Meet, Grab, & Go (Cerri)

[eryk]

Eryk opened the door to his house only to have a very angry Maelee stomp on his foot. She looked very angry and hands on her hips started yelling at her big brother. And when the little angel was angry it terrified him simply because it did not happy very often.

"I've been alone for almost two hours! Where were you?" Maelee kicked her brother in the shin then turned smiling at Cerri. "Hi, Ri-Ri!" Then turned back to her brother her eyes dark hands still on her hips.

"You're all wet! I don't like being alone and worse it's storming outside. I hate storms." She kicked him again though he tried to dodge it this time. "You're a horrible brother and I hope you get sick! But not you Ri-Ri, it's not your fault. It's his!" Another kick and she ran off to her room slamming the door loudly. Eryk knew he had to fix this some how but how? He only had to think on it for a few seconds before he motioned Cerri into the house and shut the door.

"Well, I guess we won't share our secret with you. Or take you to the surprise, special place. We'll just have to go there all alone, withOut you." It was so easy to manipulate her sometimes... He thought as she came flying out of her room eyes wide. Almost laughing he set down the basket near the door watching her as she landed gawking at them.

"What?! What secret? What surprise, special place? Tell me! Now!" Maelee pouted her lips angerily as she stomped her foot at him. Coughing he covered his laughter as he winked at Cerridwen.

"I don't know. I don't think grumpy guffs get to know secrets, and go to surprise, special places." Eryk leaned against the wall next to the door grinning at Cerridwen. Maelee ran to Cerr grabbing her hand turning doe eyes up at her. Which was typical of her to do. Run to nice "momma" Ri-Ri when Ryky was being mean. Eryk crossed his arms watching the act play out.

"Ri-Ri! Tell meee! Pleeease? I promise not to be a grumpy guff anymore!" The little devil pouted out her bottom lip her eyes perfect puppy dog replicas. She bounced pleading with Cerridwen. "Please?!? Please, please! I wanna know. I prom-EEEEEEE!" She screamed as she spotted the flower ring on Cerridwen's hand.

"OH MY GOSH! RI-RI YOU HAVE A RING ON YOUR FINGER!" Turning to Eryk who was laughing so hard he was doubled over by now. "That better mean what I think it means! OH MY GOSH! RI-RIIIII!" Hopping in place she laughed and giggled pointing at the impromtu ring.

"I'm gonna be a flower girl! I'm gonna be a sister in law! I'm gonna have neices and nephews!" Maelee began dancing around the rooom her curls bouncing about her as she waved her hands around. "I'm gonna dress in a pretty dress! Yay yay yay!" Eryk couldn't stop smiling as his sister flew to her room and back out with an armload of wedding magazines.

"Can I heelp? I get to heeelllp! Oh, this is awesome! This is the best thing to happen ALL YEAR!" Dumping the magazines she spread them all out as she knelt down in front of Cerri. "You have to get this dress, or maybe this one! OF COURSE the flowers will be AMAZING!" Maelee just kept going and Eryk watched her smiling though he'd blushed when she mentioned nieces and nephews. He glanced at Cerridwen wondering what she thought of the idea. Children. He wanted his life littered with little Cerridwens. But..did she?

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen smiled slipping inside. It was never her fault. Ever. Cerridwen watch the scene play out and just giggled every time the girl got mad at Eryk. "Mae-Mae..." Cerridwen scolded slightly. "Don't kick Eryk..." Cerridwen suggested giving her a knowing look, though she went ignored as the two siblings played out their fight. Cerridwen just stepped back against the wall and watched.

As soon as Mae was gone, Cerridwen stomped over and his Eryk lightly on the arm.

"Be nice to your sister. And don't provoke her like that..." Cerridwen scolded as Eryk called for her. "And that would be provoking her...telling her we have a surprise Eryk?" Cerridwen demanded. She smiled as Mae came back out. She was so cute...especially like this.

Once more Cerridwen backed off and just watch the scene before her play out.

That was what she thought before of course Maelee came over to her. "Aww...Mae..."Cerridwen cooed picking up the girl. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to leave you" She comforted holding the girl. As soon as she spotted the ring though it was all over. Setting the girl down, Cerridwen couldn't help but smile a small smile. "We were...wondering if you wanted to see...er." She paused and looked to Eryk. "I don't know...should I tell her?" She asked. Getting a small nod, Cerridwen looked to Maelee. "Well we're building a house...it's been in the works of being built for a few months now...would you like to see it. It's to the point where we can start presenting it to people" Cerridwen managed and grinned now as Mae ran off.

