know this was going to cause any problems... I never would have..." Moirah was near to tears she was so distraught. Diana wiped her hands and hurried to her. "Shh... no sense in crying over what wasn't your fault. Taylor is just stubborn, I'm sure he didn't mean half of the things he said. You didn't do anything to cause this. It's all Taylors fault, so don't you fret." Diana soothed as she patted her shoulder in a loose hug. Moirah was taken back a bit by Diana being so forward... and placing all the blame on her son as well. This was one woman who had her head screwed on straight, she had her priorities in order. "But he wouldn't have been upset at all if it weren't for me." Moirah protested. "Oh nonsense!" Diana exclaimed. Moirah snapped out of her funk with amazing speed. "Love is not something so trivial as to quibble over. Do you love him?" Diana stated directly, forcefully. Moirah needed not to think about it, the response was tatooed upon her very soul. "With all of my heart." Diana nodded at her reply. "And I know he loves you, that much was proved when he spent those months mooning, moaning, and pining, driving all of us insane." She laughed, Moirah joined her. "Then it's settled. It's Taylors fault. Don't worry dear, they will talk and it will all be ok in the end. Trust me." She squeezed Moirahs shoulder one last time, turned her about face and shoved her toward the door. "Now scoot, go do something and relax, it's been a long day already, and I have a feeling it's not quite over yet." Moirah did as told, she knew Diana had confidence, but she could still see that she too was worried. It was plain that she did not like it when her boys would fight, it hurt her.
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Moirah followed her ears to the livingroom to find Zac and Mack wrestling on the floor. Walker was aimlessly flipping through the channels as if nothing at all was going on. Oh yes, the house of many children creates an imunity to chaos. She stood in the door watching the floor show when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Isaac leaning over her shoulder. "I'm headed home everybody. I'll see you at ten Zac, I gotta run some errands for El before I come over." He spoke to the general populace of the room. Zac glanced up from under Mack. "Sure thing Ike, kiss El for me, tell 'er I said hey." "Will do." Ike nodded. "Night Son." Walker called. "Later Dad." Isaac replied. "Nice to meet you Moirah. I think you're insane for putting up with him... but hey, I guess you're a brave woman huh?" Isaac laughed as he gave her a casual hug. She laughed too. "Night Isaac, nice meeting you too." She returned the gesture. With a wave he headed off towards the kitchen to kiss his mother goodnight as well and head home. Zac got to his feet and peeled Mack off his arm, setting him next to their father. "Later dude, I got some stuff to do, K?" Zac ruffled the boys hair, recieveing a shove and a nod in return. Walker glanced over, but thought better of speaking. He knew what was about to take place. He only hoped that world war three wouldn't break out in the studio. Zac gave Moirah a pitiful look as he approached her. She knew he was dreading this, but knew it had to be settled. He hated to quarrel with his family, he loved them too much to see them hurt over petty differences let alone something so monumental as what they were fighting about now. She turned and walked with him as he headed for the door to the studio. When they reached the bottom of the stairs she stopped, tugging at his arm. He turned to her and took her into his embrace, laying his head atop of hers. She squeezed him to let him know that she understood, and she was there for him if he needed her. She looked up to him as he stood tall once more, squaring his shoulders. "I know it hurts love, but you need to talk with him." She sighed. He nodded, then bent to take a kiss from her, and left her arms to confront the issue hanging over them like a black cloud. She watched him leave and when the door closed she heard the unmistakable sigh of Diana. Looking up the two women found eachothers eyes. Unspoken yet tangible was the understanding. This was hard on everyone. Diana tried her best to give Moirah a reasuring smile and compasionate pat on her shoulder as she walked past her and into the livingroom to join her husband on the couch. Without even looking away from the screen Walkers arm instinctivly went around the woman as she sat between he and their son. Mack lay his head in his mothers lap and smiled gently as her fingers combed through his hair. Together the three watched television, unknowingly creating the picture of a loving happy family. That was what they were. Somehow, it made Moirah feel a bit better and gave her more hope for getting through the present silent crisis. She smiled to herself and went up the stairs, headed for the guestroom as her art supplies were calling to her. She needed their solace to get through the next few hours, she knew it. She passed Avies open bedroom door on her way to the stairs at the end of the small hall. Avie and Nancy were playing a game of cards on the floor and noticed her passing by. Before Moirah even got to the top of the stairs both girls were in the hallway and headed her way. She turned to them and smiled. "Would it be ok if we hung out with you?" Avie asked almost shyly. "Sure, I'd like some company bout now." Moirah offered, motioning for them to follow her up to the guestroom. She offered the girls a seat with a wave toward the window seat. "Bored huh?" She asked the two. They shrugged. Moirah knew what they were up to. Curiosity was the name of the game, she played it well, she may as well participate. She began to unpack and put away some of her belongings. "So what do you do around here for fun usually" She asked the duo. Again she recieved a shrug. She smiled to herself. "Don't you have any friends nearby?" She tried. "Some, but nobody really fun." Avie offered. Moirah nodded. She started to put away her shoes and catching an envious look from the two. "Would you like to try 'em on?" She asked. "Could we?" Nancy squeeled, getting up and putting them on. Moirah laughed. "I take it your favorite past time is shopping?" She teased. Nancy grinned. "I just really like clothes. Lotsa times we get to go over to Elouises place with Ike and play in her stuff." Nancy informed her. "Elouise?" She asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "Ikes girlfriend, we call her El. She's gonna be a fashion designer, she's got some of the coolest stuff at her apartment." Avie gave up. Moirah nodded, all of it fitting in place now. "I see, she sounds like tons of fun." She admitted. "Oh she is. We like her." Avie came back with. "We better. Ike's gonna marry her." She continued. "Oh he is, is he? And how do you know that?" She asked the wee one. "Cuz he gave her a ring and everything. But she says she wants to wait until she's done in school. I think she is very smart." Avie was just a font of information. Moirah nodded her head. "I agree, she should finnish school. It's a good idea. Still, she must be excited to be getting married though huh?" She steered the conversation toward little girl fantasies. That was always a good icebreaker. "When I get married I'm gonna have a huge reception." Nancy spoke. "Me too." Agreed Avie. "What about you and Zac? Are you gonna have a really big reception?" Asked Avie curiously. Moirah laughed, hard. "Who said we were getting married?" She chuckled. "Well you love eachother don't you? Isn't that what you're supposed to do when you love eachother?" Asked Nancy. Moirah set her empty bag down and shoved it under the bed.
