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Dinner this night was much faster and easier. Less people, less chatter she thought. Not so. They were just as lively as the previous night. "Now tomarrow it's back to the books." Diana warned the table. A collective groan began until she gave them an icy eye. Moirah saw who was in charge. It didn't take long for the conversation to wend away from the thought of schooling and towards more frivilous things. Such as the mall. "Tay, you promised." Avie pouted. "I know Avie, I've just been so busy. I just got home, gimme a break will ya?" He pleaded with his little sister. Moirah had what she thought a brilliant idea. "If I could borrow someones vehicle, I could take you girls, I need to go myself and get some more watercolor paper." She offered. "Oh could you?!" A jubilant Jess asked. She saw what Moirah was getting at. Now would be a good time to start getting things together for the party. It was perfect. "Of course, just as soon as your Mother is done with you and your schooling, you come and find me. I'm sure we could scare up a car or something." She hinted as she eyed Zac. "Don't look at me." He said with a shrug. "You all can't fit in my truck." He finnished. Moirah was ready to pout. "You can borrow mine." She looked up to find a pleasant smile gracing Taylors face. "Really? You wouldn't mind?" She asked him. "Naw, of course not. Anything to get out of taking the munchkin parade to the mall." He laughed. A small slap from Jess beside him did little to deter his jest. "That's sweet of you... I think." She joked. That brought a laugh from them all. "So in other words I actually get the house to myself for the afternoon?" Diana said disbelievingly. "What *ever* will I do with myself?" She teased. "But Mom, I have practice tomarrow." Mackie reminded her. She was about to sigh when Walker broke in. "I'll take you Mack. Let's give Mom a much deserved day off shall we?" She sent her husband a loving look. He grinned at her. "Ok, break it up. We've got enough kids 'round the table now, don't need anymore rugrats to contend with you two." Taylor joked. His mother rolled her eyes at him. "Honestly Taylor one would think you were brought up in a barn what with your display of manners." His mother returned a friendly barb. Red faced for having been upstaged by his mother he cast his eyes to his dinner plate. She saved him from anymore embarrasement and called out. "Who wants some dessert?" A hardy chorus of 'I do's' sounded off and she rose to start collecting dishes to clear the table. Zac and Moirah rose to help her and She went off towards the kitchen with the first volley of dirty dishes. She started serving up the icecream and cookies as Zac and Moirah came in with the rest of the dirty dishes and began to load the dishwasher. "Still got him under your thumb huh Mom?" Zac snorted. "Mhmm, and you to mister, don't forget it." She teased and tweaked his nose. "Never Ma!" He grinned, rubbing his nose. Diana left the room to return to the dinning room, Zac pulled Moirah close and wrapped his arms around her as they leaned against the counter together. He kissed her softly. "I told you Tay would behave." He commented. "I can't believe he offered his car to us so quickly. What did you say to him to make him change his view of me? Yesterday he was dripping hatred vilely, and now, tonight, he's almost sweet." She shook her head in confusion. "Babe, I didn't say anything to him aside from last night. I dunno, maybe he's finally smartened up. Whatever it is, I hope it sticks. I want him to know how beautiful you are, inside as well as out." He cooed to her. "You're such a sweet talker. If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were trying to bed me." She teased. He chuckled. "Oh but I am love, I am!" He shot back. She giggled and kissed him quickly. "We should get back in there or someone is gonna think we ran off and claim your dessert." She taunted him. He laughed and released her from his arms and took up her hand. "Thank you again." He said as he tugged her to a stop before they got to the door. "For what?" She asked. "For helping me, for being here... just for loving me." He answered. Her hand smoothed up his chest as she turned to him fully. Her chilly fingers carressed the back of his neck making gooseflesh form over his body with her light touch. She pulled him down to her waiting mouth and kissed him sweetly. "And I should thank you as well." She whispered against him. "Mmmm... I'll condsider that payment in full." He spoke into her hair as he nuzzled his nose against her neck. "Come on now, your icecream is going to melt." She urged him before he went any further. She needed to stop him now before it got out of hand and they both went beyond the limit of resistance. That was far too easy to do when he was so close to her.
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Dinner done the family dispersed to do their own things. Zac and Moirah found themselves in the backyard enjoying the evening in the swing. She curled up next to him under a protective arm as his long legs swayed them back and forth. A quiet conversation was held between the two in the encroaching darkness. From the kitchen window Diana watched the two. She was sure that this was one relationship that was going to be sustained out of a deep seated love for one another. She was proud of how her son had grown, but she was saddened to know that at such a young age he was so ready to take on the world. She supposed she should have seen it comming though, since he was old enough to dress himself he had been willful and always known exactly what he wanted. All of his life he had plodded forth single mindedly. At least she was eased knowing that he was mature beyond his years and intelligent enough to know how to lead his life to get what he needed. Apparently, what he needed was Moirah. She was so pleased to know that Moirah was a good soul. She had encouraged Zac to go after what he wanted, knowing that she was loosing him to another woman. She hated to have to let go so much, but knew that was what he wanted. Every mother wants to give her children what they desire. She knew it would be a hard row to hoe for the two of them. So much stood in the way of them being together, yet they seemed to work side by side to get through it. That was something to admire, something to be proud of. It proved just how ready he was for that kind of an intense relationship that he and Moirah shared. It was a relief to her knowing that he was satisfied, had found true love. Even if the woman he found was not her ideal, she could not deni the fact that love knows no bounds or limits, and that included age. Walker came up behind her, wrapping her in a warm embrace and laying his chin on her shoulder. "When did we get so old?" He said softly. She chuckled as she gently rubbed his rough hands around her middle. "I was just thinking nearly the same thing." She admitted. "Do you suppose they will be happy together?" He asked his wife as he watched his son place a soft kiss atop of the head of the woman at his side. "I hope so, if they can work everything out and somehow in the end manage to be able to stay together, I think they can. I see a lot of sacrifices in their future, I pray they are strong enough to handle it." She said truthfully. "Mmmm, I suppose. It's just that it's so hard to see him as a man and not that little boy playing with toy trucks in the sand box." Walker said wistfully. Diana smiled as she turned to her husband and renewed their embrace. "I know sweetheart, but they all have to grow up sometime. Zac just happened to do it faster than most." She tried to soothe him. "Do you think it's because of the band and everything? So often I've thought that maybe we shouldn't have let them get into this." He asked, almost afraid of the answer but needing that reassurance from his wife, his best friend. "Dear, you know as well as I do, they were blessed with a gift. One way or another it was going to happen, it was fated. Even if it did happen a lot sooner and bigger than we thought, I think they have done an amazing job at being able to handle the life they have been dealt. I'm proud of all of my children. And just like you, I hate to see them grow up too, but because we've loved them so much and so well, they have grown into good souls. We have so much to be thankful and proud for. We should learn to enjoy it more, before we're too old to realize how much we have." She stated firmly. He smiled down at his better half. "How'd you get so smart?" He laughed. She joined his mirth. "Living life with my eyes open." She gave back to him. She kissed his cheek and together they headed off toward the livingroom. It was time to spend some moments with the children they had been blessed with and leave the two beginning their lives together to their privacy in the back yard on the swing.