"She took that well.." Cerridwen laughed slightly watching the little girl return with an arm load of magazines. "Wow...you er...kept them all." Cerridwen watched amazed. "That's...so amazing" She laughed and watched the girl some more.

"Mae, I'm so excited your--" She was cut off as She jumped up and down. She almost choked when she said Nieces and Nephews. "Oh..er, Mae...isn't it a little early to assume that." She said quickly and looked to her. "Er...how about you and I take those magazines and cut out what we like and make a collage? Hm? Would that be fun?" Cerridwen asked smiling, trying to get off the subject of what Mae would be. A sister, and flower girl yes...an aunt? Eh.

It wasn't like Cerridwen had a problem with children, she wanted them, she really did, and she wanted them to be her blood, Eryk's blood, but...she just couldn't get past the whole proves of...carrying them for that long..and...all of that jazz. That was just..she couldn't get past looking that way...and being all whacked out like that. When she looked to Eryk, it looked like he thought different. This...was something they would definitely need to talk about.

"Amazing. Of course..." Cerridwen murmured and looked to Mae. "HOw about we get a move on then...it may take us a bit to get there, it's close...but it's growing dark, and I want to be back soon after it is dark." Cerridwen informed and walked over to Eryk and took his hand. "And while she runs ahead...we can talk."Cerridwen whispered in his ear nodding smiling slightly. "I love you" She whispered as she let go of his hand to clip her hair back out of her face and then re grabbed his hand.

[eryk]

Eryk watched as Mae ranted, and though he didn't let it show he didn't like Cerridwen's reaction to the kid idea. It would be a topic of discussion for another day. Thay both had time to talk things out, but the fact that she seemed so completely uncomfortable about the subject worried him. He thought they were on the same page as that kind of stuff.

Picking up the basket he left the two to talk wedding stuff. In the kitchen he unpacked things then returned to the two girls. He heard Cerridwen's plan and grinned slightly. Man, that kids comment is really getting to me... Maelee was just so excited and she even started ranting about the house most of it hard to understand as she talked too fast. Eryk smiled at the kiss but for some odd reason the kid thing was still bothering him.

"Remember, we have to wait for Cael to get home. But if you guys want I can wait here and you go look." It happened every once in a while still. This sudden desire to be alone like a shadow of what had happened a year ago. "Or I can meet up with you at the cottage, Cerri and Minerva's that is."

He started walking toward his room glancing over his shoulder at them. "Besides I need to get out of these wet clothes, and shower." So did Cerridwen but in his current mood he'd only dampen their chipperness. They had just gotten engaged and there he was being depressing. It ticked him off but he couldn't help it. Mae went on about having a girl's night out catching the look from her brother as he entered his room. She knew something was wrong, and it was her job to distract Cerri.

"Yeah! You two have been together all day, and I haven't gotten to spend any time with you, Ri-Ri. Plus I have questions! And boys just don't get this stuff." Mae jumped to her feet in front of Cerridwen smiling up at her brightly. Her brother had silently asked for help and she was going to help.

Eryk stripped off his shirt tossing it into the laundry basket on the other side of the room. He could hear Mae trying to cover for him. Precious thing. Grabbing a change of clothes he waited standing there looking at the rain streaked windwo. A flash of lightning brought a memory of last year on another night exactly like this, and he closed his eyes breathing deeply. No, I'm happy with Cerri. I will NOT do this to her again. The feeling faded and he sighed suddenly exhausted. His head bent he searched for that bit of light that saved him from the shadows that still tried to control him. Some days that light was just so hard to find, but today he had proposed. Again. To his love. So where was his light?

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen smiled slightly seeing Eryk's look. Oh no. Oh my. They had both seen it. Wanting to be with him, she saw him walk off. Lovely. Oh my. Cerridwen forced a smile and nodded. Maybe she could talk to the girl. This incredibly bright...smart...funny child. Sometimes, somehow Mae helped her. It was so weird..but it happened. This nine year old, help this ancient fae. It was hard to believe.

"Alright Mae...I'll take you and Eryk we'll meet you at the--" His bedroom door was closed. Okayyy.

"At my house..." She murmured as she turned back to Mae.

Smiling at Mae, Cerridwen started out with her. "So what are your questions...and then I'll ask mine" Cerridwen stated point blank. She added a soft smile of course, naturally, and then started walking as it started to rain, and a flash of lightning. "Or we can hurry to the cottage being built. It's for the most part done, it will be dry, we can sit in there and talk for a bit. How about it hmm?" Cerridwen suggested and started jogging slowly through the rain letting Mae catch up.