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She sat on the bed between the two girls. "Well, yes we do love eachother indeed. But, I don't think we are ready to get married yet. We haven't been together long enough yet to talk about it. If we do decide to get married, I'm sure you will be among some of the first to know." She laughed. Satisfied with their answer the girls left a lull in the conversation. "How would you girls like to come out to the garden with me? I'm going to paint." She asked. They both nodded. "But, they don't have a garden." Nancy wondered out loud. Moirah laughed. "I'm sorry, some old habits die hard. I suppose you call them lawns or yards. Anyway, if you like you may paint as well. I'd love to see what you can do." She offered as she fetched her wooden box of watercolors and her camera. "Moirah? Where are you from?" Nancy asked. "Ireland, about fourty miles outside of Dunkirk." She said off-handedly. "Cool!" Nancy exclaimed. "Did you live in a little country cottage?" Avie asked dreamily. "Sometimes, mostly when I was older or spent an occasional summer with my aunt. I grew up in my ancestral home mostly though. Glenmeadow Castle, lots of room for me and my brothers and my sister to play." Moirah told them. "You grew up in a castle?! So cool!" Nancy cried. "Way!" Avie agreed. "Did you get to wear a crown to fancy parties and stuff?" Nancy asked. Moirah chuckled. "Not really. We're not that kind of nobility. We were the revolutionists who stormed the gates and never gave up the stronghold. We weren't very loyal to the crown but were hired on occasion to fill out an army or two. We're not that special. Mostly farm folk. Though I do own a tiara I wore in a play once." She let them down easily. The girls giggled. "Still, that's pretty cool." Avie responded. "It was I guess. Being here with all of you has made me homesick even. I miss having my family around. That's why I'm going to paint, I'm going to remember home." She informed the girls. "That's a nice way to get over feeling homesick I suppose. I should try that sometime." Avie said distractedly. "I suppose you would get a bit homesick sometimes huh?" Moirah soothed as she put an arm around the girls shoulder. "Sometimes, but we don't go with them as much as we used to. That's a good thing I suppose. Still, we do miss them. A lot." Avie admitted. "Well, I suppose that makes you appreciate them all the more then." Moirah reasoned. Avie nodded and the girls followed her down the stairs and into the back yard. Ready for some girl talk and a bit of creativity.
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Moirah set the girls up with some paints and set her own makeshift easel in a crook of a low tree branch. They talked of little girl things and life in a castle, the girls really liked the idea of living in a castle, what little girl wouldn't? Jess had said goodbye to her boyfriend and joined them shortly after. All of them enjoying a get to know one another session. Though it did make Moirah miss her sister that much more. As dusk began to settle, and still no sign of news from the house came, the girls posed for some shots and Moirah clicked away happily, capturing girl giggles with the Tulsa sunset. Together they headed toward the house to present their parents with their mini masterpieces. Moirah was somewhat leary to know the condition of things between Taylor and Zac. She was of course hoping for the best. They found Diana in the kitchen with Mack and Zoe, coloring. She was typicly pleased with the paintings, immediately posting them in the place of honor, the fridge door. They sat and talked until bed time for the wee ones. Still no sign of the two brothers. Kisses goodnight and a few hugs later left the women alone, Walker having been drawn to the studio as a mediator long before Moirahs arrival back in the house. Over tea the two women talked cordially, trying to do their best to keep the others spirits up during the long wait. Taking note of the hour growing long, Moirah excused herself to get in touch with her family. Diana understood completely and promised to let her know if she was needed. With a tiny hug they parted ways at the bottom of the stairs. She passed the girls rooms, whispering a last goodnight to each and headed up to her room for the week. She curled up on the window seat and began to dial. Watching the soft darkness come alive with the tiny lamplights of fireflys she talked to her family, laughing, sighing, once even crying; having learned her sister was expecting again. She hadn't seen her niece since her birth and here her sister was expecting again... she knew it had been far too long since she had visited home. She could hear the cheers all around when she let loose the news of her impending plans to come home for the long holidays. That created a warm feeling that flowed through her, until her mother asked her a question she hadn't thought of before. "Will you be bringing the new man in your life with you? When do we get to meet him?" She stopped short. She didn't know. She hadn't even thought about it. How could she not have? "I... I don't know Mother. I hadn't yet thought about it. I suppose I shall ask him, but, he's rather busy now, I'll call later and let you know if he can make it. He may not even be available." She told her mother with unsure voice. "Available? Dear, everyone gets Christmas off, perhaps he wants to spend it with his family?" Her mother reasoned. "Well, actually Mother, he may have to work, one never knows far ahead with his work. I'm sure he would love to spend some of the time with his family, he rarely gets to be home, but.. I will ask him." She retorted. "Work? On the birth of our Lord? Baulderdash ducky... nobody works on that day. Why is it that he doesn't see his family? Live too far from them?" Her mother questioned. "Umm..." Moirahs voice faltered. It was then that she realized that she hadn't even talked to her own mother about him past the point of telling her that she was seeing someone. Her mother was clueless as to who she had been seeing, the man she loved was unknown to her own family. She felt ashamed for having left it for so long. Silently she vowed to mend that fence. She would call more often and write on occasion. After all, if she could maintain a long distance relatinship with Zac for all of these