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From his bedroom window Taylor watched the two. It didn't stir his anger the way he thought it should. He felt ashamed for the pain he had caused his brother. The moment he had come down the stairs into the studio he could see it. Zac was shattered inside from the words he had hurled at him like daggers, straight to his heart. He had wounded his pride that night as they argued in the studio. So many things were said, it amazed him to know that they had been able to forgive each other in the end, even when Zac had gotten so lethaly angry towards him and nearly killed him. Damn that boy could throw a punch to knock out a horse. He was surprized his little brother hadn't broken something. He remembered all too well the force he had struck the wall with from that one punch his brother had thrown into him before his dad had come down to break up the two. He was nursing quite a large bruise on his ribs from that escapade. He had deserved it too, and that's what hurt his pride so much. He had to swallow that cursed pride only hours later and agree to act human towards her. That woman, Moirah. He still was having trouble trying to figure out the attraction between the two. Granted she was beautiful, but for the love of pete, the woman was ten years older than him and he was still just a kid! He wasn't even old enough to vote yet damn it and he was getting involved with a woman, seriously involved. It disturbed him to no end. But he wasn't sure if it was because Zac was too young, or she was too old, or that Zac had someone and he didn't.... where did that come from? He pushed that thought away as quickly as it had invaded. Of course thats not it... it couldn't be. It was far too preposterous to entertain. Absentmindedly he stroked the bruise painted over his ribcage as he watched his brother lovingly brush the windwhipped hair from Moirahs face. The way he looked at her, so intensly, as if the world would come crashing down if he were to tear his attention from her. He had never before witnessed such simplicity of emotion as he was now in his brother. It nearly frightened him. Where was his little brother? Where had he gone? When was he replaced with the man that Taylor now looked upon? Was it she that had stolen away his best friend? He narrowed his eyes as they pierced the dark. He watched them, scrutinized them for any indication that what was presented would come tumbling down, revealing it as a facade. Her hand lay genly within his, his thumb stroking over her soft flesh in a heartbeat rythm that matched the sway of the swing. It seemed neither of them had noticed this. He watched the inner illumination of his brothers face as they silently shared words. Nothing had ever had quite that dramatic an effect on his brother. Not the countless holidays they'd shared. Not the innumerable treks over the globe. Not the many births within the family, and Zac loved babies! Not even his music seemed to touch him in the same way Moirah appeared to be able to. What *was* the infatuation his brother held for that woman? Could he possibly love her... for real? Every corner turned in Taylors mind only added to his confusion. He growled at his fusteration and slumped against the wall next to the window. The dark of his room hiding the tears he shed for the loss of innocence, his, his brothers, and their relationship's. A chocking sob bubbled up in his throat as he forced himself to keep his eyes on the pair below. Zac had cradled Moirah within his arms, almost protectively, as he bent to her. Zac's loving touches and gentle words were rewarded with the sweetest of kisses. The kind that Taylor knew left ones heart pounding and breath quick. The kind he had always envisioned when digging deep into himself for the most emotional of lyrics. The kind he had never had, but always wanted. Taylor ached inside from being pulled in so many directins. The end of his dilema nowhere near in sight as he watched his brother rise to his feet and gallantly hold out a hand to the object of his affection. He pulled her from her perch and placed a tender blessing on her forehead with his mouth. She wrapped her arms around his middle as his engulfed her shoulders. Her head lay upon his chest and he could tell that Zac was whispering to her form the way his lips grazed over her hair and the slow smile burning brightly over her features. Like slow motion, they pulled apart and Taylor could almost hear their inner cries of pain when they lost contact. Zac bent to the ground and whisked up a tiny pair of shoes in his hand as together he and Moirah strode toward the house. Taylor turned from the window. The show over and all the players having left the stage. In silent darkness he slid to the floor, his head tipped back as his shining eyes viewed the shadowed ceiling as if he could read the answers to all of his problems there. Now what was he supposed to do? He didn't know how he was supposed to think, how he should act. Confusion pushed down on him with the weight of the world. He needed help to sort this out. He wondered if he was man enough to talk to someone about the freight train of thoughts crashing in his head. And if he was... who would he go to?
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Her soft breaths caressed his cheek as he neared her. The dark room holding them in a quiet embrace. Her voice, like the sigh of an angel, whispered upon is awaiting ear. "I love you too Isaac." He could never hear that enough. His fingers glided over familiar hips as he drew her near. Her soft exclamation passing from her lips to his as she settled into his lap. His hungry mouth tasted of the banquet of her flesh. Neck, shoulder, lips. His tongue tracing a path along the edge of lace and satin as his hands traveled up to meet with the obsticle. With nimble fingers he popped open the hooks at her back. She peeled it away and he waste no time in tasting of the hardened pink flesh of her nipples. His voice was hoarse with his pleading. "Oh El, I need you so bad!" Her tiny moan causing pleasured waves of shivering over his neck where she tenderly sucked. Her fingers tangled with his curls at the back of his head as she inched toward him, grinding into the urgency of his member. His fingertips dipped under the waistband of her panties to knead the tender flesh of her backside. She bit at his neck as her hips dug into his more. He groaned around the nipple he held between his teeth. He couldn't take much more, he had to have her soon. His hands raked over her hips and darted under her skirt. He pushed aside the obstruction of warm wet cotton to slowly sink his fingers into home. "Oh Honey! You know that drives me insane!" She gasped. His now slick thumb made a circuit around her swollen nub as two of his long fingers stroked her sugar walls. He lifted his mouth from her breast and nibbled his way up to her ear. She rocked against his hand as he whispered to her. "Cum for me El, please baby I gotta see you cum." His desperation drove her closer into oblivion. His lips and free hand resumed their assult on each of her breasts as he added a third finger to her swollen pussy. She moaned against him, hips rocking in a fashion on his lap that she felt everything he had to offer her if she could but fill his one request. In desperatin she worked for it. She so much wanted to please him as much as he was pleasing her. His breath was comming in short bursts in sync with hers. "Cum for me! God baby, please!" He begged. She was so close and his ministratins were blissful enough to make her faint it felt so good. She could swear she heard a crack of thunder booming in her ears when it hit her. Her back arched so far she nearly bent over backwards as her nipple was wrenched away from his mouth. Her moan drew out long and slow as he eased his strokes over her clit, making her orgasm last as long as possible. His fingers of his free hand wove through her long dark chocolate curls as he cradled her head to nible her neck and stiffened body. She was so beautiful when she came, it nearly brought him over the edge. As she slowly sat upright again her heavy lidded eyes alighted on his face. So much love was held in their gaze. She bent down to him as he retracted his fingers from her body. Her hands slipping down from the tight grip she had held on his shoulders to his firm chest. A slow, languid and passionate kiss was shared. She pulled back from him to take in the splendor of his handsome face again. His soft lips were being lapped at by a rapidly darting pink tongue and his eyes lay gently closed as he savored the taste on his mouth. He was so beautiful, inside and out, it made her ache with the amount of love she held for him. She leaned in again as his beautiful eyes slowly opened. "Make love to me Isaac." Her words tumbled against his tender kisses. His strong arms wrapped around her and lifted her as he rose from the couch. He walked slowly but with a purposeful direction to his step as he supported her with a firm grasp on her ass. Loving kisses and tender caresses were shared all along the journey to the doorway. With a gentle kick of his toe the door swung open and they entered the room. With slow deliberation she lowered her feet to the floor as his hands moved to relieve her body of the last scraps of fabric that covered it. He walked her backward to the bed and lay her down as he slipped her panties past her ankles. There was more than lust in his eyes as they passed over her newly disrobed body. He held her in a look of love. Her gaze fell away from his eyes and followed his hands as his long lean fingers unbuttoned his jeans, slid the zipper down and dug into the material, bunching it up as he pushed it away from his hips. She had to remember to breathe as she looked upon his naked form. He was so much a man, everything she had ever wanted in a lover and a friend. She opened her arms reaching out to him. He accepted her invitation into his bed and crawled up beside her. He lay prone as their fingers and mouths touched and explored familiar surfaces.