Was this because Eryk had seen her look about children? She needed to explain to him. She had to. She couldn't end it like this. She wanted them. She really did...she needed them. It felt like she needed them, she was opposite of her sister. Minerva didn't want them, but Cerridwen, Cerridwen felt they were needed to live. She was just...scared. But wouldn't anyone be scared? Especially of her age. She was terrified about the whole thing. Even marrying him..and taking a big step like that scared her slightly but not nearly as much as being responsible...for another life besides her own.

[eryk]

He heard them leave, heard the door shut, and he flinched. Stupid! Why am I acting like this? Dropping clothes he went into the shower turning the water as hot as it would go and stood until it ran cold.

"Eek! I hate lightning! Ri-Ri, can we fly instead of run?" Mae started flying just to keep up with Cerridwen jogging. She was of course worried about her brother but she also knew that sometimes it was just to be alone. Giggling she raced on ahead challenging Cerri to fly.

"Come on you better catch up because I don't know where I'm going!" The young fae loved hanging out with Cerridwen she was just so light, and so very pretty. And after losing her mother having a big sister like Cerridwen was good for the girl. She was growing up and needed a woman to look up to. Her father knew that and was slowly gaining respect for Cerridwen though he'd never admit it. She was taking care of both of his children for him, and he no longer felt needed. So he started dating.

"There better be a room for me to stay in." She kidded looking at Cerridwen with a smile. Her feet kicking at the water droplets as they flew. Hopefully Eryk would be better once he got some 'me time'.

Eryk was drying off his hair when he heard someone enter the house. Blinking he walked out of his room and froze. His heart felt like it had stopped and his throat constricted making him choke. No, damnit, no...

"W-w-what are you doing here? H-h-how did you find me?" His father wasn't due to be home for another four hours. Cerridwen and Mae were gone to the cottage.

"What? Didn't you miss me?" A wicked wolfy grin made Eryk tremble his feet backing up down the hall. This couldn't be happening, this wasn't happening. He was just hallucinating. It was one of his spells it had to be. The tall blonde stepped into the house kicking the door shut behind him. Eryk shook cursing himself for not leaving with Cerridwen and Mae. Cerri's going to be pissed. Was his last thought as he ran to the back of the house a white wolf on his heels.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen sighed and smiled. "Alright." She said "And don't fly to high! The lightning!" Cerridwen laughed. As soon as they got there, Cerridwen unlocked and pulled open the door, ushering Mae into the house.

Smiling she turned on some lights and looked around. Carpet was almost in...lights were working, it was Eryk's kitchen that was taking so long, they had, to order appliances that were from across seas and it was taking forever to arrive. "Eryk's kitchen..is really what's keeping this place from getting completed. Well and a bit of painting...and well we need to order furniture, but otherwise the place is done almost" Cerridwen smiled looking around. "And of course you have a room, we have four bedrooms. Three upstairs...and one...downstairs that could be...whatever we wanted it to be" Cerridwen smiled giving her the grand tour. She started with everything downstairs, and then brought her to the master bedroom, showing her a quick look before guiding her away.

"You can have...this room" Cerridwen offered showing Mae a room that was a soft green a farm fresh green as it was called, a very soft, pastel, and white trim. She smiled looking around. It was precious. The windows all around, well their whole house basically consisted of window's but this one, it was a big own window for basically an entire wall and then on another wall smaller windows.

"Or you can have this room..." Cerridwen trailed off going across the hall, going into a navy blue room with white trim and not as much window's but a view of the sun setting if the sun had been setting at the time. Right now it was dark. It was lightning. "Anyways, it's your call...I'm just going to have to figure out what to do with that extra room..." Cerridwen admitted "We won't have guest, because everyone who would be a guest lives so close..." Cerridwen admitted.

[eryk]

Mae laughed as they flew making sure to do as Cerridwen said. She didn't want her mad at her or anything. When they landed she ran into the house away from the rain giggling. Her eyes bright and wide taking everything in with a look of awe. It was so pretty and perfect for the two lovers. Of course it would be her brother's kitchen that would take so long. Stupid girlie boy. She laughed and ran about but still staying close to Cerridwen.

"This is amazing! I love it!" In the tour of the rooms she couldn't decide which room she like more. She liked sunlight but that was a bit much. It would be good for drawing in though. Back and forth she ran trying to decide which one would be better suited to her. "It's so hard to decide! Well, since you ain't having kids for a while...maybe I can stay in both?" The little fae smiled up at Cerridwen then took her hand.

