There's a fair few of you who have been patiently waiting for this chapter, and will be very happy :D
We also go back to Hannah, but we also have Chiaki, Tosh, and the twins in there too. This finishes up Easter, and next chapter is very, very heavily Andrew/Saffron as a certain bratty witch turns 17 ;)
PLEASE, PLEASE review!!! And please send in your questions for Gabriel and Alexa for Saturday's interview!!
Emma slid off RJ's lap and ran toward the bathroom. "EM LOVES BUNNIES!"
Harry was beside himself with laughter. "For the first time I'm not the Rabbit King," he choked out.
The others laughed so hard they were practically crying.
George grinned at his nephew. "You have your camera, right?"
"In the other room," RJ was already getting up to retrieve it.
Maddie knocked on the bathroom door. "Daddy, I'm sure it doesn't look that bad."
"I'm not coming out," Ron said. "Not until they're gone!"
"Peas?" Emma called out. "Em wants to see!"
"I'm not coming out!" Ron repeated.
Maddie picked up Emma. "Daddy, we're not going to laugh. We promise."
"Fred and George better not be anywhere near me," Ron snapped.
Luna looked over her shoulder at her brothers-in-law. "Go."
"We need proof that this works," George argued.
Luna levelled her gaze at them. "We'll tell you. Go. Now."
Maddie looked at her baby brother. "Don't' you dare take pictures for them RJ."
RJ put the camera behind his back. "Okay."
"Give it to me," Maddie was serious.
RJ sheepishly handed her the camera. "Okay, Mads. Here."
"I have the camera now," Maddie called. "I won't let them take pictures of you Daddy, I promise,"
"Okay," Ron called out. "But only you, your mother and Emma. No one else can come in here."
"Clear out," Maddie said to her brothers.
"Can I see too?" Caroline asked in a small voice.
Maddie nodded. "Sure, sweetheart."
Jon, Josh, RJ and Fred and George were hanging back, but Luna shot them a look. "Go now."
"You're no fun," George complained.
"And you two are hanging on by a very thin thread," Luna told them.
"Mum you can't punish us," Jon said. "We don't live in your house anymore."
Luna folded her arms. "You want to try me, Jonathan Arthur?"
"No..." Jon ducked back into the kitchen.
Josh and RJ soon followed when Luna gave them a warning look.
"Okay, Daddy," Maddie told him. "It's just us. Unlock the door."
"Grandpa!" Emma clapped her hands when Ron emerged.
"It's not that bad, Daddy," Maddie told him. "Really---"
"I...am...a...RABBIT," Ron said angrily.
"You just have the ears, Ronald," Luna said sympathetically. She gave him a hug. "And even with those ears, you still look handsome to me."
"Grandpa you do look cool," Caroline said tentatively.
Ron gave her a slight smile. "Thanks, Angel."
"Em wants bunny ears," Emma said, holding her arms up.
Ron picked her up. "No, you don't, sweetheart. Not like this. "
"Em do," the redhead nodded.
"Can we give her one to see how they interact with children?" Fred asked Allison. They couldn't see Ron, but they could hear him.
"Absolutely not," Allison replied. "Not on my child!"
Fred frowned.
George looked at Josh. "Can we borrow one of yours then?"
"No!" Josh exclaimed.
"Ronnie, it goes away in about thirty minutes," Fred called out to his brother.
"Then I'll come out in thirty minutes!" Ron hollered back.
"Honestly," Hermione said. "Aren't you two a little old to still play tricks on him? You could at least ask if he'll test your products. I'm sure he would if you only asked."
"Kind of takes the element of surprise out of it," Fred told her as if this should have been obvious.
Drew shook her head. "You should treat him better than you do. He's supposed to be your equal and thanks to him your shops have become worldwide successes."
Fred and George looked at each other wordlessly.
Darla stood up and walked out of the kitchen and toward the loo. She knocked on the door. "Daddy, it's me?"
"I don't want anyone else to see me," Ron complained.
"It's just me," Darla said opening the door and stepping gingerly inside. "Hey."
Emma was sitting on Ron's lap, the long, floppy ears grasped in her chubby hand.
"It's not so bad," Darla offered. "Really. And I think they're all too terrified of Hermione to laugh at you. She's reading them the riot act."