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Before long she was kneeling over him letting her lips and tongue have a frolick over his heated skin. He turned over and her teeth gently teased his small brown nipples, he moaned softly and grasped fistfulls of her sliky hair. Ripples of pleasure radiated from the tip of her tongue sending shockwaves through his body. His hands attached to the dark strands lovingly followed her head on its desent toward his throbbing aching need for her. "Oh jesus El, that feels so fucking good!" He gasped in delight as her mouth took over his straining cock. Her head swayed in a hypnotizing rhythm making him dizzy as he climbed to heights of extacy. One of her hands rolled his balls in time with the other jerking the base of his shaft. Her tonuge danced over his rod in step with her stroking lips. When he felt his cockhead hit the back of her throat she moaned as she swallowed. His eyes flew open and he sat up quick, pulling her off of him with desperation. She looked up at him dejectedly. "Shit baby that felt good, too good. I almost came! I don't want to waste it, I want to make love to you all night." He tenderly explained as he drew her into his arms. "I love you so much, I just want to show you how much." He whispered against her neck. She nodded in understanding as she let him lay her back once more. Kisses were slow, sweet and tender between them. His fingers leaving aches for more on her skin as his hot little kisses left a trail of seered flesh behind. He pressed to her body with want of her and she knew it was okay now to give some loving attention to the erection he pressed into her thigh. She wrapped her hand around it firmly, squeezing as she rubbed a familiar up and down pattern she knew pleased him. She loved how she could feel the beat of his heart in the palm of her hand. He rolled over the top of her, pressing her to the bed beneath his weight. Her hand between them she guided him into her. His arms wrapped around her shoulders, trying to get as much of her next ot him as he could. She wrapped her legs around him and pressed her calves into the backs of his thighs as he sank deeply into her warm, wet pussy. For a moment they enjoyed the filling conneciton of their bodies. His face burried into the crook of her neck, he nestled his nose into her sweet smelling hair as his lips once again tasted of her long lucious neck. He sucked at the delicate skin as his hips began a slow and deliberate delivery of pleasure to them both. Her little sighing moan agianst his shoulder gave him gooseflesh. His lips found hers and painted portraits of his love for her in their kisses. With every long, strong, slow stroke he pumped into her, she gave him an affirmation of her delighted pleasure. Each one taking his heat and need up a notch. He fought with himself to endure the perfection of this torture. When she began to bite at the flesh of is neck and shoulder his pace quickened and his hips gyrated, increasing the pleasure. "Oh Isaac! Please, more!" She quietly beged him. He tore his mouth from her delicious flesh to get up on his elbows. Their eyes latched onto one another and there he held her. She lay her feet flat as she steepled her knees on either side of his body. Her fingers kneeding the taught muscles of his back and shoulders as he worked above her. Their hips danced to an ageless rhythm as they made love. Every stroke grated her nipples against his chest and dragged her clit over the base of his cock. He watched her bliss take spark and grow into a raging inferno within her. His gaze caressed her soul as much as his body did her body. He could tell she was nearly ready. Her tiny wimpers as she bit her lower lip forced him to drive into her deeper, stronger, faster. When her eyes began to grow wide and round like her delectable mouth, he started slamming into her, the pressure great and ready to errupt within him. She called his name and he felt her body paralize against his motion. He pistoned into her as he felt her grasping at him with hands, thighs and velvet walls. His universe exploded and tumbled down like confetti as he moaned her name into her lips. He came hard within her shooting off several spurts of hot milky cum. She cooed with the exhilleration of it. He slumped into her, chest heaving, panting. His cheek nuzzled the expanse between her breasts as he licked at his parched lips. "Mmm..." She sighed as his hands lovingly caressed her satiated body. "That was good huh baby?" He asked rhetoricly of her. She giggled as his tongue darted out, taking a swipe at her nipple. Abscentmindedly she twirled a curl of his around and around her finger as his hand found her free one and laced their fingers together. "I love you Elouise. You make me the happiest man alive knowing that you're mine." He sighed against her collarbone. She felt him stir and his cock twitched within her when he spoke. She could feel him starting to get hard again and knew that what he had stated earlier was indeed what he had in mind. He wanted to make love to her all night - who was she to deni him the pleasures he deserved? She tried her best to keep her giggle out of it when she said. "When you make plans you really stick to 'em huh?" She teased him verbally as her fingertips teased his body. "I like to try." He said slyly, raising above her and leaning in to take her lips. He was going to take her to heights tonight that would let her free fall throught he expanses of the love they shared. The tip of his tongue traced the sensuous curves of her mouth. He was drunk on her taste. Inside he shook with anticipation of just recieving a simple kiss from her. He pressed to her, wanting to connect their souls again through the simplicity of a kiss.
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"Hey! This is Ike, you know what to do, so do it already!" BEEP. "Ike?!" Came Tays watery voice. "Urrgh!" Ike moaned into her shoulder. She soothed him as she rubbed his back. "It's ok honey." Isaac leaned his forehead into hers as he stared deeply ino her eyes. He was trying to do his best to ignore the desperation in Taylors voice. Small pecks lapsed into loving kisses as Elouise's hands ran over his shoulders and upper arms above her. He lapped at her lips coaxing out her tongue as Taylor droned on over the cursed machine. "... and Ike? I really need to talk to you man. I... I don't want to fight with Zac anymore. I love him too much ot hurt him like I did. I'm really realy sorry. Please Ike... help me!?" That was just too much of a distraction. He was torn and Elouise knew it. She could feel it, like he was forcing himself to stay in the mood to love her the way he'd wanted. She pulled away from his kiss, pushing on his chest to make his eyes meet hers. "Isaac." She felt his body tense, then sag. "What?" He answered, knowing full well what she was about to say. "He needs you Isaac. Go to him, or at least call him. It's important and you know it." She scolded him. He slumped against her, defeated. "I know... I just wanted to be selfish. You deserve to have everything you want, and I wnat to be the one to give it to you. I just want to make you happy El." He explained. She took his head in her hands, forcing him to meet her gaze. "Ike! I do love you, that is what makes me happy. You make me happy! I have everything I want... in you." She offered back as she kissed him. When the kiss broke he withdrew his semi hard shaft from her, a great sense of loss and love overcomming him. He hovered over her stealing kisses like candy between his words. "You- are a wonderful woman." kiss. "I don't know what I ever did to deserve you, but I'm glad I did it." smooch. "You're far too generous and understanding, I know I don't deserve someone as wonderful as you." peck. "Stay here tonight? I want to fullfill that promise. I still need you El." She nodded and smiled lovingly. "Thank you." And he gave her a proper kiss in thanks before he left the bed. He grabbed his boxers from the floor and stepped into them as he headed out the door. He turned to smile at her before he left to save his brothers tortured soul and salvage a strained friendship between his two best friends and brothers. She waved at him and drew the sheet up around herself as she flipped on the TV. The blue lights flickering over her dark skin and flashing in her dark eyes making his mind do desperate things like wanting to forget about the world and just go to her. Hold her. Kiss her. Make love to her all night. He did love that woman. And that was his world sitting there singing along to the themesong of Fraggle Rock. What more could a Man ask for? He sighed and closed the door behind himself. He picked up the phone, drew a deep breath and dialed the number he hoped hadn't fated him to completely loose out on all of his plans for the night. *** In the dark he lay curled up on his bed cradling the phone. He had hoped that Ike was home, he must be at El's he thought. He didn't want to disturb them if he was over there. He thought he had fucked up enough lives for one week. He wanted to roll up and disappear into himself. He drew his knees up to his chest pressing his back against the wall more. There was so much shit fighting for resolution in his mind he was lost as to which he should address first. It was starting to overwhelm him and he could almost feel his mind beginning to blank out and shut down. The phone in his hand rang causing him to jump. Startled by the shrill noise but desperately clutching onto it for hope of a savior he fought to calm himself. He tok a deep breath as he clicked the phone on. "Hello?" His body visibly released a tremendous amount of tension with the aid of the open floodgate... his big brothers voice.
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Diana kissed Mac goodnight and tucked him back in bed. "Night Mom." His sleepy little voice carried to her as she closed out the light. "Goodnight Dear, I love you." Ans she shut the door quietly. She had good children, she was proud. They were all intelligent, generous, loving; she had raised a wonderful family. she passed Taylors door and stopped beside it laying a hand on the knob. She was about to knock when she heard his phone ring. She so much hoped that the issues between he and Zac would be resolved. It clawed at her heart like a rabid animal when her children fought. They had always been so close, she hoped this was one argument that their friendship and loving bond could surpass. They had overcome so much already but she still knew things were brewing just under the surface between the two. She knew her children well enough to know that this was one incident that was far from over. She only hoped it wouldn't be left to fester until it exploded in their faces and ate away at their relationship like battery acid. She couldn't bear to think of any love loss between them. They would be lost souls without one another. Her three eldest had always been more than just brothers. With them there was a fierce loyalty - an inate understanding of each other- an all emcompassing love for one another. She knew if things were strained much further between the two it might start to enter a breaking point. She couldn't bear to witness that. It would be like having her soul torn from herself and swallowed by the beast himself. She said a silent prayer and left Taylor to his phone conversatiion. Really, there wasn't much more she could do than that - and that was what was making her frusterated the most. She loved her children so much she only wanted to protect them and erase every problem from their lives. Being settled in reality she knew that was an impossibility- but it still didn't prevent her from wanting it. She went back down the stairs to join her husband once more for a few quiet moments alone with him. She didn't know if it would help or not, but she planned on talking with him again about the whole Taylor/Zac fight. Even if they couldn't sove the problem, at least she knew they could lean on one another in comforting support until the storm blew over. That was what they were there for. To be together through thick and thin. So far, they had done a bang up job. He always knew how to help her cope through the tough times - he was her rock- and she loved him for that.