months, why couldn't she keep in touch with her own family. Exactly, no reason why she couldn't. Over the next half hour she explained to her mother the reasons behind her state of ignorance. Her mother was pleased that she had found someone to care for and who seemed to care for her equally as much. She wasn't overly thrilled of the fact that he was a popular musician, Moirah knew her mother held some preconcieved notions about him and his behavior and knew she was only thinking of her daughters welfare. She didn't want her to get hurt by his distance and lack of time together or the temptations that his type of life lead. She understood the thought and appreciated it for what it was and did her best to reasure her mother that he wasn't like that. When pressed to find out why... she told her mother, siting the strong religious background, the family bond... his age. Her mother was not pleased at all. But, being well versed in the fact that Moirah was a woman whom was just as stubborn as her Grandfather, she was not going to change her mind. Her mother would just have to trust her and believe that all was well. Afterall, if his family had seen no problem with it, she would have to learn to live with it. Moirah did tell her that most of the family had welcomed her openly. With one exception... and that was where Zac was now. Her mother sat and patiently talked it over with her, wishing she could be there to hold her child instead of cradling her with her voice over the phonelines that crossed the vast ocean. Some time later a weepy Moirah bid farewell to her blood and sat in the same spot, phone in hand, pondering just how she had let her life get away from her so far. Tomarrow she would call Ramone to see how things were going back home... home. She thought of three places as home. It seemed an odd concept to spread her self so thin, but somehow, for her, it worked. A wry smile crept up on her as she began to think about her upcomming trip. It was months away but she would be looking forward to it with relish. "What's so amusing my love?" His deep voice rang softly in the small room.
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Her eyes lifted and a smile spread over her like warm molasses. Comforting and satisfying. His presence alone was enough to do that, but it was the lightness that he carried himself with now that made her happy. Apparently things had gone well with his brother tonight and their relationship was on the road to repair. She stood and went to him, a warm hug their 'hello.' He bent to her and kissed her. Slow, deep, drenched in his love and swept up in passion. His fingers creeping up the back of her shirt and swirling small warm circles on her lower back. Her hands left the back of his neck and smoothed over his broad shoulders, down his arms and resting on the pulsing muscles there. She pushed him away gently, breaking their contact. She sucked in her breath quickly, trying to regain the lost oxygen he had stolen from her. His tiny wimper making it evident that he wanted so much more. She looked up to him as he raised up to his full height, his eyes falling down to her. "Not that I don't want to do that, but you can not leave me here in anticipation for so long and then not tell me anything." She breathed, chest heaving with want of his lips to return. He grinned. "I don't know what to say... we talked, we yelled, I almost killed him, Dad came in and saved Taylors life, we yelled some more, we talked again..." He shrugged. She smacked him in the chest. "That's not what I wanna know and you know it damn it! Spit it out!" She demanded. He chuckled. "He says he'll behave himself and keep his mouth shut. He won't admit that he was wrong but at least he is willing to be polite when he meets you. We agreed to disagree. Mom and Dad thinks that maybe he'll come around. It may take him forever, but he will have to accept it sometime... I'm not giving you up, I fought to hard to get you in the first place." He grinned down to her, backing up and pulling her toward the bed behind them. She giggled and slipped out of his grasp as she pushed him over onto the bed. "I don't think that's in the forecast there buddy." She laughed. He pouted. "But...!" "No." She stated firmly to his whine. He sighed and sat up. "You didn't tell me what you were smiling about when I came in... tell me." He asked softly. She smiled at him as she went to a drawer and fished out a flannedl nightie. "Nice." He snickered at her choice of nitewear. She threw her brush at him, he caught it midair and grinned at her tiny foot softly stamping. She began to strip off her shirt and he sat and watched as she talked. "I called my Mom. I want to tell you more about it tomarrow, but for now, I just have to say... I'm an ass." He looked at her, as she took off her bra to bare her breasts. She stood, jeans undone as she was slipping her shoes off. He found it hard but, still laughed. Her body was a distraction, but her statement warranted an appropriate response. "Why do you say that?" He prompted her to continue. She did so as she sat on the edge of the bed and peeled off her jeans. I talked to her and so much went on in that one conversation... I'm ashamed to say I don't talk to them often enough... but I'm not going to let that keep on." She stated firmly, heaping her clothes into a chair and slipping her nightgown over her head, much to Zac's disappointment. "Well that's good, you should keep in touch with them more often, it's important to stay close." He stated matter of factly, shifting to relieve some of the pressure in his tightening jeans. She nodded, taking her hair down for the second time that day and walking to him to fetch the brush he now sat playing with in his large rough hands. She held out her hand but instead of her brush he took her hand in his, turning her around and sat her between his knees. "I agree. But I also know it's been too long, because... well because I just explained to Mom that I've decided to visit for Christmas." She confessed. "That's wonderful!" He exclaimed as he brushed out her long curly hair. "I know it's far too long when I just found out I'm about to be an auntie once more and I haven't visited since the last time my sister gave birth... it's shameful really." She admitted, eyes closed, loving the way his fingers worked through the small