"Thank you for showing me. This is a great secret." Mae meant it and she hugged Cerridwen tightly. "Ri-Ri? Can you teach me how to braid my hair?" It was a bit off topic but she wanted to spend more time with Cerridwen. Besides Eryk needed his me time.

"I'll tell you all about school if you do! I got this boy and he follows me everywhere. Very annoying." She rolled her eyes letting go of Cerri not understanding boys at all. "Why do boys have to be so annoying? What's the point? Why can't there just be girls in the world? Well, except Rykie, and Da. They can stay." Not yet interested in boys just yet she shook her head up at her favorite sister.

Eryk limped toward Minerva, and Cerridwen's cabin holding his side. It would probably be awhile until Mae and Cerri would be there but if he didn't show they'd be worried. He'd left a message for his father apologizing for not being there when he came home. It told him where they all were and that he'd see him tomorrow. Xavier had chased him, caught him, and beat him to submission. Even though Eryk was stronger than a year ago Xavier was still even stronger. By shifting a few times the open wounds had sealed but he still hurt emensely.

Callasping against a tree he gasped for air sure that some ribs were broken. If he just waited a few more minutes he'd be healed, and Cerri would never have to know. He'd sneak into the house grab some clothes, and she'd never know. She didn't need to know. Eryk would protect her, and Mae. After Xavier had gotten what he wanted he'd left leaving a clear message. Because you chose her you will feel pain. Eyes blury he stared at the cottage thinking just a few more feet, and that he hoped against hope that Minerva wasn't home.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen watched her laughing as she ran back and forth. "Oh both hm?" Cerridwen smiled and thought for a minute. "We'll see" She finally concluded. "I'm sure...we'll have children within...I don't know..." Cerridwen trailed off. Clearly it was still on her mind. Eryk...the look he had given her, she had wanted to explain..and he had just back off and left her so quickly.

Cerridwen watched as she talked. "Alright. I'll braid your hair..."Cerridwen said finally. How about this room..."Cerridwen said choosing the green room. Sitting down on the wood floors, Cerridwen looked around. She could see this room...it was perfect. She could see a crib and a rocker, and she needed to get these thoughts out of her head. Damn. Cerridwen moved and sat down and looked to Mae motioning her over.

"Boys...yeah. They are complicated...no argument there sweetie" Cerridwen nodded "Even your brother...he just...confuses me so much" Cerridwen admitted "And your dad...and just...all boys confuse me" Cerridwen assured her. "So your not alone. But I love them all, well both, I love your brother of course, and your father" Cerridwen trailed off. "He means well at least I know" Cerridwen clarified getting Mae to sit in front of her as she slowly french-braided two braids into Mae's hair. One on the left side and the other on the right.

Cerridwen smiled "I think he likes you...that boy. Eryk followed me you know...all over the place" She grinned remembering. "And he still does" Cerridwen muttered under her breath laughing slightly.

Minerva heard movement. "Cerri?" She called and got up from where she was to go see. What the hell?

Minerva was might confused as she opened and stepped out onto the porch and saw a figure...who was that. Being a queen...not many people had the guts to come to her cottage and ask for help. This was almost kind of nice.

"Hey..." She called narrowing her eyes still weary and unsure. Was this...an attacker, someone to help? Needed help? She reached her hand inside to turn on the porch light and saw Eryk. Oh...my...god. "Eryk!" She shouted getting his attention. He looked like he was in a lot of pain, and when she said a lot...she meant A LOT...who did this?

She hurried out into the rain and helped him inside onto the couch inside. "Oh my god...what happened?" She asked getting him a dry towel to wipe of the rain and watched him worried.

[eryk]

She sighed as Cerri braided her hair still not understanding boys. But this was nice, she never got to do girlie stuff at home. Eryk tried his best and was actually getting pretty good with the whole braiding thing. It helped that he had to braid bread dough. Da just put her hair in lopsided pony tails gave her a kiss on the cheek and sent her off to school. Though Eryk couldn't do anything as fancy as twin french braides!

"This is so pretty, Ri-Ri. I love it. Thanks." Touching the braids carefully she twisted to give Cerri a hug. "Maybe I'll understand boys better when I get your age." Mae sighed and stood thinking it was probably time to get back to Eryk now. The boy had better be happier. Otherwise she was going to beat him up and tell him to kiss Cerridwen. That would make him happy.

"Okay, we going to your other place now? I'm getting kind of hungry." She played with her braid staring at Cerridwen smiling. Eryk would probably have dinner started already, and waiting for them with a smile. Then she could have fun with both of them! Mae turned and headed to the front door anxious to get back to her big brother and some food.