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Zac took the empty cocoa cup from Moirah and placed it with is in the sink. He waited for her to join him and he shut off the light in the kitchen as they headed for the study so she could fax a note to Ramone. Side by side they walked with their arms around each other in a loving embrace. They hated to be close without touching. In the doorway of the living room Zac halted their motion to flip on the light. He didn't know what kind of a minefield of toys had been left scattered over the livingroom floor and he certainly didn't want either of them to trip. He flipped on the light to illuminate the darkened room and with it came an audible gasp. Four breaths hitched in four throats as realization was hit full force in quick pace. "Geez! I'm scarred for life now! Get a room you two! Don't you know there are innocent children lurking about?" Moirah punched him in the gut to shut him up. A red faced and giggling Diana struggled to get up from under her husband. Apparently what had started out as a little kiss when she was sitting in his lap turned into a full fledged make out session. Walker sat up, bringing his wife up with him but not letting her off his lap. In a stern voice dripping with jest he addressed his son. "As long as I'm under my own roof I think I can do as I please. And the last time I checked, my children were in bed where they belonged. Why are you the exception?" Redfaced, Zac stammered to find a comeback but found none. He shrugged - his fathers zinger winning that round. Diana and Moirah exchanged knowing looks as all four laughed, a but nervously. Zac led Moirah over the scattered books, doos and a grotesque plastic mini monster demolishing a lego airport, toward the study as fast as he could. "Gotta fax a note to her assistant." He filled in as they passed through the door recieving a nod from his father. He was about to sitck his head back through the doorway and say something else but saw his father dive into his mothers half buttoned shirt and thought better of it. He shut his mouth, and the door. He turned to an amused looking Moirah and rolled his eyes. "What? I think it's wonderful that they are so affectionate after all these years." She cooed. "Sure, they're not *your* parents." He shot back. She sauntered up to him and stood on her tip toes so she could clasp her hands around the back of his neck. "Don't you think we'll be like that at their age?" She asked. He thought for a moment. "Yeah but it's not the same... They're my parents, somehow, it's just not right!" He cried. She laughed. "I think that's one of the requirements for becomming a parent." She quipped giddily. "I think you have a point... but it's just weird man!" He exclaimed. She laughed at his flustered state as he sat and drew her into his lap. "Don't you think our children will think the same thing?" She asked almost too quiet to hear. He looked into her startlingly beautiful gem like eyes. "Our children?" He whispered. She could see him living a lifetime together in his glazed eyes during the brief pause. He hugged her tight. "I suppose that will happen to them too won't it?" He said dazedly. She nodded her head. "Mmhmm." And she kissed him to bring him out of his trance. He looked to her and grinned. She knew, he didn't have to say anything- she too felt that way. It was like a spell, better left unsaid if the magic were to hold true coarse. They didn't need to talk about it, just knew that that was what they both wanted, someday. When he thought he heard his parents vacate the room for better accoutrements, ie: the bedroom, he let Moirah up to send Ramone a quick fax reminding him to order the diamond tips for her pneumatic drill and to check the shippers office to see if her new air compressor was ready yet. Even in the middle of a 'vacation,' the eye of the storm between Taylor and himself, the midst of planning an anniversary party for 150 people- she still itched to work and never missed a detail. That amazd him. But he understood about her wanting to work, sometimes he craved the music like a heroin junkie, but the bussiness affairs kept him grounded so he didn't overdose. He understood her better than any woman he had ever known before. But still, there was so much more to learn about her, that was the thrill of knowing her, the mysteries still left to solve. And she seemed to have a endless library of them. Cautiously he peeked out to see if the coast was clear. She shoved him out of the doorway and laughed. "Come on you big baby." She chided. He grinned at her and reached for her hand. As they headed upstairs for the night they quickly picked up the battlefield left cluttered by the children. He flipped off the light and she led him up the stairs.
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His eyes followed the natural sway in her gait as she stepped ahead of him. His hands ached to hold her hips in their movement. At the top of the stairs she waited for him then they turned to go down the hall. A tittering giggle came from his parents bedroom and his eyes got round and wide. Moirah softly laughed at his reaction as she tugged him down the hall. "That is not something I want to be privy to." He complained. "Honestly Zac, there are seven of you, don't you think something had to have been going on in there sometime? It's not like they found all of you under cabbage leaves you know." She joked. "Well yeah... but I just don't wanna know about it. Come on, that's just freaky and you know it!" He whined. She snickered. "You think that's bad? Once my little brother walked in on my parents!" She revealed. He groaned with a laugh. "The poor kid. How long before his sight came back? I know I'd go blind- voluntarily!" she laughed with him as she stepped out of her jeans. "Very funny." She turned her back to him. "Undo this please?" She asked grasping at a clasp to a necklace. He stepped to her and fumbled with the tiny aparatus in his big fingers as she continued. "He came through the incident unscathed. I'm sure you'll forget all about tonight. Haven't you ever caught them before? With so many children I'm sure someone had to have been witness to a few unwanted moments before." She laughed as she worked at getting her bra off under her T-shirt. He at last got the hitch undone and handed her necklace to her as she was removing her undergarment from underneath. She took both and placed them on the dresser as she picked up her brush. She stood at the mirror, watching him watch her as he came closer. "I suppose some of us have, but it isn't exactly something we talk about you know? I think an embarrassing moment like that is somethng we'd rather forget than dwell on." He said, his voice getting lower and raspier the closer he got to her. Midstroke he took control of the brush. Her hand falling away as she enjoyed his tender touch. He untangled the toussled curls lovingly. He leaned into her hair, inhaling deeply as she lay back against him. His hands roamed over her soft skin and up under her T-shirt cupping her breasts as his mouth once again became familiar with the taste of her flesh. She turned in his arms, his hands gliding along to settle on her bottom. She took his mouth with her own, teasing him into moaning lightly. Kisses becomming more heated by the moment they struggled to keep quiet. Suddently he picked her up and took the few short steps to the bed. Never breaking their kisses he lay her back gently as he climbed over her. Her body melted into his as they came together. His want of her was insatiable as his kisses ravaged her body, mind and soul. He tugged at her shirt to taste more of her body. As his mouth captured her breast branding her body as his own she writhed below him in extasy. He caught her tiny wrists in his large rough hands and pinned them to the bed above her head causing her to quietly moan in heat. He assulted her other breast, lashing out with his tongue, nipping with teeth. She bucked below him showing her need for more and more of him. He took one hand away from holding her down using the other to keep both of her hands prisioner. Calloused pads of heated fingers traced curves and found dips to the delight of her body. She struggled against him needing more of him, he was teasing her into insanity. "Please Zac..." She whispered desperately. His tongue still circling her navel he looked up to her, his hand slithering over her hip, cupping her buttock. He blew over the wet trail he'd left and she moaned. "Ohhh..." He shot up and covered her mouth with his hand. "Shhh! You'll get us in trouble!" He hissed at her through a lopsided grin. She giggled beneath his hand and licked his palm causing him to create a miniture version of her offence. He let her go and as soon as her hands were freed they were wild. It almost felt like she touched the entire surface of his body at once. She lustily pulled his hips into hers grinding on him from below. He threw his head back swallowing his moan thickly. Somewhere in the back of his mind his concience was niggling at him. He wanted her so badly but he just knew he couldn't scratch that one itch. "Baby you gotta stop... we gotta stop now or I won't be able to." His words escaped him breathlessly against her ear. Her wimpering whine was a stark contrast to the stilled movements. He knew she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. "I know baby, I know." He tried to soothe her. "I want you too. It's like a worm eatting away at my brain, the longer I let it the more he gets and the less I have left." He tried to explain. She solomnly nodded in agreement as she tried t slow her breathing down. He pulled her T-shirt down over her heaving bossom, letting his fingers caress her hip where the hem lay. He leaned down to her. "I'm sorry baby, you know I am. I shouldn't have started that." He appologized to her. She weakly smiled up at him, wrapping her hands around his neck. "It's ok sugar. You don't have to be so sweet about it. I understand, really I do." She tried to ease his concience. She pulled him down as she met him for a tender kiss. "You better get outta here now or I just might not be able to stop myslef as well as you just did." She teased. He grinned down at her. "I have got to buy my own damned house!" She giggled as she pushed him away. "Get outta here stud before I tackle you." She said in jest. He laughed softly as he got up from the bed, bent down one last time and kissed her sweetly. "Night Love." He whispered against her lips. "Night." She sighed back. He shut the light off as he left the room leaving her aching for him even more than when he was just in the room.