"Thanks, Darla," Ron said smiling at her. "You girls are too sweet to me."
"You're our father," Darla smiled at him. "And a pretty great one at that, right Mads?"
"Absolutely," Maddie agreed.
"I think so too," Caroline added. "Well, you're the best grandpa, you and Grandpa Neville too."
"And I love yooooooooooooooou," Emma squealed throwing her arms around his neck. "Best Gampa."
"Thanks Em," Ron kissed her forehead. "Guess it could be worse eh? I'm just tired of being their scapegoat."
"It's not going to happen anymore," Luna said firmly.
"If you eat something, I will too," Maddie said. "So you won't be alone, Daddy."
Ron smiled at her. "Thanks, Maddie."
"They're starting to shrink," Luna inspected the ears. "Guess Fred and George weren't lying about the time."
"It still doesn't make up for this," Ron grumbled.
"But we'll make sure they don't do it again," Luna consoled him.
"They shrunk again, Grandpa," Caroline told him.
"Really?" Ron felt them. "Hey they did!"
"How about we all give Grandpa a big hug?" Maddie suggested.
"BIG hug!" Emma said, her arms already around Ron's neck.
Luna laughed as they all gathered around Ron for a big group hug. Drew, who had slipped in at the last minute, squeezed in beside Caroline.
"Now there's all my girls," Ron smiled at her.
"And we love you bunny ears and all," Drew said.
Ron felt a lot better as they finally left the loo, Emma clinging onto his hand
Molly nudged her twin sons. "Isn't there something you wanted to say to your brother?"
"We're sorry," Fred and George said in a subdued tone.
"And?" Molly prodded.
"We won't do it anymore," George muttered.
Emma walked over and kicked Fred hard in the leg. "No hurt Gampa!"
"Ow!" Fred yelped.
"Emma!" Jon exclaimed.
She kicked George in the leg too. "Bad George!"
"Emma Madeline!" Jon picked her up. "You do not kick people!"
Emma wagged her finger at Fred and George. "Mean to Gampa!"
"That's no excuse for you to kick them," Jon told her sternly. "Now you apologise to your uncles."
"Em sorry," Emma said burying her face in Jon's shoulder.
"She only did what I was about to," Ron muttered to his brothers. "This has to stop, you two. I've had it."
"We'll ask from now on," George said contritely.
"One more trick like that and I'll stop working for you and open up my own shops," Ron told them.
"I think he means it," Fred said to his twin.
"We may have taken advantage of you these last few years," George admitted.
"May have?" Ron asked incredulously.
"From now on we won't," Fred said quickly.
"Fine," Ron sat down. "Let's just move on, okay?"
"Great idea," Molly said. "Because it's time for dessert."
"Do I at least get first dibs?" Ron asked as the rabbit ears finally disappeared.
"Of course," Molly said setting a dish in front of him.
"Grandpa share?" Emma asked in a small voice, peeking from Jon's shoulder.
Ron grinned. "Come here you little kicker."
"Go?" Emma asked her father.
Jon set her down. "Go."
"No kicking," Allison said to her daughter.
"Kay, Mummy," Emma said walking toward her grandfather.
Ron pulled her on his lap and motioned for Caroline to sit on his other knee.
"Can I get a picture of that?" RJ asked Ron.
"Sure," Ron answered as both his granddaughters leaned back against him.
RJ grinned and took his camera back from Maddie. He took a couple of shots and noticed that Saffron was looking at him.
"I'm not so bad, you know," RJ said quietly.
Saffron averted her eyes.
RJ put his camera away and sat down. Saffron was a lost cause or so it seemed.
"Better than yelling," Andrew muttered to him.
"Suppose it's a start," RJ said for Andrew's benefit. He hoped that wherever Alexa was, she was having a good Easter. Even if it was with Boyd.
Alexa actually was having a rather good time. They had spent most of the day up at Rose and Declan's house and had just arrived back in the city.
"How about you take Alexa to the screening room?" Lavender suggested to Gabriel. "You could watch a film or something..."
"If she wants to, sure." Gabriel looked over at the redhead.
"That sounds nice actually," Alexa said smiling at him.
"Cool," Gabriel said. "It's right down the hall here..."
"Thanks again for inviting me to your parents' home," Alexa said to Seamus.