Eryk jerked his head up wondering when he'd dozed off. Someone had called his name and with one eye he looked for the person. Wait, one eye? Aww, sh*t. His hand went to a swollen, aching eye with a groan. Then someone was helping him up and into the cottage. Who was it? His sight was very blurry but he knew it was a she and that it smelled familiar.

"Clothes..." Was all he could get out as he fell onto the couch. Coughing he hurt all over and it hurt to breathe as he lay there guessing that Minerva was indeed home. He wheezed afraid that the crushed ribs were constricting his lungs.Whenever Minerva got the clothes he moved stiffly and changed a bit embarassed that his sister-in-law had now seen him naked. Eryk coughed again and fell onto the couch only managing to get pants on.

"Cerri...is safe...with Mae..." Eryk opened his one eye licking his lips and finding dried blood there. No need to worry her sister just because he'd gotten hurt. Xavier had left with his own set of wounds though Eryk was of course worse off. Oh, it hurt to breathe he clutched at the couch cushion then realized she'd asked him a question. She couldn't know she'd tell Cerridwen.

"Attacked...in forest..." Which was true that was where Xavier had caught him. But she didn't need to know who had attacked him. As far as he'd known along with everyone else that Xavier hadn't known Eryk was out of the asylum, and his father had moved purposely to get away from the white wolf. His family had thought Xavier had gone back to California because they hadn't seen him in so long. Now he was back and this time he would keep him from Cerridwen. This time he'd do anything to prevent her from knowing.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen smiled as Mae stood and felt the braid's on either side of her head. "Well I'm glad you like them then" Cerridwen agreed standing as she looked down to them. She could have made them a bit tighter but eh, it would work for now, and as long as Mae was happy, Cerridwen was happy as well.

Cerridwen laughed slightly. "Mae...your too funny" She giggled and smiled. "You will understand boys. I promise. They aren't all bad." Cerridwen smiled pulling the girl close to her and holding her close. She swayed for a minute and thought. "Plus, your brother isn't that bad yeah?" Cerridwen teased slightly. "I think the boy likes you if he follows you around..."Cerridwen mused. At first she had been so nervous to be with Mae alone. When Mae had said, she had, had questions, Cerridwen freaked out. Was she talking about...sex? Like as in Cerridwen had to give her the sex talk, since well it wasn't like she had a mother to give this to her...and Cerridwen was the next thing, and it was really ironic since Eryk and herself had just finished doing exactly that before coming to get Mae.

It had scared the hell out of Cerridwen, but nothing of the sort had come up, and that let Cerridwen breathe in and out deeper, easier then before.

Cerridwen followed Mae down and out the door. "Hungry...yeah. I am too" She admitted and shrugged "So...I've been thinking about the flowers I was going to use at my wedding..." She admitted and smiled down at Mae. "They're special to me and Eryk...I had made them for him originally, well to show him first, and I've not shown anyone else, but if you want to see them when we get home, and if it doesn't start raining or lightning again, then I think I might just show you. Sound fun yeah?"Cerridwen asked smiling holding onto the little girl's hand.

Cerridwen was slowly starting to realize this was her time with Mae. To get everything said and out. There was another question lingering on her mind but she wasn't sure if now was the time to address it. Eh, she needed to know though. "Mae..." Cerridwen trailed off looking to the ground now. "Your...your alright with me right? Marrying your brother? You don't have a problem with it, because the minute you do, I want you to tell me, I love him, and I want him happy, but his family, is important to me too...and your alright with us getting married I hope?" Cerridwen asked generally caring about Mae's thoughts and wanting to know her opinion on the whole situation as they walked back.

Minerva watched Eryk and sighed. "You need to be more careful, I'll send Riana out there to find whatever it was..." Minerva agreed. She didn't want something dangerous within the Fae walls that could potentially harm any of her subjects, people, fae. That would not be good. And it could potentially harm...her, Cal, her sister, no, that thing whatever it was had to be put to a stop.

She saw him coughing and shook her head. "Another call to the doctor then I see...I'll be back" Minerva murmured and with that, swept away and to a phone where she dialed a healer up and requested he come to look at Eryk. After she had hung up, she moved back to him and helped him dress once more. "And Cerridwen is safe? Wasn't she with you? Where is she now? Is she alone?" Minerva questioned her voice sounding very worried now as she realized the situation. Oh no. Oh no, no, no what if that thing had gotten to Cerridwen hm? What if...oh that was just no. Not acceptable.