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Night faded away and she woke early. Stretching and yawning she watched the sunlight play tag with the shadows on the wall. It was quiet in the house, no usual hussle and bustle she had now associated with her current surroundings. She concluded that everyone must still be asleep. Again the dappled wallpaper caught her eye. She felt it stir in her blood, that age old calling to let the creativity burst forth. She gave in easily, wanting to use the precious gift she had been blessed with in a quiet moment of commune with her maker. She dressed quickly in old torn and faded jeans that had more paint splatters than indigo dye left. She slipped out of yesterdays shirt and into an old black 'The Who' T-shirt. As she tugged it over her head she decided on her medium for the mood. Quick as a wink she grabbed up her sketchpad, pastels and charcoal, opted to leave behind her shoes and neglected to even brush her hair in her hurry to let the magic begin. Quiet as a mouse she crept down the stairs not wanting to wake anyone. She ducked into the downstairs bathroom for a moment then grabbed a juice box and a pear on her way out the back door. With a speedy pace she strode forward to the woods behind the house. She almost ran in an effort to find herself a spot to drink in the wonders of creation she was so anxious. In no time at all she happened upon a darling little clearing in the glen and lost herself in the majesty of mother natures realm. Her eyes wandered about lifting her heart and spirit to a higher plane as her nimble fingers raced to capture every nuance and movement. Commiting some to memory and others rough and vague she flitted about through her sketchbook. When she began to settle down and drink in the beauty that was abundant about her she went back and etched over some of her works. As she worked at the flowing details of a depiction of the regal pine tree stretching and groaning under the heavy weight of its branches her stomach groaned in protest of not being sated. She sighed and supposed she must have to head back. Only a few hours had passed since she'd wandered off into the woods but in her excitement of capturing the grandure she had worked up quite an appetite. The more her tummy rumbled the faster she walked. It wasn't long before she was again in the back yard of the Hanson's house. Still admiring the shades in Mother Earths pallet she was oblivious to the hulking mass of blonde that was flying toward her at top speed until it was too late. "Ooof!" Escaped her lunges as she was swept up in a vice grip of two python like arms. He crushed her to his chest picking her up and rocking her, mummering to her of his love. He was so forceful he'd caused her to drop the sketches and supplies she'd been touting. Somehow she'd managed to gain a breath. "Zac..." She exhaled meekly. "Zac you're hurting me!" She breathed again. He loosened his hold immediately but still didn't let her go all together. "Oh my God Moirah, I'm so sorry!" He cried. "Are you ok? What happened to you? I was so worried!" He rushed out, again pulling her to him. He was nearly hysterical. She pushed away from him to look up into his face. "Zac? What's the matter? Did something happen? Are the kids ok? Why are you so frantic?" She questioned. His behavior was making her very nervous. "No, no, the kids are ok, everyone is alright." He asured her, turning her so she could see the gathering of most of the household clustered near the open backdoor. She sighed a tiny breath of relief then brought her attention back to him. He still hadn't let her go. He was clinging to her like a frightened child in a crowd. "Well then what has you so upset?" She urged him, worry evidently creeping into her voice. "I woke up and went to see you. But I couln't find you anywhere! I was so worried! What happened to you? You scared me half to death!" He exclaimed a trace of panic still in his voice. She couldn't help it, it... it was just too much. It bubbled up from inside of her. It burst forth with rushing power and rang out loudly across the yard. She laughed. She laughed loud, long and hard. She really couldn't help it, she tried to curb it, really she did, but it was just to strong for her. She saw the look of pain in his eyes, hurt read in his body language. She doubled over clutching her stomach and tried to gain her composure, noticing the contagious effect of her mirth on the rest of his family but not on him. "I don't see what's so funny. You had me worried beyond belief. I was ready to call the police damnit!" He exclaimed heatedly, near to tears. She swallowed her humor and took a deep breath as she stood up and lay a hand over his heart. She sought his eyes as she spoke to him. "I'm sorry Zac, I'm not laughing at you love, I was only laughing at the situation. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, and I certainly would never want to frighten you." She smoothed up his chest and cupped his stubbly jaw. "I was only out for a walk. I woke early- nobody else was up and I was restless to create." She explained soothingly. He nodded in understanding. She bent to retrieve her fallen belongings and he stooped to help her, gathering up the spilled box of pastels that lay nestled in the lush grass like easter eggs. They stood and she took his hand, leading him back toward his loved ones.
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Walker was the first to speak when they were in the midst of the rest of the family. "Everything ok?" His fatherly tone escaping. "Fine, just fine. Only a misunderstanding." She nodded. He patted her shoulder, giving it a slight friendly squeeze as his eyes sparkled and mischief crept into his smile. "Zac was afraid you'd run off or been kidnapped." He bit back his laughter. "He was wringing his hands, pacing, nearly pulling his hair out as he ranted through the house." A snicker escaping momentarily before his wife cuffed him on the back of the head to shut him up. A smile still passed between he and Moirah. She tried to explain to everyone all at once as they trooped into the house, taking up posts around the kitchen. She adressed them as a whole, Zac in his boxers, barefeet and messy mop of hair still clutching to her hand. "I went for a walk early this morning to sketch in the woods." A collective nod and mummer of 'oh' swept over the room. "In the woods? Alone?" Zac nearly gasped. "You could have gotten hurt! Or lost!" The fear rising in his voice again. "I've never been lost in my life! I've a better sense of direction than Canadian Snow Geese!" She tittered. Everyone laughed with her again except Zac. Laying her sketches on a counter she took both of his hands and pulled him into the dining room with discrete looks of appology to all of the rest. She sat him in a chair in the far corner and smoothed back his hair from his face as she stood between his knees. He held her around the waist as she cooed to him softly in his ear to calm him. Walker was peeking through the door with great amusement. "Walker!" Diana scolded bringing his attentinon from the couple in the next room sharply to her. "Honestly! You're worse than the children sometimes!" she hissed causing a wave of giggles from their brood with his sheepish look. They left the two to sort things out and the army Hanson fed themselves some long over due breakfast. Eventually Zac calmed down enough to even eat- not much could hold back his appetite. Moirah made the two of them an omlette while he slipped into a pair of sweatpants from the pile of unfolded laundry in the bathroom. Everyone else had nearly finnished by the time they sat down to eat. He got the lions share and even picked off her plate as she ate having not been one to inhale her food like he had. Conversation was easy and all was smoothed over from the hectic morning wake up. Moirah even gave her sketches of the morning to Diana for a church auction to raise funds for a new private day care in the neighborhood. It seemed all was well once more in the household of Hanson, save for the glaring abscence of one Taylor Hanson from all of the mornings 'festivities.' This did not go un-noticed by Moirah, but she kept silent. As forewarned books were hit, hard, by the youngsters soon after the ruckus had died down. Moirah cleaned up the last of the mess in the kitchen after Zac traipsed up the stairs to get more presentable. Then she dashed off up stairs to take a shower so she could face the rest of her day. Thinking over the ideas that swirled through her head she headed off down the hall in search of Zac. She knocked lightly on his closed door. "Yeah?" Came his gravely voice from inside. "It's me. Can I come in?" She quierried. "It's open." He informed her. She pushed into the room to be greeted with an empty room. Zac's voice had come from inside, she was sure of it. So where was he? "Zac?" She said questioningly. His head popped up from the other side of the bed and he grinned at her. "Lost my other sneaker." He filled her in. She giggled and sat on the corner of his bed. "Sup?" He eyed her as he reached once more under the bed and came up with his prize. "I've got some ideas... but I wanted to look up some stuff first. For the party I mean." She answered him as he sat beside her dressing his feet. "Oh?" He urged her on. "Could I go online in here so I don't attract any attention?" She asked. "Sure, what's mine is yours." He quipped as he slung his arm around her and pecked her cheek. She smiled up at him. "That include all those awards and gold and platinum records cluttering up the studio?" She teased. He tossed his head back and laughed. "Well I already have to share 'em with Ike 'n Tay... what's one more?" He teased back as he poked her gently in the tummy. She shook her head. "You're too easy... I would've held out more." She poked him back making him giggle. He pulled out the chair of the desk for her and kissed the top of her head as she sat down. He quickly started up the computer for her and left her to it. Bending over the top of her he tilted her chair back and stole one last kiss before leaving the room.