"We were glad to have you, Alexa," Seamus told her. "You're welcome here anytime."
Alexa smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Finnegan."
"I'll get us something to drink," Gabriel offered. "Soda okay?"
"That's fine," Alexa said. "Thanks Gabe."
Lavender grinned. "I'll just show you the way, Alexa."
Seamus followed his son into the kitchen. "She's managed to restrain herself most of the day."
Gabriel smiled. "It's all right, Dad."
"And she was a big hit with your grandparents," Seamus said.
"She's a big hit with everyone," Gabriel mused. "Being with her all day really made me just like her more than I did before."
Seamus grinned at him. "Well, what are you waiting for then?"
"I just don't know if she feels the same way." Gabriel answered, taking the two glasses in his hands.
"You know, you could ask her," Seamus suggested.
"Maybe," Gabriel answered.
"I'll be upstairs in my office if you need me," Seamus said clapping him on the back.
"Thanks," Gabriel headed for the screening room.
Alexa had picked out a seat in the middle of the room and she turned and smiled at Gabriel. "This is so cool. You have a mini theatre in your flat!"
"Part of magic, I guess," Gabriel smiled back. "I'm still getting used to it."
"You've handled it really well," Alexa said as he sat down beside her.
"Thanks," he answered. "So what do you want to watch? Dad's got all sorts of things in here."
"How about you choose?" Alexa asked. "I'm game for anything."
"Okay," Gabriel said, picking out a drama that hadn't been released in theatres yet.
Alexa kicked off her shoes and leaned back in her chair.
"Are you tired?" Gabriel asked. "We don't have to watch a movie--"
"Maybe we could chat a little first," Alexa said after she took a sip of her soda.
"Sure," Gabriel said. "I'd like that."
Alexa smiled. "I really liked your grandparents."
"I think they liked you too," Gabriel also leaned back in his seat. "It's hard for anyone not to like you."
Alexa blushed. "I don't know about all that. I'm pretty ordinary, Gabe."
"You're more than ordinary," Gabriel said boldly.
"I wasn't fishing for compliments," Alexa told him. "I'm happy being ordinary."
"I know you weren't," Gabriel said as she tucked her knees underneath her. "But I don't think you're just ordinary."
Alexa smiled. "Compared to most other girls, I think I am."
"You're too modest," Gabriel said.
Alexa traced the top of her glass with her finger. "I told my parents about possibly going to university in the States."
"What did they say?" he asked.
"They don't like the idea of me going that far away from home, but magic can ease that a little," Alexa replied. "And I told them about those scholarships that Professor Malfoy told me about. I really want to do this, Gabe. I think I'd do well there."
"I think so too," he said.
"It's scary as hell," Alexa admitted. "But I want to do it. I need to do it."
"Well if you go to school in Southern California," Gabriel began. "I'll be close by, and if you needed anything..."
"You'd be a junior by then," Alexa interjected. "You wouldn't have time to show some lowly freshman around..."
"Are you kidding?" Gabriel laughed. "I'd always have time to help you if you needed it."
Alexa laughed. "You say that now..."
"I'll say it then, too," Gabriel said softly.
Alexa reached for his hand. "You've been good for me, you know that? You've been a great friend."
"Same for you," Gabriel looked down at their intertwined fingers.
"I've thought about that kiss from New Year's," Alexa admitted shyly.
"Me too," Gabriel confessed.
"I was worried that you might meet someone else," Alexa said softly.
"I don't have a lot of time to meet other girls," Gabriel said, feeling hopeful. "I study almost all the time."
"Is that the only reason?" Alexa asked looking over at him.
"No," he said, a bit shyly.
Alexa smiled. "It's not?"
"I think about you a lot," Gabriel said.
"I think about you too," Alexa said. "Your letters helped get me through the last couple of months."
"They did?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
"They did," Alexa said feeling her stomach do little flips as he looked at her.
"I'm glad," he said. "Your letters are a good distraction for me as well."
"I want to be honest with you," Alexa said to him.
"Honesty is good," he said, starting to smile.
"I still have feelings for RJ," Alexa admitted. "And a part of me was happy when he broke things off with Serena Starr."
It certainly wasn't what he was expecting to hear, but he forced himself to remain neutral. "I understand..."