Then she heard music to her ears. Cerri was safe with Mae. Oh thank god. Minerva exhaled a sigh of relieve and went back to helping Eryk. He was in bad shape, that was for sure, and him laying there and coughing like mad wasn't helping. "Eryk...try to calm down, and breathe, don't cough, it's not helping..I know it's hard, and all..but try until the healer gets here." Minerva advised as she thought more on the attacker. She wanted to ask what it looked like, or what was it, or who, but she knew better then too.

Knocking brought her back and she stood quickly and let the healer in to go look over Eryk.

"Bad shape your in..." He murmured as he looked Eryk over. "Always in a bad shape when I see you. This is now two for two?" He joked slightly as he worked, analyzing what exactly was wrong, and thinking about tactics that would help fix this. "And o' course you go to to the Corrigan sister's..." He murmured "I've seen you with that pretty one..." He mused as he worked once more.

By now Minerva had drifted to collect some paper work. She certainly did not want to be here. She hated healers. Always had, always will, and with that, she said a few soft words and disappeared into the night to go to the castle.

"She's a keeper alright...very pretty...I'll have to ask her to dance when and if Minerva has another ball or something along the sorts.." The healer said and with that grew silent thinking about Cerridwen. She was a nice girl, sweet, though he hadn't seen much of her since she had left the walls to go to that school...now she was back though, and he couldn't help himself and from afar sometimes admired her, and it wasn't like he couldn't help himself and look down along her backside.

Of course the healer didn't know she was already engaged, he had known she was with someone, puppy love as he had called it, but he didn't realize they were A) engaged and B) this was the man she was engaged too.

"I've known her, an awful long time too...how are you and her connected again? Er well to the queen and her sister anyway at least?" He questioned curious as how some...stranger, that no one knew of, at least not in the fae walls, came to be treated by one of the best healers, in the Corrigan cottage. That was not something you came by often.

[eryk]

As they left the cottage Mae flew along slowly liking the fact that it had finally stopped raining. Flying in the rain was not fun, and she hated getting wet. She glanced over at Cerri with her question and smiled. "Of course I don't mind if you marry Eryk. You're the best thing to have ever happened to him, there is no reason for me not to want you to marry him." Mae meant every word, and she flew over to grab Cerridwen's hand. The older fae was one of her favorite people and the idea of her becoming part of the family made her happy.

"Race you back to your place?" She asked eyes eager though Cerridwen would win from years more of experience Mae still loved to. Her brother had been born with their mother's lycan gene and Mae her father's fae gene. So she never got to go fling with someone unless it was with Cerridwen, and she grabbed at that chance everytime. With a flick of her purple and yellow wings she zoomed on ahead laughing as she went.

Pain racked his body as Minerva questioned him and told him not to cough. He could barely keep his eyes open and the couch seemed to be pulling him into unconsciousness. Though she'd told him to stop coughing he couldn't seem to manage it. He tried so hard covering his mouth and taking deep breaths but the deep breaths only hurt more. Not even realizing the healer was there until he started speaking directly to Eryk he opened his eye slowly. Now usually he wasn't the most possessive sort, he just smiled and calmly told the people that the beautiful Cerridwen happened to be taken. In his condition he didn't feel like being nice, even if it was to the person who was currently healing him.

"She's taken. Engaged actually." Eryk growled his eye instantly going to amber, but being completely beaten he didn't appear too intimidating. Though a wolf injured always had a fiercer will to live thus a stronger bite. His hand gripped the couch edge until his knuckles turned white.

"How do I know them?" He coughed violently and pain shot from his chest leaving him silent for a few minutes. The healer might be healing but the pain just didn't seem to go away. At least not from his chest. "I happen to be the fiance she's engaged to." Eryk's voice was rough and deep his eye still amber and he thought she might be proud at how protective and possessive he was being. She was usually the possessive one but tonight he felt like he should make sure everyone knew she was his.

Realizing he'd just told a perfect stranger their plans before telling her sister he cringed. That might actually make Cerridwen mad, especially if Minerva had overheard him. Eryk sank into the couch his eye returning to normal as the healing magic started working. Healing always made him so...very...tired...

She zipped to the house shaking out her wings. "I wanna see the pretty flowers! Come oooon!" Mae stamped her foot as Cerridwen flew over taking her time having let Mae won the race. The young fae smiled and burst open the door and ran into the house. Then she saw her brother being healed unconscious on the couch.