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A few hours passed and she had found most of what she had wanted. Sitting in Zac's room all that time she had been reflecting on what his small space of the world said about him. This was not the room that some boy had grown up in. No, there were no momentos from childhood or cuddly stuffed animals saved by a loving Mom not yet ready to let go of her childs youth. This was clearly the room of someone in stasis. 'Just passing through.' Was what she read in the decor. Certainly it was draped in colors that spoke of his preferences, it did not resemble a hotel room by any means. But it still seemed to lack that certain something that said, 'this is mine and this is my world.' She shut down the computer and gathered up the pages she had printed out. She stood and stretched out the kinks in her back from sitting so long. She walked about the small room and gazed at snapshots tacked to the cork board over the chair in the corner that held a creamy skined accoustic guitar. She perused the stack of collegeate text books piled neatly on the corner of his desk. She pulled a sheet of paper from the pile and skimmed over the words he had worked out for some history essay about the effects of world war one on todays culture. She shoved it back into place with it's cohorts shaking her head. He was brilliant in everything he did it seemed. Some how it just didn't seem fair. She giggled to herself and remembered her own failed attemp at college. Somehow she knew he would not end up bailing out. He was the type that stuck through to the end and got the job done no matter what the work load or commitment may be. That was endearing to her of him. She stretched across his bed and scanned the titles of the books in his headboard's bookcase. Some of them were philisophically intellectual, some best sellers, a few classic novels, even an odd comic stashed in here and there. She had to laugh at that. He held the lustre of young at heart even though he was an old soul. She rolled over and stared up at his ceiling spying tiny little outlines of stars. Realization dawned on her that they were those little plastic glow in the dark stars one can find in the five and dime stores. Even in this relatively demure bedroom his creativity flared in unexpected ways. She snuggled down into the comfort of his flannel comforter and soft pillow that smelled deliciously of him and sighed deeply. He really didn't spend much time at home, perhaps that was why his room just felt like something was missing. She mulled it over for a bit and came upon the conclusion that the whole house seemed to hold that aura. Perhaps it was because it was just so new still and they had yet to christen it properly. She'd noticed the relaxed atmosphere of the family when they had gone to the other house to sort mail. It was as if that were where they felt the most at home. And it probably was. After all, they had basicly grown up in that house. They had spent more time there than anywhere else. She hoped they could get comfortable here as well. She was sure that all it was going to take was time. The Hanson's seemed to be a family that only needed each other to keep grounded, not some ancestral home. Home... she missed her own ancestral home. She closed her eyes and pictured the rolling green hills filled of clover and tiny bluebells as the sea winds swept over them, swaying visions like the waves. She could almost smell the fresh green of the thicket that she played in as a child and the salt of the nearby ocean. She smoothed her hand over the wall imagining it as the cold stone of the endless hallways threaded through the castle she called home. Sighing deeply once more she opened her eyes and sat up pushing herself off the bed. "No use in melancholy." She gazed out the window as she stood next to the bed looking out over the front yard. A suncatcher with the Hanson symbol gleamed in hues of yellow and orange in the top center. Obviously a gift from a fan she thought. That made her smile. He appreciated his followers very much. Every one of them, even the ones that tore at him and tried to shred his clothing or pulled at his hair. He knew the price he paid and still, he dealt with it better than most would. She tossed her gaze to the stand next to the bed. A handfull of pocket money was strewn underneath a pile of wallet, hair ties, guitar picks and scraps of pager tucked in the cap of a sharpie marker. She smiled at his lack of organization. His room was not cluttered or messy by any means, but somehow it still held an aura of disarray about it. She glanced at the alarm clock on the stand and noted the time. She thought she's better get back to her own room and call Ramone on her cell phone before he went off galavanting since she was not there to keep him busy. She scooped up her papers and plucked up the brown leather jacket tossed over the back of the chair she had been sitting in. She strode over to the open closet and pushed aside the heavy red backpack. A baseball cap fell to the floor. She hung the jacket on a hanger and picked up the cap, stuffing it into the pocket as she hung the jacket on the rod. Pulling the closet door shut she turned to go out the door and back to her room when she heard someone bounding up the stairs.
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She peeked around the corner to see who it was before she made her presence known just in case it was Walker or Diana. She breathed in relief when she spotted Jess headed off down the other way towards the guest room. She jogged along to catch up with the girl. "Jess!" She whispered harshly so the girl would not miss her. She spun around and smiled when she saw Moirah headed towards her. "Sneaking 'round huh? You must be in spy mode for the party then." She whispered back. Moirah only nodded and held up her bunch of papers. "I was online in Zac's room." She confided. Jess nodded. "Oh! Mom wants to know what you want for lunch, she's about to start it as soon as she grades Mac's science test." Jess informed her. Moirah thought quickly and rushed out the words to one of her partners in crime. "Run quick Jess and stop your Mom, I'm taking you girls out to eat so she needn't fuss. She needs to relax." Said and done Jess was off like a shot. Moirah quickly sped up the stairs and tucked her papers away so they wouldn't be discovered. She called Ramone quickly but he wasn't home so she slipped on her sandals and put her hair up off her neck to be cooler. Grabbing her purse she headed back down the stairs bravely. She still needed Taylors car keys, that is, if he still was going to let her take his car. She hoped so, but if not, she was prepared to call a taxi. She was not going to let the girls down about their day together and she was not going to let Zac down after promising him that she would tend to the party for his parents anniversary. Moirah ran into Walker and informed him of her plans so he nodded and decided to take Mac to lunch, just the two of them before soccer practice. Moirah snuck off into the kitchen and with Avie's help she dialed up Ike's place to let him know of the plans she had set in motion. She hung up just in time as Diana came into the kitchen shortly after. "You really don't have to go through all the trouble of taking them out for lunch too you know. We're fine making lunch right here." She told Moirah. Moirah would hear nothing of it. In fact, with the help of the children in no time at all they had Diana propped up on the couch, remote in hand with a lovingly made PB&J from Mac, with milk and cookies to boot. Walker kissed the top of her head and told her good bye as he and Mac headed out for the afternoon. He passed a grinning Isaac on his way in as they were on their way out. A gaggle of of giggling girls met him in the livingroom as he presented his mother with a sappy romance black and white movie and a box of tissues. Moirah thought that was a nice touch of his own and she giggled to herself as she saw him slip her a bag that smelled suspiciously like burgers. He kissed his mother's cheek sweetly and headed off in the directin of the studio to get to work for the day toting yet another bag that smelled like burgers, apparently he was the provider of sustenence of the day for his family. Moirah herded the girls towards the door and told them to stay put for a moment while she retrieved the keys so they could begin their adventure of the day. She headed for the studio herself, steeling her confidence. Three blonde heads popped up at her entrance. Grins full of burgers and fries, she smiled at them. "I hope I'm not intruding, the girls are at the door waiting for me. I've only come in search of loan of a vehicle." She explained. Zac grinned at her as she approached cautiously. He reached out and pulled her to his side by her waist, oblivious of the discrete look between Ike and Tay. Tay smiled at her a bit too formaly for her taste, but she would take what she could get for now. "Sure thing." He said charmingly. "Anything to get out of that nightmare." She laughed softly with them. He handed the keys to her, indicating the ignition key. "And the blue one is for the house, the red is the other house... just in case, you know." He offered. She smiled genuinely at him. He did seem to be trying. She noticed too that Isaac did too. Somehow she thought that perhaps Isaac knew more than he was letting on. Perhaps they had spoken. She hoped Ike had been able to put some sense into his head more than Zac had. Zac had tried everything including literaly knocking some sense into him. She thanked him again and promised to be careful even though he only shrugged. "Tay's a lousy driver, if you ding it... it just adds to his collection." Isaac teased. They all laughed, even Taylor. Zac stood up as she began to pull away and walked with her. Keeping his arm around her waist he looked back over his shoulder. "Be right back guys. Don't touch my fries Taylor!" He cried, causing them all to laugh once more. He walked Moirah to the door of the studio and opened it for her. The girls were still milling about in the hallway and Zoe had just been comming from the livingroom where Diana dutifully sat in her designated spot for the afternoon. "Hey Ma!" Zac greeted her. "You need anything?" He asked graciously. She shook her head. "No, thank you son." She replied, smiling over his generosity. He shrugged and walked with the group of girls out the door and towards the multitude of vehicles parked in the yard. He opened the drivers side door of Taylors car for Moirah and the back seat for the two smaller girls, towering over all of them. They climed in and Moirah adjusted the seat so she could reach the petals. "Lordy but he must be tall, the seat was all the way back!" She exclaimed. Zac laughed. "Funny, when I drive his car I'm cramped and my knees hit the steering wheel. It's way too small even with the seat all the way back. I don't know how he fits in there." He informed her as she adjusted mirrors. "That's because you're taller than him now Zac." Jess piped up from the front passenger seat. "Am I?" He questioned. She nodded her head in reply. "Huh... I didn't realize." He said more to himself.