knots and sifted through the soft strands. "Well congratulations. A new baby is always a happy reason to make a visit. But don't be so hard on yourself baby, you've been a very busy woman. It's probably hard for you to get away for personal reasons... I know I was so happy that you made the time to come home with me... It means a lot to me you know." He whispered in her ear, putting the brush down and wrapping his arms around her middle, drawing her back against him. She lay her head on his shoulder and savored the small kisses he was planting up and down her smoothe neck. "I know... I would have dropped everything no matter what to come home with you, you know that... but... I just tonight told my Mother about who you were." She confessed. His kisses stoped and she turned more to him to find his reaction. "And?" He urged her. "She was... well, she wasn't pissed exactly, but leary is more like it. I think once she meets you it will be ok... she just worries for me, she does trust me, it's just a Mom thing." She laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled. "Been there, done that." He chuckled. "So when do I get to meet her... all of them?" He asked, resuming the tiny electric kisses, letting them flow down to her shoulder as he pulled her nightgown aside, baring her silken skin. Moirah sighed in contentment. "She's invited you to join us for the holidays, I told her I would ask you and call her once more." She informed him. "Yeah?" He said enthusiasticly, his mouth leaving its perch on her body. "Yeah." She returned. "So, do you think you can?" She asked him. "I dunno... but I really wanna." He admitted. She smiled, turning all the way around as she slipped to the floor infront of him, between his parted knees.
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"I want to share everything I have with you... except my bed tonight!" She teasingly laughed. "You're so mean!" He cried. "I know hunny, but I'm sure your parents trust us to behave for the sake of the wee ones." She reorted. "Wee ones? Beghorah, where's me Lucky Charms?!" He teased. "Hey! I dont' make fun of your accent or culture." She exclaimed. "Your an easy target babe. So much amunition, how can you blame a guy?" He laughed. She shoved him away as she got to her feet. "Out!" She jovialy pointed to the staircase of his exit. "Aww... do I gotta?" He pouted. "Yeah, you gotta." She mocked. He got up from the bed and headed on his way out. As he passed by her she almost said, 'what, no kiss goodnight?' when he grabbed her. He deeply dipped her backwards over his bent knee, capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss worthy of the silent silver screen in drama. He tore his swollen lips from her, teasing her with desire as the tip of his tongue ran over his top lip. His eyes deep and dark sending electric currents though her body with want of him. Abruptly he stood her back up, leaving her woozy. He just walked away, whistling as she shoved his hands into his front pockets as he bounced down the steps. "Night Moirah!" He sang out then returned to his whistled tune. "Nite..." She whispered, one hand pressing her heart back into her chest, the other tracing her lips where he had just pleasantly tortured her. Eyes not seeing the room about her she stumbled to the bed, climbed in and shut out the light. She wished for a straightjacket... it would be a great help during the night, making it easier to stay in her own bed. It was going to be a long hard night... and lonely. Morning took forever to come it seemed, but when it greeted her, it was delicious. She woke with a shower of soft kisses and whispered adoration. "Mmm... what a wonderful way to wake up." She yawned as she stretched. Zac snuggled into her neck and inhaled. "God you smell good." He whispered against her skin. He sat up more and looked into her face. "How do you look so beautiful in the morning?" He asked her. She gave him a sideways look. "It's true then." She lightly exclaimed. "What?" He asked confused. She lauged gently. "That love is blind. I know good and well what I look like in the morning, beautiful is not it." She joked. "You're always beautiful to me." He sighed against her lips before he granted her a full and proper goodmorning kiss. He broke away from her, letting her catch her breath. "Sweet talker." She teased him. He laughed softly. "Hungry? Breakfast is sure to be ready. Mom is an early riser." He tugged her hands, drawing her up to sit. "I suppose." She said distractedly. "I know what you're fretting about. Tay is already downstairs and we spoke this morning." He tried to soothe her nervousness away. "He promised to behave and be polite. I want you to meet him. I know it's gonna be awkward and all but I'm sure that if he just meets you he will know how wonderful you are and see why I love you so much. Please Moirah? For me?" He pleaded. "You know I would do anything for you dear, I'm just nervous is all, I'll get over it. I know I will. It's just that I want so much for things to be the way they were between you and Taylor." She tried her best to explain. "It will be babe. Trust me. It's just gonna take some time." He eased her mind. "Come on now. The shower is free, and with four girls in the house now, that's amazing. You better take advantage of it while you can." He joked. She lauged and nodded in agreement. It didn't take long for her to gather her things together and head down the stairs to get ready for the day. She walked into the bathroom and turned to shut the door. Zac was in the doorway trying to pass by her. "And where do you think you're going?" She laughed. "Aww, come on! I'll be good and only watch. Scouts honor!" He cried criss crossing his heart. She giggled and shoved him out into the hallway. "I don't think so buddy, not this time. Besides, I know for a fact, you were never a scout of any kind." She shot at him. "Damnit!" He stomped his foot and crossed his arms over his chest as he pouted. "I never get to have any fun." She peeked at him through the closing door. "Later if you're a good boy." She teasingly whispered. "Yeehaw!" He whooped as he ran off toward his own room. She shook her head and lauged as she turned on the water. She whispered to her reflection. "What a nut! What have I gotten myself into this time?" She smiled. She knew what she was in... she was in love.