"ERYK!" Screaming she ran over to her brother kneeling beside the couch touching his damp forehead. He didn't stir, his breathing was shallow and Mae began crying. "Ryky! Ryky, wake up! Ryky!"

[©erridwen Corrigan]

The healer looked down at the guy. He lied. There was no way...Minerva wouldn't let this...guy that wasn't even of fae blood take her sister, would she? This was...different. If Cal and Minerva weren't enough...here the other Corrigan, the one everyone thought to have a right mind, well marrying off to someone who wasn't even a fae? This was, my this was off.

"Er...you? Cerridwen, agreed to marry you?" He said blinking and then nodded "Well congratulations boy" He nodded. Boy. This man in front of him was not a man at all, but a mere boy.

"Well then, rest, that's what you need and sleep--" As he said sleep the boy was out. That...was quick. He was hesitant to leave him here alone. Where had Minerva gone anyways? Back to Cal? That crazy man who didn't know his left from his right? Where was Cerridwen, if after all this WAS her fiance, wasn't she suppose to be here?

As soon as he thought this, in flew a girl of roughly eight, she looked to be eight, followed soon by Cerridwen. So maybe he wasn't lying...maybe he was truthful, and the girl looked a wreck, worried, wet from the rain, distressed when she had laid her eyes on Eryk and as he looked her up and down, she looked as if her knees would give out, and the poor thing was trembling. What could he do? He couldn't very well talk, well he could but not without saying something stupid.


Cerridwen smiled and let the girl race her, her words putting her mind and heart to rest. Of course Mae didn't mind her, why would she? Cerridwen loved that girl, and tried her hardest to take care of her.

As the girl took off, Cerridwen, skillfully maneuvered herself through branches and trees, taking the 'scenic route' home so Mae could win. She needed time to think anyways. Eryk. When Mae went to bed, before anything happened they needed to have a long talk. She had decided that they need to talk about a lot of things, not just kids, but a lot, where they would live, if they wanted to stay in the maze, and stay in the house they built, where they would work, how they would live, the morals they would set themselves too, how to raise children, their views on them, pets, etc.etc. They had a lot to go over.

Soon she was in view of her house and she smiled. "Patients young one" Cerridwen smiled and landed on the steps of the porch and walked up shaking out her skirt, freeing herself of any leaves. "How about we go in, eat and if it's not raining then we can go see if we can't grow them" She compromised and let Mae run in only to hear screams.

Instantly Cerridwen went into red-alert, she herself mentally getting into defense mode. Hurrying up the steps and into the house, there was Eryk passed out on the couch and a healer there. She turned pale, more pale then she was and began trembling. No...not another attack. There couldn't have been...pushing past the healer she went to Eryk and looked down at him turning to the healer. "What happened?" She murmured upset clearly and looked to Eryk again.

"Sweet Eryk..." She murmured leaning over Mae to look to Eryk. She ran a hand over his skin, warm, damp, damn him. She was going to kill him. She wanted to leave him and go out and find the damn wolf but he would not be happy, and that would only put her in danger and that would be bad and make Eryk upset.

"Eryk..." She whispered trying to help him. Wishing she could. Was he asleep? Passed out? What had happened? He looked healed for the most part, and the healer behind her had backed up and away, leaving them with their loved one. "Love...wake up" She insisted letting her cool fingers run over his warm damp face her blue eyes staring down at his closed eyelids. Maybe they should let him sleep instead. "Mae.." Cerridwen looked down to her. "How about we let him sleep. Let him rest. I'll make you dinner...come on love" She insisted moving away from Eryk. He looked so peaceful...so amazing.

[eryk]

Mae sniffled nodding to Cerridwen when she told her to let Eryk sleep. She shouldn't have left him alone. It was all her fault. She'd left him alone and he'd gotten hurt. Whiping away her tears she went to the kitchen with Cerri glancing back at her brother's still form on the couch. Once in the kitchen she sat down on a chair and watched Cerri with teary eyes.

"Is he going to be okay?" Mae turned helpless eyes to her soon to be sister-in-law and sniffled again. It had been a long time since Eryk had come home looking like that. Was it the same mean person? Was it someone else? Was it a beast he met on the way here? Shivering from worry and cold from getting wet earlier Mae sneezed.

"Can we make hot chocolate? Eryk will want something hot when he wakes up." The small fae hopped down from her chair and went over to try and help Cerri. She couldn't just sit there while he brother lay in the next room unconscious.