"But he and I are over," Alexa said. "And I need to move on. I want to move on."
He tensed up. "You do?"
Alexa nodded. "With you, if that's okay..."
Gabriel wasn't sure at first that he'd heard correctly. "Lex--"
"Is... is it okay?" Alexa asked.
"Yeah," he said quickly. "Yeah Lexie... it's more than okay."
Alexa leaned in. "Really?"
"Yeah," he said. "Lex I've liked you for awhile- that's no secret."
"You've been very patient," Alexa said softly. "You deserve so much better than me."
"I don't think so," he said, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Gabe---"
She was cut off as he leaned in and kissed her.
Alexa looped her arms around his neck and kissed him back just as fiercely. She felt as if she had just taken the first step in putting RJ behind her.
Their first two kisses had been sweet but not quite passionate. This one was blowing them both right out of the water.
The arm rest to the seats was getting in the way and Alexa laughed as Gabriel pulled her into his lap. "Gabe!"
"This is better," he grinned at her before kissing her again. His hands worked their way into her hair as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Much," Alexa whispered.
He was falling in love with her and wanted to tell her so, but he knew it was too soon.
Alexa smiled at him. "What are you thinking about?"
"You," he said breathlessly. "You are an amazing kisser."
Alexa rested her forehead on his. "For an American, you do pretty well, too."
"For a Yank, you mean," he teased her, his thumb caressing her cheek.
Alexa giggled. "Right."
Out in the hallway, Lavender was just easing the door to the screening room open when Seamus tapped on her shoulder. "Oh, no you don't."
"Seamus," Lavender complained. "They've been in there for a half hour and there's no movie playing."
"Which is probably a good thing," Seamus pointed out.
"I just want a little peek," Lavender said, her hand on the doorknob.
Seamus put his hand on hers. "Lavender, so help me, if you open that door, I will pick you up and carry you back to your office and lock you inside until Alexa goes home."
"Seamus!" Lavender stared at him, her jaw slack.
"You know I'll do it," Seamus said firmly.
"But I deserve to know what's going on," Lavender argued.
"And how do you figure that one out?" Seamus asked her.
"Because I helped!" Lavender crossed her arms.
They heard the opening score of a film and Seamus grinned. "See? They're watching a movie now. So, I imagine that they're watching the film."
One look at his wife and he could tell she was sulking. "Come on," he said. "I'll take you to the kitchen and buy you a frozen yoghurt."
"You are no fun," Lavender said but she did allow him to take her hand. "You know I used to hate it when I thought Uncle Robert was trying to sneak up on me and my dates. But now I know why he did it."
"There's no way Robert was as nosey as you are," Seamus replied.
"I am not nosy!" Lavender said withdrawing her hand. "I am curious and there's a huge, HUGE difference between nosy and curious."
"Sure," Seamus smirked, hoping his son was enjoying himself.
Gabriel certainly was. He had put the movie on but to be honest, he couldn't say what it was about. He was too preoccupied with Alexa.
Alexa lifted the arm rest and snuggled up close to him. "You've met that actress, right? Last summer on your dad's set right?"
"Yeah," Gabriel said absently. "She was pretty cool."
"The only famous people I've ever met were your dad, Saffy's parents and Nick Malfoy," Alexa said. "Oh, but there was this one time when I was in Hogsmeade with Mimi and she swore up and down she saw Prince William."
"Prince William?" Gabriel looked at her. "But he's... he's not a..."
Alexa laughed. "No, he's not, but Meems was convinced. She stalked this poor bloke the entire afternoon and of course dragged me along."
"She seems... interesting..." Gabriel said as she put her head on his shoulder.
"That's putting it mildly," Alexa giggled. "But she and Beth are good friends and they're both scared to death of Saffy."
Gabriel laughed. "Someone scared of Saffron?"
"As strange as it seems, yes," Alexa said grinning at him. "And she's my best friend and I love her to death, but I am very glad that I'm on her good side."
"What's she going to think about all this?" he asked, pulling her a bit closer.
"You and me?" Alexa asked thoughtfully. "I think she'll be happy for us."
"I'm glad," Gabriel responded. "I mean, not that I need her approval, but it's good to know..."
"It's good to have her on your side," Alexa said softly.