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After her shower she gathered her things and headed upstairs to put them away. She was greeted with a large lump on her bed, reading a copy of 'Mother Goose and Other Fairy Tales.' She laughed outright. "What are you doing? Are you that bored Zac?" She teased. He grinned and shrugged. "Catching up on some light reading." He joked as he downed the book and rose to meet her. He affectionately kissed her cheek. "Ready?" He asked. "Ready as I'll ever be I suppose." She replied. She tried hard not to walk like one being led to the gallows as she headed down the stairs beside him in a casual embrace. As long as he was there, everything would be ok. They reached the front hall. So far, good. They entered the diningroom, he felt her body stiffen. There sat Taylor, cup of coffee in hand and the morning paper open in his lap as he layback, sprawled in his chair. He didn't even look up. She assumed he was zoning out the chaos so he could read for Zoe sat next to him singing the alphabet song over and over in spanish, off key, and rather loudly. "Zip it squirt." Zac adressed his baby sister. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. "Go find Dad and tell him we'll be ready to head over in half an hour. K?" His voice jovial. She nodded in reply and as soon as she passed him by, she again began her 'song' between giggles. He shook his head. "Kids, what a pain they can be." "I seem to remember a certain someone who used to sing the theme song from Sesamee Street twenty four seven and somehow he managed to survive though we all wanted to kill him." Tay peered over his paper, a smirk on his face. She felt a bit relieved. At least he wasn't openly attacking them. That had to be a good sign. "Well at least I didn't run around naked with nothing but a holster and a grin." Zac shot back. "You don't even remember that. You were just a baby." Tay scoffed as he rose from his chair, folding the paper. "But Mom has plenty of pictures Tay, be good or they go on Ebay." Zac shot back. The brothers lauged and it really did seem as if they were ok. Moirah felt a great weight fall from her shoulders. Tay came around the table and stretched his hand toward her. "Hi, I'm Tay. Nice to meet you." He said a bit stiffly, yet still polite. She shook his hand and replied. "Nice to meet you to Taylor. Did we disturb your breakfast entertainment?" She asked with a grin. He gave her a genuine smile in return. "Actually, I think that was my daily punishment for not taking them to the mall yet this week." He joked back. "Harsh." She shot back at him. He laughed as he headed out the door, a pat to Zac's shoulder. "I'll be back down before Ike gets here. When you're ready, give me a holler and we'll go over." He threw over his shoulder and was gone. "Well see that wasn't so bad now was it?" Zac asked rhetoricly. She shook her head. "What wasn't so bad?" Mack asked around a bite of pancake and sticky syrup. "Nothing Mack. You ready for today?" Zac asked. The young boy nodded as he shoveled in another bite. "What's going on today? What is everyone talking about that I have no clue of?" Moirah asked curiosly. "Today we sort mail." Zac offered. She looked confused still as he poured himself a cup of coffee and handed her two plates. "We go to the old house. We sort out fanmail and read some, then send it off to storage." He clarified. "And you need everyone to do that?" She asked as he filled the plates that she held. He nodded. "We read as many as we can, decide which ones we answer, the smaller kids go through the gifts... that sort of thing." He replied. "Wow. I didn't realize you got that much mail. How long does that take?" She asked. He chuckled, he knew what her reaction was going to be when he told her. He took the plates and she followed him to sit at the table. "A few weeks usually." "What?!" She cried. He laughed at her expression. "Honey, we have several storage rooms filled to the top with past mail, we can't let it pile up too much, of course we don't get a chance to read all of it, but we try to do what we can. The fans are important." She shook her head in disbelief. "That's just wild. And they send you gifts?" She questioned. Again he laughed. "Oh yeah. Tons of 'em. Sometimes it's just simple things like stuffed animals. We send lots of those to charities and childrens hospitals and such. Then theres the creative stuff, posters, pictures, t-shirts. Sometimes we get things like books or cd's. I've gotten more than a few sets of decorated drumsticks. Then there are the occasional boxes of jellybeans or twinkies, most of the time we throw those out, just in case you know." She nodded. He laughed. "And then we get the weird stuff. The stuff that makes you say, 'huh?' Like lava lamps and board games with mini us's as playing pieces. Once someone gave us a dog! That was a trip." He chuckled at the memory. "Just wild." She whispered as she began her morning meal distractedly. He grinned, he knew more but he wanted that as his own secret. He wanted to surprize everyone, and now that things were going so well, it would be the perfect time to reveal the secret he had been hiding for months now. He was almost giddy with excitement. He bolted down his breakfast and helped clear away the mess before he bellowed up the stairs. "Tay! Ike's here! Get a wiggle on man!" Tay called back. "Keep your pants on dude, it aint going anywhere! I'll be right down." The whole of the Hanson family with the addition of Jess's boyfriend, cousin Nancy and Moirah gathered in the driveway waiting for Taylor. "Took ya long enough Tay." Avie scolded. "I was writing down some lyrics." He countered. Avie sighed. "You're always doing that. Use the stupid tape recorder like they do." She replied, pointing to her two brothers. Taylor rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Let's just go and get this over already." They all climbed into two vehicles and off they went. A day of fun and frolic in a mountain of fanmail. Oh joy.