He'd heard voices but coldn't bring himself to open his eyes. But once silence fell into place he slowly opened both eyes still a bit achy but at least he was healed. Laying there he heard Mae and Cerridwen close by and sighed in relief. They were safe. His first thought was to go in and show them he was alright, but instead he lay there staring at the wall. Xavier was back. He wouldn't go looking for him to tell him to leave him alone. No it was best he didn't bother the sadistic, ba*stard.

Eryk rolled onto his back slowly staring up at the ceiling now. He'd come to this place so many times for refuge that it felt more like home than his own home did. Then the healer's words came to his mind. "Er...you? Cerridwen, agreed to marry you?" Never before did it enter his mind that it might be odd that Cerridwen chose him. To her people was it weird for her to pick someone not of the fae? Well, his father was fae but werewolf blood ran in his veins. Maybe he didn't belong with her, maybe they were too different. Maybe it would be better if she was with someone like that healer.

The healer didn't have a mad werewolf after him. The healer sounded like he would cherish her and take good care of her. but so would Eryk! He would take care of her, always putting her needs before his own. Or at least he would try. She had said yes and no words from some stranger would deter him. Angry he pushed himself to his feet not bothering to put on the shirt he made his way to the kitchen.

There they were his two favorite girls. Hand on the entryway he watched them silently picturing this as his future. She was his damnit and he wouldn't let her go.

"Cerridwen?" Eryk spoke softly but his sister turned to stare, and he smiled. Now Cerridwen, his love, just had to turn around and everything would be alright.

[©erridwen Corrigan]

Cerridwen paused hearing Mae. Hot? Hot chocolate? Nodding, Cerridwen forced a small smile and nodded "I think we could do that. We could make some. Sounds good...how about...you get out some hot chocolate mix from the cabinet over there, and I can..make some grilled cheese?" She asked. The only thing she really only knew how to make. That's why ERYK cooked all the time, though she made awesome grilled cheese sandwiches, "And some tomato soup...all warm, and very nice sounding. It sounded perfect actually. Right now...rain was beginning to pick up, and Eryk resting, she needed something to cheer her up slightly.

Getting the bread and cheese ready, she played with the stove and pan, and started heating it as she waited for Mae to get the chocolate.

Once that was there, Cerridwen began multitasking working on that as well. She had after all learned a few tricks from Eryk. She had after all lived with him, been around him for more then a year or so.

"Don't worry your pretty head over Eryk He's going to be fine. More then fine. I'll take care of him if he's ill, always I'll take care of him...alright? I promise...if anything happened to him, I'll take care of him" Cerridwen informed as she moved through the kitchen doing multiple things, starting the soup, flipping the sandwiches, stirring the hot chocolate. She lifted Mae up helping her flip the sandwiches. It was so funny, Mae was eight but just such a small petite girl. Cerridwen carried her from station to station, and together they played and cooked the food, Cerridwen smiled watching Mae as she did this. It was just...so....nice. To have Mae, like this, to help Cerridwen get the feel of being a wife, a mother, and a sister-in-law.

When she heard her name though, she stopped. Eryk. Smiling slightly she turned and looked to him. "Hey..." She said, her voice barely below a whisper. She couldn't speak, she was afraid. He had scared her. All things ceased in the kitchen and she just looked to him, standing there. "Come help us?" She offered and looked down and flushed. "I...er don't know what I"m doing half the time you know me" She smiled slightly nodding and looked up to meet his eyes again.

[eryk]

As he stood there silently watching her cook he couldn't help but smile. She was learning some things from him and his cooking but it still amused him to watch her multitask in cooking. Mae was not the biggest help and often spilled things but she was doing pretty good today. The little girl loved helping cook and usually Eryk picked easy and time consuming jobs for her to do.

When Cerridwen turned he almost laughed stepping forward. "The soup is going to burn if you just stand there like that, love." Even though he was shirtless he didn't worry about getting burned or anything spilling on him. For one his reflexes were too good to end up dropping something and he'd cooked for so long that it was almost second nature. He touched her cheek and pecked a kiss there before bumping her with his hip.

"You go get Mae into some comfy, dry clothes, I'll finish cooking." Eryk grinned stirring the tomato soup and the hot chocolate at the same time. Reaching over to a cabinet he started grating chocolate into flakes then adding them to the hot chocolate. Mae shook her head, her brother and his cooking, then skipped out of the room. Once she was gone he reached out for Cerridwen before she could leave.

"I'm alright, Cerri, and I love you. Don't worry so much." Smiling he touched her lip with his finger then turned back to the cooking food. One hand flipped the sandwiches while the other took turns stirring the soup, and chocolate drink. This is how it was supposed to be, he was sure of it.