His hand rubbed her upper arm. "Right now, I'm just glad you're by my side."
"Me too," Alexa whispered.
Gabriel bent his head and kissed her again.
"Thank you for waiting for me," Alexa said smiling at him.
"There's no other girl like you, Lex." he said.
And when he looked at her like that, she didn't feel so ordinary. "Long distance relationship....you sure you're up for it?"
"Yeah," he answered. "I think it's perfect for us."
"And it won't be too long before---" Alexa's voice trailed off.
"Summer?" Gabriel asked. "I'll be back, just like last year."
Alexa nodded. "I don't think I can go to Brighton this year with Saffy. Especially after what happened with RJ. It would be too strange."
"Maybe you'll change your mind," he said. "Lavender and I will be going again, and Dad will join us when he can."
"I don't know," Alexa said. "I'll have a few weeks to think about it.'
Gabriel nodded. "I understand."
"Saffy hasn't even asked me this year so I don't know," Alexa said.
"I'm sure it just hasn't come up yet," Gabriel answered. "I really hope you come. I want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"We'll see," Alexa said resting her head on his shoulder again. She would like to go, but it might be too bizarre to be around RJ again and she didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
Gabriel kissed the top of her head and decided not to say anything else right now. He was still in awe that this was actually happening- that she was here, they were sitting there close together and she wanted to be his.
While Gabriel and Alexa were enjoying their new relationship, Frankie, Will and Hannah had headed over to Toshio and Chiaki's for dinner. Hannah was having fun playing with her twin cousins, who were enthralled with her presence.
"See?" Sukie held up a stuffed bear and smiled at her.
"I like your bear," Hannah told Sukie. "Does he have a name?"
"Mas," Sukie pointed at her brother.
Hannah giggled. "You named your bear after your brother? That's cute, Sukie!"
Sukie giggled as well. "Pretty," she pointed at Hannah.
"Thanks," Hannah smiled at her. "I think you're pretty, too. You have pretty black hair just like my mummy."
"Han-nah..." Mas called.
Hannah moved toward her other cousin, but Sukie grabbed her arm. "Stay."
Hannah looked helplessly at her mother. "Mummy, there needs to be two of me!"
Frankie laughed, as did Chiaki. "It's like this every day," Chiaki told her niece with a smile.
"And at least they're not walking all over the place like they usually do," Toshio said mussing his son's hair. "These two aren't happy until they've gotten into everything."
"Da," Mas grinned at him.
"He looks just like you," Hannah told Toshio.
"Thanks Hannah," Toshio smiled at her.
Will put his arm around Frankie. "What's this I hear about you retiring, Tosh?"
Toshio grinned ruefully. "That makes me sound so old, doesn't it?"
"Just a little," Will joked.
"He's just retiring from the stage," Chiaki explained. "He's going to be a proper businessman now helping run the company."
"I think that sounds fabulous," Frankie told him. "You won't have to travel all the time now."
"Which we love, don't we?" Chiaki asked her children.
"Dada home," Sukie stood up and toddled over to Toshio, throwing herself in his lap.
Toshio tickled her side. "That's right, my Sukie."
"Han-nah," Mas called again, holding up some blocks.
Hannah settled in beside her cousin and started to help him build a castle. "This is my most favourite thing to do right now, Mas."
"Build," Mas announced.
"You're going to be stuck for an hour," Chiaki told Hannah. "He loves that."
"It's okay," Hannah said.
"Come with me," Chiaki said grabbing her sister's hand. "You can help me check on dinner."
"Okay," Frankie agreed.
Chiaki grinned. "We never get to talk anymore. I feel so left out."
"I'm sorry," Frankie apologised. "But if it makes you feel better, I've hardly seen Allie either. She's so busy now that she's got three kids."
"I know," Chiaki said walking over to the stove and checking on the stew. "I haven't seen Jules that much, either. She's so busy with Hogwarts and her own girls. "
"It's strange," Frankie said. "Things are winding down for me. I won't get busy again until summer hols... and we got invited to go to Brighton this year with Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione."
Chiaki grinned. "The famous Brighton trip...you gonna go?"
"I think so," Frankie nodded. "Uncle Ron and Aunt Luna aren't going to make it this year because they've got the kids now, so they have room and I want Hannah to be able to play with Caroline, Em and Katie."