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They arrived at their destination shortly after and all piled out. She was introduced to the 'staff' of two women who answered phones and kept files and stacked the mail in a large room off to the left. She looked around her as they all settled in. He had told her that this used to be their house, it seemed so small, too small for such a large family. It was no wonder they were so close. That many people in a space so small, they had to have learned to live with one another peacefully or they would kill each other like most families. Diana siddled up next to Zac and whispered something in his ear in a conspiritorial manor. He grew a wicked grin and nodded. "Alright everybody!" Diana yelled to be heard over the mild din. Everyone into the garage! Zac has a surprize to share!" She directed as she shooed them onward. A confused mass headed in the same direction and disappeared down a flight of stairs. Moirah gave him a look and he just nudged her forward to follow the crowd. When they had all arrived they milled about and whispered about the large crate in the center of the room. It was obvious that this was Zac's surprize, and it was a big one too. With Walkers help Zac opened the crate top. He peered inside and smiled. Even with all the packaging around it he knew what it was. Together they pried off one side at a time until it stood alone in the center of the crowd, cloaked in secrecy still by its packaging shroud. Moirah knew what it was and she stood in the embrace of Diana, silent tears making tracks down her cheeks. The little ones impatient, they helped strip away the layers to reveal the prize inside. "Wow Zaccy! Someone really loves you! Lookit the huge present they sent you." A itty bitty Zoe's voice broke over the collective noise. Zac laughed and picked her up so she could have a better look. "No Zoe. This is not something someone sent to me. This is something I got for someone else." He explained. "Cool!" She exclaimed and wiggled out of his arms and ran around to the other side for a better look there. "This is what it was for? All that dramatic lunacy?" Taylor asked, his words a bit acidic. Zac shot him a warning look that said if he didn't watch his tongue he would find himself on his ass nursing a broken jaw. Zac stepped over to Moirah and took her gently from his mothers embrace. He wiped away some of her tears and slid his arm around her waist as he drew her to the side. "I can't believe you did that." She said quietly. "I had to have it." He shrugged and grinned. "How do you think I found you?" His sly grin smeared across his lips. "You're too sneaky you know." She shoved him playfully. Isaac walked around it. "I remember this. It was at your show wasn't it?" He asked then looked up to her. She nodded. He smiled at her. "I like it." He stated simply. "It... it feels familiar." He said distractedly. Jess rolled her eyes. "Geez Ike, ya think?" She said sarcasticly. She recieved a sharp look from her mother. "I mean Mom, just look at it. I know that's a lute slung across that guys back and all, but it looks a lot like Ike." She gestured to the statue they were all gathered around. Her mother motioned for her to come to her. "Now look." She pointed out to her daughter. Jess looked from the new angle and laughed a bit. "What's so funny?" Ike and Tay asked at the same time. She motioned for her brothers to come and join her to see for themselves. They did so and Ike laughed right away. Tay just stood there. "What? I don't get it. What's so funny?" He said. Ike clapped him on the back. "You don't see it?" He asked his comfounded brother. Tay shook his head. "From over here it looks like you." Ike informed him. "It does not." He scoffed. "Yes, it does." His mother toned. Now he had no choice but to acknowledge it. What Mom said was law. "If you say so, I don't really see it." They laughed at him. "What's he doing?" Zoe piped up. Walker picked her up and explained. "He's planting an apple core." "How come?" Chimed in Mackie. Zac jumped into the conversation. "Because he wants to do what's best and return what he took." "Like recycling?" Asked a pondering Mack. "Sorta, yeah." Answered Zac. "What are you going to do with this Zac?" Nancy asked as she walked around it. "For now, we will have to leave it here." He said, a tinge of sadness to his voice. "But someday I hope to have a garden for it to be placed in properly." For that statement he recieved a tight squeeze from Moirah. She knew what he meant, even if the others didn't. "That would be lovely Zac." His mother admitted, a loving gaze sent his way. "It's very... old world." Said Virginia, one of the 'staff.' A few nods around the room followed in agreement. "Zac?" Querried Avie as she neared her brother. "Hmm...?" He returned distractedly as his thoughts ran through his head. "You bought that?" She asked him. He looked down to her. "Yeah, why?" He asked her back. "Well, if Ike said she made this." She pointed towards Moirah. "Then how come she didn't just give it to you?" She wondered aloud. Zac chuckled at her and bent down to explain. "Because Avie, I didn't know her then, not really anyway. I bought it so I could find her and we could become friends. Besides, it takes a lot of money to make this kind of art." "That's so cool. I bet you spent your whole allowence on it huh?" She spouted off. He chuckled at her. "A whole lot more than that Avie." He said as he stood. "But I would have spent every penny I had." He looked into Moirahs eyes. A fresh tear made its way over her smooth cheek. She reached up to brush it away. He stopped her hand. "Don't do that." He said softly. A quavering smile washed over her face. He cupped her cheek lovingly as they looked into each others eyes, oblivious of everyone else in the room. Her eyes slid shut and she pressed into his hand as her tiny hand covered his. A simple gesture that meant worlds to them. Walker and Diana exchanged a knowing look.