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"Buckle up girls." He said to his sisters as he shut their door. They rolled their eyes at him but did as told. Not that they wouldn't have done it anyways, they just didn't like to be reminded. Moirah rolled down her window and he shut her door too. He bent down and leaned into the window as he took a credit card from his shirt pocket. "Here. Put everything on this, don't worry about the cost, I want this to be kick ass, they deserve it." He said as he pushed the card at her. She tried to protest but he gave her a stern look that she just couldn't resist. She just couldn't say no to him. She took the card and slipped it into her purse. He leaned further into the window and kissed her throughoughly. "Oooooh!" Came a teasing chorus from the back seat. He laughed against her lips as they broke apart. He stood up and took a step away from the car. "Have fun, and behave girls... or else." He warned, then broke out in a huge grin. "Bye Zac" The four said in unison causing them to crack up. They waved to him as they pulled out of the driveway beeping the horn. He waved back at them and stood in the drive way until they were out of view. He sighed heading back to the house and grinned as he said to himself. "Taylor had better not have touched my fries." Grinning he waved to his Mom still perched on the couch, eating a burger of her own now that the children had headed out. She smiled back at him wiping her chin of a dribble of grease. "Sure you don't need anything more Ma before we go back to work?" He asked sweetly. Again she shook her head. He shrugged and trotted off to the studio leaving Diana alone and oddly lonely. She took a moment to reflect on her love for her family. She wondered if she would ever feel whole without them around. She had once been alone certainly, but after so many years of being wife and mother to them all, she had grown comfortable in that skin. She laughed at herself and partook in the gifts bestowed by her eldest. "Casablanca, here I come!" Meanwhile back at the OK Coral ie: the Mall. Lunch settled and consumed in record time flat to make more time alloted for shopping, [a.n. That's more important than nourishment anyday right? Right. *firmly nods head* lol.] a flurry of stores were hit and purchases made. The afternoon pased by with many a giggle between Moirah and the girls. She had grown up with only one older sister, this was a nice new perspective for her, she liked it. Tired and toting half the contents of the mall with them they all filed out to the car in the lot. The trunk full and still an hour before having to be back for dinner she treated them to a quick romp in the park. The younger of the three greatly appreciated the time to run off some of the endless supply of energy. Jess and Moirah sat on a bench near a small duck pond watching as Avie pushed Zoe higher and higher in the swing. Moirah drew her knees up indian style and pulled out her sketchbook from her totebag, proceeding to sketch the sceene before her as her whimsy saw fit. Jess watched her silently for a few moments. "Moirah?" She started quietly. "Mmm...?" She returned distractedly. "Could I ask you something?" Jess tried. Moirah put her sketchbook down. "Always." She smiled at the girl. "I... I was just wondering... how did you know that you loved him?" She tumbled out. Moirah's smile widened. "I can't really answer that." She said. Jess looked crestfallen. Moirah jumped in. "I always have since we met I think. It just... was there." She assuaged the young girls fears. She thought it sweet that she was so concearned for her older brother. She supposed that they had to have been wary of many girls with less than honorable intentions ever since the music had become so widely popular. She understood that it was just Jess's way of making sure that someone wasn't going to hurt someone that she loved. The family was close, and it hurt them all when one was injured emotionaly. Jess beamed at her, apparently pleased with the answer. "You know..." She started in a conspiritorial mannor, a sly look in her eye. Moirah could see shades of Zac. The more she looked the more she saw, like Mac and Ike. Walker had given many a gift to his children through genetics. It seemed good looks and talent weren't the only things, humor was everpresent and abundant too. Jess chuckled a bit as she continued and let Moirah in on a secret. "The night you and Zac fought... after your first date... he was really upset." Jess revealed. Moirah nodded, a bit of her own grin fading as she remembered how she had hurt him so deeply. Jess lay a hand on her arm when she saw the flicker of pain in Moirahs eyes. "I talked to him on the phone that night. He'd called to talk to Mom but they were out to dinner." More of her smile faded back in. She was drawing Moirah into her web and they both knew it. "He won't ever admit to it... but I think he was crying, I heard it in his voice." Jess went on. Moirah was now confused where this conversation was headed. Why did she look so sly if she was making her relive a painful event? "I've had blackmail material over his head for months and he's never even realized it." Jess whispered. There it was. That was the reason behind her mirth. "He's never been like that before. I don't know what you do to him... just don't stop. I get away with murder with Zac now!" She joked. Moirah laughed softly. Through her little confession, Jess had inadvertantly relieved some of the guilt she'd felt for the events that had taken place that night. She still couldn't forgive herself for hurting him and rejecting him the way she had, even if the rest of the evening had turned out so... well, erotic. But now, now she knew that even after all of that... what they had was strong enough to have changed his life as it had changed hers. It gave her a bit of comfort. She hugged Jess. "I'll do my best." She promised the girl.
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The rest of the hour passed in a multitude of gushes, giggles, and a few gufaws as Moirah sketched a portrait of Jess for Daniel as a gift from Jess. A single cry of "I'm hungry!" from Zoe was all it took for the foursome to head back toward the house. A quick trip to the grocery store and tips and hints from the girls as to who liked what... and they were back at the homestead. The four continued to giggle and have a jolly old time as they carried in the goodies for dinner, Jess a look out for either of her parents so as not to spoil the surprise. "She's sleeping on the couch! Hurry! If you're lucky you can get it all up stairs before she wakes up. Just be quiet!" Jess whispered, loving the thrill of keeping a secret. She hurriedly crept up the stairs with the rest of the loot and tucked it all away in the guest room until it would be needed. The girls dutifully put away the groceries while she was gone and then slipped out the back door to let their Mother rest. Walker and Mac came back as she was headed back down the stairs and she watched out the window as Mac raced around the house to head out back. Walker entered the quiet house and smiled at Moirah comfortingly. He spied Diana and asked in a hushed tone. "Girls good for you?" She nodded with a wide grin. "Angels of course, they're outback." She replied, gesturing to the back door. He grinned, knowing that she was close to the truth. He was quite proud of how well behaved his children could be. He went into the livingroom and knelt beside the couch. Moirah headed toward the kitchen watching him from the corner of her eye. He bent over his sleeping wife and whispered to her, gently laying a kiss on her temple and waking her sleeping beauty style. Moirah smiled to herself. It was no wonder they were such a close and loving family, everything had to have stemmed from a deep rooted love between the two of them and grown thick in vine throughout the offspring they'd produced, chinching them inward toward eachother. It was a lovely thought and she tucked it away for a later concept for a painting. Right away she got to work preparing dinner for the assemblage. Not long after Diana entered the kitchen, Walker close behind. "Oh Moirah, you don't have to do that dear, you've already done enough. Why don't you go and rest or have some fun with the kids out back?" Diana's voice fell on deaf ears. "Oh no... I said you were going to have the day off and that you will. Now I know this is your kitchen and all... but would you kindly take your wife and go? I hate to have too many people underfoot when I'm cooking." She addressed to the pair. Walker chuckled and Diana began to protest when Moirah broke out in song... in full gaelic no less. She was completely ignoring Diana's pleas and almost literally pushed them out the door into the back yard with their children. A while later she was standing at the stove stirfrying vegtables and humming to herself when Isaac popped his head in. "Mmmm... something smells good. I'm almost tempted to stay." She turned and grinned at him. "Then stay. There's plenty of course, I do know how to cook for an army." She said pleasantly. He shook his head as he leaned against the door frame. "I've got to pick up El from school. Her last class gets out shortly." He told her as she turned back to the stove. Zac breezed past his brother and wrapped an arm around Moirah pecking her cheek and stealing a slice of zucchini from the pan. She smacked his hand and pushed him away. Dejected only slightly he grabbed an apple and hopped up onto the counter, tossing his brother a sly grin. Moirah looked over her shoulder as she continued to stir the vegtables. "Why don't you bring her back here for dinner then. You've got to eat. Besides, I've yet to meet this woman I hear wonderful things about." She grinned at Isaac, elliciting a wide smile from him. "I suppose I could do that... by the way, what is that I smell? It's wonderful!" He inhaled deeply. She gave the pan a final toss and set it aside as she turned off the burner and went to the fridge to take the marinating meat out. "Cashew chicken, sweet and sour pork, vegtable fried rice and this will be beef teriyaki when I get it under the broiler." She informed him. He smiled. "You must have gone shopping with the girls cause that's pretty much our favorites. Let me guess, fruit salad with whipped cream for dessert?" He said matter of factly. She grinned at him as she slid the beef onto the skewers. "Zoe's favorite." All three said at once then laughed at the incident. "I even gave in to the chocolate curls ontop too!" Moirah laughed out and made the two men follow suit. "Well, if I'm gonna get back here before Zac and Tay eat everything I'd better get going now." Ike said quickly. With a wave he left the kitchen. Zac jumped down off the counter and tossed his core away then washed his sticky hands. Moirah opened the oven and shoved in the sheet of skewered beef as she took out the chicken. Again she bent to the oven and checked on the pork. Zac scooted up behind her and bent over to wrap his arms around her. She laughed softly and shoved him back with her ass. He growled at her comicly. "Behave!" She scolded him. "I can't!" He whined at her. She closed the oven again and turned in his embrace. She kissed him and smiled up to him. "You want to eat?" She asked. He nodded. "But I want you more." He whispered. She matched his grin. "Well, dinner first, we'll see what happens later." She teased him as she shoved him into a chair at the table out of her way. He crossed his arms over his chest and was pouting as Taylor came out of the studio and headed to the fridge for a water bottle.