"She's going to love that," Chiaki said.
"She told me the other day she's never seen the ocean," Frankie said as she tossed the salad in a big bowl. "She's never been to the beach, she's never learned to swim... there's just so much I want to do for her Chi."
Chiaki smiled at her younger sister. "I'm proud of you. I know you're getting tired of us saying that but I really am. You've grown up so much over the past couple of years."
Frankie grinned. "I guess marriage and a child will do that to a person."
"And you're a lot less annoying than you used to be," Chiaki teased. "When we were kids, you got on my nerves so much..."
"You mean when I used to spy on you and Tosh while you were snogging?" Frankie joked.
"Among other things," Chiaki said laughing.
"I just wanted to be grown up so much," Frankie replied. "And Dad never wanted any of us to be any older than eight."
"Still doesn't," Chiaki agreed.
"At least he's got grandkids to soften the blow," Frankie said.
"Six of them," Chiaki said.
"I can't believe how big Mas and Sukie are," Frankie set the bowl on the table. "It seems like they grow a foot every time I see them."
"They are," Chiaki said peeking into the sitting room where her daughter was currently playing a game with Toshio and Will. Mas was still helping Hannah build a castle.
"Red one," Mas handed it to his cousin.
"Okay," Hannah said taking it and placing it on the top. "What do you think next, Mas? Green or blue?"
"Blue," Mas clapped his little hands together.
Hannah giggled and grabbed a blue block. Sukie who had tired of the game with Will and Toshio toddled over and with one swift motion knocked the castle down.
Mas screwed up his face and let out a howl that was loud enough to rattle the windows.
"Sukie that's not nice," Hannah said softly.
"Down!" Sukie giggled.
Mas pushed his sister. "Mean!"
Sukie slapped at his hands. "Dada!"
Toshio picked up Sukie. "That wasn't very nice, Sukie. And Mas, you shouldn't push your sister."
"MEAN!" Masanobu's face was still masked in anger and he had tears in his grey eyes.
Sukie started to cry. "No mean, Dada. No mean!"
Will leaned over and picked up Mas. "Come on little guy. Hannah will help you build it again."
Hannah nodded. "We'll make it even higher than before, Mas."
"Big?" Mas looked down at Hannah, who was already gathering the blocks back together.
"Huge," Hannah said smiling at him.
"Kay," Mas's tears were forgotten as Will set him down.
"Come on you," Toshio said carrying Sukie into the kitchen.
"Uh oh," Chiaki said. "What happened?"
"Hannah and Mas were building with the blocks and Sukie here decided to knock it down," Toshio explained.
"Sukie," Chiaki said reprovingly. "You're a nice girl, remember?"
Sukie's lower lip trembled as she nodded.
"Because you're a big girl, right?" Chiaki continued.
"Big girl," Sukie nodded. "Big girl."
"That's my girl," Chiaki smoothed her daughter's hair back and gave her a kiss.
"She and Mas get along pretty much though, don't they?" Frankie asked.
"Most of the time," Chiaki took her daughter. "Right baby?"
Sukie nodded and buried her face in her mother's shoulder.
"They're having a little trouble with sharing," Toshio said.
"Frankie used to have trouble sharing too," Chiaki teased her sister.
"That is so not true," Frankie said defensively.
"Yes it is," Chiaki replied. "You used to go through me and Allie's closets all the time but when we wanted to borrow something from you... you'd throw a fit."
"That's because older sisters are supposed to hand down their things not the other way around," Frankie said defensively.
"If you say so," Chiaki was still laughing as Sukie peered at her aunt.
"What is it?" Frankie asked looking at her niece. "Hmmm?"
"Fran," Sukie said.
Frankie beamed at her. "That's me."
Chiaki grinned. "I think we're ready for dinner. You want to get Will, Hannah and Mas?"
"Mas," Sukie nodded. "And Han-nah."
Chiaki giggled. "Okay, baby."
Frankie walked back into the sitting room and smiled as she watched Hannah helping Mas build a tower.
"You can put this one on," Hannah said handing him a block. "But be really careful."
Will discreetly slid his wand out and pointed it at the castle of blocks, muttering a spell that would keep it staying up.
Mas took the block and put it on the top and he smiled when the tower didn't fall.