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Quietly they herded everyone out of the room so the two could share a quiet moment to enjoy his gift to her. His sacrifice and display of what he would do for her. They knew, Ike knew, and as Taylor followed Jennifer the other 'staff' member up the stairs he glanced to them before he lost sight of them. Zac stood holding her around the waist, pressing her close to his chest as he stroked the back of her head. His cheek pressed against her fiery hair, they whispered to each other. Somehow, they just looked like they belonged together. Even through his stubborness, he had to admit that. He hated to, but even he couldn't deni that sceene. It didn't take long for them all to settle in and begin the job that they had come to do. A few minutes later Zac and Moirah joined them and the day of work began. By lunch time a few were cranky and some were borderline. "I think it's time for some lunch. Walk, why don't we head into town and pick something up while everyone keeps working?" Diana suggested. Requests for chinese, burgers and pizza resounded. "How about some fried chicken?" Walker chimed in. A collective agreement came back. "Then it's settled. You guys mind and we will be back shortly." She wagged a finger at her brood. "Don't worry Mom, they know if they act up we'll just pack em up in a box and ship 'em to Walla Walla." Ike joked as he tugged a braid on the back of Nancy's head. She turned around and smacked his hand as she stuck her tongue out at him. He lauged back at her. Not long after they left Zac took this as a perfect opportunity to adress the collective. "Guys. I got an idea, I want everyones input." All eyes turned to him. "I know I haven't asked you yet, but I thought now's as good a time as any." He adressed Moirah. She looked to him expectantly. "I was thinking-" He said to the whole group. "Oh no... now we're in trouble." Joked Jess's boyfriend. A small round of laughter. "No, really. Seriously now, I was thinking that we could do something for Mom and Dad's anniversary." Now he had their attention. He cleared his throat a bit. "I was thinking that maybe this year, instead of Mom and Dad going out alone like they usually do, we could maybe, I dunno, throw 'em a little party." He suggested. A moment of reflection passed over the room. "I think that's a nice idea." Jess nodded. "Yeah, sure." Ike added. A collective agreement was reached. "Good. Now I have some more thoughts about it. If you don't wanna, that's ok, I just thought of it as being nice, but if anyone has a better idea, then by all means." He offered. "Spill it dork." An impatient Avie sounded off. He chuckled and continued. "Well, I thought maybe we could have a portrait taken of all of us, the kids, for their gift. I was thinking maybe, you would do it?" He added, taking Moirahs hand in his own, a pleading look on his face. She smiled at him. "I would be honored, that is if the rest of you agree. I don't want to step on any toes." She said to the group, some knowing that her last comment was added solely for Taylors benifit. He surprized her though when he looked directly at her and said. "I think that would be a great gift Zac." His warm smile was so real it nearly made Moirah cry. She smiled back at him showing him how much she appreciated his gesture. "Good, then that's out of the way. Now, what are we gonna do? I know one thing, that is if I can beg another favor." Zac smiled toward Moirah once more. She looked at him sideways. "What do you have up your sleeve? Somehow I don't trust that face of yours." She chuckled. "Oh, so you do know Zac well." Ike teased. Zac threw a large envelope toward his big brothers head, making him duck to avoid it. "No need to worry, I was just hoping that we could put you to work some more." He said to Moirah. "Like...?" She asked. "Like, maybe you would make the cake? And maybe you and the girls would take care of the decorations? I think the three of us..." He pointed to himself and his two older brothers. "I think we can handle making dinner. Whada ya say guys?" He asked hopefully of the other two. He got an immediate nod from Ike. "What do you have in mind Zac? I think our culinary skills are limited at best." Taylor pointed out. "Oh come on. We're not that helpless. I think between the three of us we can handle something simple. Maybe like roast beef and potatoes or something." Zac suggested. "Sounds good, but do you know how to make roast beef?" Taylor asked skepticly. "Well, no. But how hard could it be?" Zac shrugged. Moirah laughed long and hard. "What's so funny?" Zac demanded, mock hurt pride on his face. "Zac, are you that clueless?" She managed to get out while she wiped away her tears. "What? What do you mean?" He asked genuinely. "Dear, do you know how many people will be there? You don't even know how to prepare the meat. A party is not the time to try out a new recipee. And you do realize that you need to make more than just meat and potatoes right?" She pointed out. He shrugged. "I dunno. Mom does it all the time. I figured it couldn't be too hard. It looks easy when she does it." He admitted. This made Moirah laugh all over again. "You are such a lost soul." She cried through her laughter. "Maybe you should just order in?" She teased. "Hey!" He nearly shouted, gaining laughter from the whole room. "Moirah?" Ike asked over the din. "Yes?" She querried as she turned her attention to him. "Would you help us?" He asked. A real smile of hope held out to her. She looked over toward Taylor, question in her eyes. He nodded, the same pleading look on his face. She smiled brightly. "I would love to help you." She offered. "Just let me know how many will attend, what time and where. I'll do the rest. It's the least I can do to return the hospitality." She announced. Zac got up from his spot on the floor and went to her. He bent down to reach her on the end of the couch and placed a loving kiss on her lips. "You're too good to me. What would I do without you?" He asked.