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"What's your problem?" He asked his brother as he lowered himself into a chair near him then guzzled half his bottle. Zac pointedly squinted his eyes at Moirah, making sure she was looking his way. "She was mean to me and sat me in the corner even though I wasn't bad or anything!" He jokingly cried. Tay laughed. "Well at least someone can control you, you animal!" Tay teased. "Who's an animal?" Jess's voice asked as she entered the kitchen, Daniel in tow. Tay snickered. "Zac is, he was naughty and she put him in the corner." "I was not!" Zac huffed. They all laughed as Daniel took a chair behind Tay. Wordlessly Jess set to work helping Moirah without getting in her way or pestering her by asking what needed to be done. She just saw what was needed and did it. Moirah figured that was from countless years of helping her Mom in the kitchen. Conversation brewed between the men at the table as Jess and Moirah worked side by side silently to finnish dinner. Later as they had just finnished cutting up the chicken for one of the last dishes to be made Isaac's voice called out from the hallway. "I'm back! Is there anything left?" Moirah smiled up at him as he came into the kitchen, Elouise presumably behind him. "Your in luck, I haven't finnished yet so I was able to stave them off long enough for your return." She laughed softly as she wiped her hands on a towel she had slung over her shoulder. She reached out a hand. "Hi! I'm Moirah, you must be the ever popular Elouise. I'm pleased to finaly meet you, the girls have been singing your praises." She greeted the woman warmly. Elouise smiled at her and took her hand briefly. "I am. Pleased to meet you too. Though the girls haven't said anything to me about you. As a matter of fact, there seems to be a great lack of letting me in the know." She quipped, pointedly looking at Zac. He smiled back at her sheepishly. "I'm sorry El. It's been hella busy round here and all. Besides, I'm sure Ike told you all about her comming to visit and everything huh?" He looked to her hopefully. She smiled back at him to relieve his guilt. "He did of course, at least he still talks to me." She couldn't resist that last little tease. Isaac sat in a chair behind Zac and drew El into his lap to get out of Moirahs way, the kitchen filling up and getting cluttered. Zac thinking this a perfect time he used a hushed tone to conspire with his brothers, Jess and Moirah over the final plans for the party and agreed on a plan to get the portrait taken without their parents finding out. Elouise pulled Isaac up out of the chair when the conversation lulled and tugged him off in the direction of the diningroom to set the table. Taking a silent cue from Jess Daniel rose to help tote the food into the next room. "I'll go round up the troops." Announced Tay and he stepped out the back door. Zac got up from his appointed spot and kissed Moirah briefly as she was about to get into the fridge. She smiled up at him and asked. "Wanna help?" He nodded and she jerked her head in the direction of the oven. He smiled at her and opened it to take the last of the dishes out as she shaved the promised chocolate curls for Zoe's dessert. Dinner was just as boisterous and many a thanks was passed to Moirah, a good share of them from Diana. Diana put her foot down and wouldn't let Moirah help clean up when they were all finnished. "No, you made dinner, now we will clean up. Fair is fair. Come on boys." She gestured to Ike and Tay. They smiled at her and got up with out a word to begin clearing the table. Elouise pitched in and Diana gathered up a stack of plates and went to the kitchen to start loading the dishwasher. Walker took charge of everyones attention and piped up. "Well, I think I know the perfect way to get a laugh from this group and embarrass them at the same time." All eyes on him he leaned back in his chair and grinned. "I do believe Moirah promised to watch some more videos and give me a critique." He said jovialy. A collective groan mixed with a few nervous giggles sprouted. "Oh come on now, it's not that bad is it?" He asked the group. Moirah rose from her seat, brushing past Zac. "I did promise and now's a good a time as any." She offered him with a smile and a hand. Setting his chair back down on the floor with all four legs and grinned at Moirahs grace of generosity. He took her hand and got up to head for the livingroom. He turned before he went through the door and stuck his tongue out at his children causing them all to laugh. "Come on, we may as well get it over with." Zac sighed, urging the others to follow their father. He tossed his napkin on the table and wove through those who were in the process of cleaning up. He strode quickly and caught up with Moirah to walk beside her and pulled her into the recliner, sitting her on his lap. "Bring on the torture!" He cried out dramaticly.
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The evenings entertainment began and before long the entire throng was laughing at the many antics caught on tape from over the years. Moirah noticed that the more she viewed the better they got, and it wasn't just the level of humor either. She commented on it and brought a proud grin to Walkers face. After a while she could even tell who was behind the camera from the heights, lack of personage in front of the camera and the styles. They almost made a game of it to see if they could stump her and kept asking at random times if she could figure it out. She was right on the money most of the time. "You know, you've all been very lucky to have been able to see all of these sites and capture them for future generations. I love to look through my Nana's old photo albums. She used to be a journalist before she married Grandpa, she has some of the best photos that never even made it to the paper." Moirah said reminiscing to herself. "That's cool. Did she go around the world and everything?" Jess asked. "Oh yes. That's how they met. She was just a small town girl from the midwest here in America. She had a great wunderlust." Moirah said sweetly, loving the romantic ideal of how her grandparents had met. "Was that what made you take up photography?" Taylor asked her. The question caught her a bit off guard but she recovered quickly. If he was going to be more than civil to her she was going to do her damnedest to make him comfortable enough to keep approaching her. He seemed to genuinely want to know. This could be a good thing, perhaps something to use as a springboard to helping him know that she was here to stay but didn't want to tear apart the relationship he and his brother had taken a lifetime together to build. "Some I think. And some of it I think was just inherreted. There are many artisans in my family tree." She said as sweetly as she could without being saccherine. He nodded and turned back to the screen. She thought quickly of something to keep the ball rolling. She didn't want to lose him now that she had him somewhere near lukewarm. "I noticed that a lot of the time you all have still cameras while you're video taping. Do you take as many photos as you do videos?" She asked the general populace. Isaac looked to his brother across the room and seeing what Moirah was trying to do he tried to bring Tay back to the conversation for her sake. "We do, though some of us have a better eye than others. Dad takes tons and we use them on our websites for the fans, you know as a thank you for all the great shows and stuff. But others we just keep here in an album as personal momentos, like the ones with the kids or Mom and Dad in them or even the ones that we feel are just too personal. I think most of us would agree that Tay has a keen eye for candids and fills a good portion of the albums that Mom keeps." She turned to Ike, a grateful smile passed quickly for him. All eyes were turned to Tay and he gave a nervous little grin, embarrassed at the praise from his brother. "Really? I'd love to see those. I'm sure there are some gems hiding in there." Moirah nearly begged to see them. Anything to get him on her side. Diana being the shrewd woman she is quickly quelled the protest she saw brewing. "What a wonderful idea! Walker, why don't you go get the best of the albums and let Moirah see some of the other kinds of talent this family can boast." Isaac got up and shut off the video that had been forgotten, opting to spin some soft tunes to fill the emotionally chilled air. Soon enough they were all gathered around the coffee table to view some of the best the vault of albums had to offer. Moirah sat next to Elouise taking the pictures offered by she and Isaac who sat behind her as they passed them around the group. Zac sat behind her and commented on whatever particular photo she was holding. She would look over them, most just typical family photos that could be found in any album. But some were the so called gems she had hoped to see. She voiced her opinions whenever she found one that caught her artists eye. Then she would pass it off to the pair next to her of Jess and Daniel who in turn would hand it behind them to Taylor who was stretched out on the floor leaning against the couch. He would look at some of them wistfully others he gave a cursory glance then hand them to Zoe who sat above him. From the corner of her eye Moirah watched him through the evening, realizing that Ike had been speaking the truth, Taylor was good behind the camera.
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Many of her compliments were over pictures that claimed Taylor as the photographer. As whines and protests against going to bed was being sounded off by the youngsters she stumbled upon a hauntingly captivating portrait of Diana holding a slumbering infant that resembled Zoe greatly. She caught her breath and studied the photo silently. She didn't even ask whom had taken that one in particular before she started in with a zealous appraisal of the portrait. Taylor leaned forward over Jess's shoulder, wondering what had caused a reknown artist to kick up such a stir over a picture in his own family albums. Then he noticed the picture she held as she was praising the angle and artistic soul that emanated from the scrap of paper. His face was twisted into an unreadable expression for it held too many emotions. He got to his feet and bent over Moirah, placing a quick kiss on her cheek then wordlessly scooped up Zoe and headed up the stairs. He left the room in stunned silence and awe over what had transpired. She nearly had tears in her eyes, she was confused at to why he would have done it, but still at the same time, she was overwhelmed that he appeared to be showing some signs of forgiving her for whatever offence it was that had him in turmoil, whether real or imagined. Isaac was the first to speak and he did so in a soft tone toward Moirah. "Taylor took that picture. I think you just made him feel worthy of something he has a hard time accepting." Moirah looked at him quizically. "He thinks most of the world just praises him for his looks and placates to him over his other ventures. He's insecure about being percieved as intelligent and more than just another handsome face." He filled in. Moirah nodded. "Such a pity, he's more than he knows and has so much to offer the world." She said aloud to herself. Zac hugged her tighter, she may have just placed the stongest of footholds in the path of stepping stones being laid between he and Taylor to get back together.
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