"Good job, Mas," Hannah said clapping her hands.
"What a great castle," Will praised them both.
"Brilliant," Frankie agreed. "Come on you guys. Dinner's ready."
"Are you hungry Mas?" Hannah asked, helping her little cousin onto his unsteady feet.
Mas nodded.
"Good because Chi cooked enough to feed us until the end of time I believe," Frankie said. "And Will don't give her a hard time about the vegetarian thing."
"I wasn't going to say a word!" Will raised both his hands.
"Let's keep it that way," Frankie said. "The vegetable stew looks fantastic."
"Smells good to me," Will said. "I'm starving."
"Me too," Hannah agreed.
Frankie carried her nephew into the kitchen and set him into his high chair beside Sukie who waved at Hannah.
Chiaki motioned to the seat beside Mas. "How about you sit there, Hannah."
"NO!" Sukie screamed when Hannah sat down. "Side me!"
"Sukie!" Chiaki frowned at her daughter.
"How about," Will said moving Mas' high chair over a little and then putting Hannah's chair between them. "Hannah sits right in the middle so you can both have her beside you."
"But I don't want to hear any more of that," Toshio told his daughter.
Sukie nodded and smiled at Hannah. "Han-nah."
Hannah smiled at her. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes," Sukie replied. Chiaki set a small bowl of food before her daughter. "Here you go, baby. It's not too hot. I promise."
"Thank you Aunt Chiaki," Hannah said politely when it was her turn.
"You're very welcome, sweetheart," Chiaki said. "Would you like a piece of bread? It's really good with the stew."
Hannah nodded. "It smells yummy."
Toshio handed the bread basket to Hannah. "One of the good things about retiring? Eating carbs, right, Chiaki?"
"You can say that again," Chiaki said.
"How have you been enjoying your dance class, Hannah?" Toshio asked. "My mother-in-law tells me that you and Em are the stars of the class."
Hannah blushed. "It's been a lot of fun," she said shyly.
"Em always gets a bit distracted," Chiaki told them. "She doesn't always pay attention to the instructions, but she is quite the little ham."
Frankie nodded. "I can see that," she said with a grin.
"She does really good though," Hannah said loyally.
"Mum says Hannah's good enough to move up a class if she wants," Chiaki told them.
Hannah stared at her. "Really?"
"If you want to," Chiaki said. "But you can also stay in Emma's class. There's nothing wrong with that."
"She really thinks I'm good enough?" Hannah asked.
"Absolutely," Chiaki confirmed.
"Can I think about it?" Hannah asked. "I-I kind of like having a friend in my class now."
"Sure," Frankie told her daughter. "And if you want to stay in that class, it's okay."
"Thanks, Mummy," Hannah said.
"I hear that you were able to meet the one and only Saffron Grace Potter yesterday," Chiaki said to Hannah. "She's something else, isn't she?"
"She was really nice to me," Hannah said.
"And she's a great babysitter," Chiaki said to Frankie.
"I'll keep that in mind," Frankie said. "Just in case."
"How's things at work for you, Will?" Toshio asked conversationally.
"Good," Will nodded. "We just got six new contracts for new textbooks, so we'll be pretty busy for the next few months at least."
"He's the only person I know who could write that stuff and make it seem interesting," Frankie said winking at her husband.
"Thanks I think," Will said dryly.
"It's a compliment," Frankie assured him with a grin.
"I really like how you two dance together," Hannah said softly to her aunt and uncle.
"Oh thanks," Chiaki smiled at her. "We've been doing it for a long time."
They all had quite a nice dinner together- Hannah struck a fit of the giggles when the pudding they had for dessert got smeared all over Mas's face.
"Wearing your dessert is quite the fashion these days," Frankie giggled.
"And it's always fun to clean up," Chiaki said. "You're going to have a bath tonight, Mas."
"You too, Miss Sukie," Toshio said.
"No bath," Sukie shook her head, her silky black hair flying around her head.
"Uh-huh," Toshio said picking her up. "You are going to have a nice bath and you can't sweet talk your way out of it."
"Dada," Sukie patted his cheeks.
"Having a bath can be fun," Hannah volunteered. "Mummy and Daddy let me bring toys in the bathtub and they even colour the water for me."