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She grinned up at him, Irish mischief in her eyes. "Starve to death and make and ass out of yourself in front of your family and friends?" She quipped. He threw his head back in a roar of laughter. "I probably would too." He admitted as he plunked his ass down on the arm of the couch and slung an arm over her shoulders. "So? Who should we invite?" He asked the assembly. Work forgotten for the moment, they took this time to make plans for the party. With Moirah guiding them through the steps needed for a party that would make their parents proud, it wasn't long before they had a set plan. Mum was the word and even the smallest of them knew it was to be a secret. The only thing now would be to figure out how to keep it a secret and get it all done under the noses of their parents. With so many in on the plan, they were pretty confident that it could be pulled off. Walker and Diana returned and lunch was scarfed quickly. Back to work for a few hours and a reprieve was granted. They all headed home and went their seperate ways until they would come together for dinner later. A day of no books was a treat and it didn't take long for the younger set to flee the confines of the house and head for the great outdoors. Isaac waved off offers of conversation and such, stating that he was going to go surprize Elouise and have dinner waiting for her when she got home from her classes. They waved him goodbye and the five left got comfortable in the livingroom. Taylor stretched out in an overstuffed chair, long legs going on for miles before him, hands gently clasped over his middle and eyes closed lightly. He looked the model of relaxation. Walker coersed Moirah into watching some of his world famous videos and with a chuckle Zac shrugged when she beseeched him with her eyes for mercy. She settled back into his easy embrace and prepared for the worst. Taylor cracked an eye open. "I got a few phonecalls to make." He excused himself quickly and headed out of the room. "Chicken!" Zac called with a laugh. "Bawk bawk bawk and a cluck or two too!" Taylor shot back down from his way up the stairs. A round of laughter ensued. Diana asked if anyone wanted anything and slipped off to the kitchen. Moirah had a sinking feeling she was slowly being deserted one by one. Zac squirmed to make himself more comfortable. She turned to him and gave him a look as if to say, 'don't you dare to leave me too.' He grinned down at her. "Let the humiliatin begin!" He cried. Walker laughed. "Really, I didn't think I was that bad! I just wanted a professionals opinion." He stated. She smiled up at the man. "Really, I don't know a blessed thing about video." She confessed. "Maybe so, but you know photography, you have a learned eye. I just want to know if I'm not as bad as my children lead people to believe." He chuckled. She laughed with him. "I'm sure you do a wonderful job. I shall give you my honest opinion." She stated firmly with warm smile to ease him. It must have worked for he relaxed next to her and before long the three were laughing enough at the antics on screen to bring Diana out of hiding and join in the fun. Many tapes later and some time passed. "I think I'd better start dinner or we will hear from the natives." Diana chuckled as Walker walked to the tv and began to pop yet another tape in. "Good idea Mom, I'm starved!" Zac piped up. "Zachary! You just ate an entire bowl of popcorn and three sodas! How can you possibly be hungry?" His mother asked. "I dunno? But I am." He shrugged. She laughed at him. "You have always been a bottomless pit, I guess somethings you never grow out of." She said as she patted his head on her way past him and into the kitchen. "Let me help you Diana!" Moirah called, utilizing the moment for a quick escape. Walker looked up from his task. "What about the next tape?" He asked slightly bewildered. Moirah looked to Zac for help. He grinned back at her and nodded his head toward the kitchen as if to say, 'go on, I'll cover your ass.' "Pop it in Pop! I'll watch it with ya!" He announced. "Yeah?" His father asked. "Sure, gotta have something to do to keep my mind off starving to death while we wait for supper." He joked. Moirah giggled and headed for the kitchen behind Diana, glad to be free. It wasn't that he was a bad videographer, it was just that one could only take so much repetiveness. She loved the Hansons but redundant is something they needed to learn the meaning of. Yet, they had only watched movies from when they were quite a bit younger, she was sure they had learned a lot since then. At least she hoped so.
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