"Good idea, Frankie," Chiaki said. "I would never have thought of that."
"I can't take credit," Frankie replied. "I got the idea from Josh and Lizzy."
"I am going to have to use that tonight," Chiaki said.
"I bet I know what colour my Sukie will want," Toshio swung his daughter into the air.
Sukie giggled. "Pink!"
"And Mas here will want blue," Chiaki kissed her son's forehead. "Right my love?"
Mas clapped his chubby little hands excitedly.
"Well, on that note, we should get this one home," Frankie said. "Right, Hannah?'
"Okay," Hannah said. "Can Mas and Sukie come over to play soon, though?"
"Of course," Chiaki promised. "They'd love that."
Hannah gave her cousins both hugs. "We'll build a really big castle next time, okay Mas?"
"Kay," Mas said happily. "Bye Han-nah."
"We play too," Sukie told her.
"Deal," Hannah said grinning at her.
"You've had a big day," Will said to his daughter. "You're going home and to bed, young lady."
Hannah let out a yawn. "Okay, Daddy."
"Thanks for dinner," Frankie said to her sister. "We'll return the favour sometime soon."
"I'll hold you to it," Chiaki said giving her a hug.
"And congratulations on the retirement," Frankie kissed her brother in law's cheek. "It'll be good to see you around more often."
"Thanks, Frankie," Toshio said. "You'll probably get sick of seeing me so much."
"Nah," Frankie teased. "I'm sort of used to you now."
"Thanks for dinner," Will said to Chiaki. "Not bad for vegetarian."
"As if he's THAT much of a meat eater," Frankie replied.
"Thanks for making the sacrifice," Chiaki teased.
Hannah was nearly asleep by the time they got home. "I'll put her to bed," Will told his wife.
"I'll come too," Frankie said.
"All right," Will said as he carried her upstairs.
Frankie pulled out Hannah's pyjamas. "Sweetheart, let me help you get into these."
"Okay Mummy," Hannah blinked as Will set her on the bed.
"You did have a big day today," Frankie said helping Hannah take off her dress.
"I'm so happy I found seven eggs," Hannah said, trying to unbutton her dress.
"And I'm so proud of you for helping Emma," Frankie said taking care of the buttons for her.
"You are?" Hannah asked, pleased.
"Absolutely," Frankie said helping Hannah into her pyjamas. "You too tired for a story tonight?"
Hannah shook her head. "I love when you read to me Mummy."
Frankie gave her a hug. "Well, that's good because I did get a new magazine yesterday. William, can you go and get it for me? It's on the nightstand?"
"Frankie," Will complained. "Let's read her a story we can both enjoy. Save the magazine for later."
"You don't have to stay in here," Frankie said rolling her eyes. "And besides, Hannah likes it, Will."
"It's okay Mummy," Hannah said, her eyes skipping nervously between them. "I don't want you to fight..."
"We're not fighting," Frankie reassured her. "Hey..."
"You aren't?" Hannah asked.
"No," Will said. "We're just having a go at each other. We can read whatever you want, baby."
"Is it okay if we read some fairy tales tonight then?" Hannah asked.
"Of course," Frankie said. "You and I can read the magazine tomorrow when I get home from work."
"Okay," Hannah relaxed.
Hannah slid underneath the covers as her parents took a seat on either side of her. Will picked up the book of fairy tales and asked her which one she wanted to hear tonight. After much thought, Hannah looked sheepishly at him. "I can't decide. Can you pick one?"
"How about Hansel and Gretel?" Will asked with a smile.
"Okay," Hannah said cuddling up close to Frankie as Will began to read.
It didn't take her long to fall asleep and Frankie tucked the blankets in around her as Will put out the light.
"Come on," Will whispered. "Let's go to bed, too."
"Sounds good to me," Frankie nodded. "I'm pretty exhausted as well.
Will went downstairs to make sure the doors were locked and to turn out the lights before he joined his wife in their bedroom. He made quicker work of getting ready for bed than Frankie who had to go through about a half dozen beauty rituals.
"Hey Will?" Frankie asked.
"Yeah?" Will asked.
"Don't laugh at me if I tell you something..." Frankie came into the bedroom.
Will set aside his book. "O-kay..."
She got into bed beside him. "I was watching Hannah tonight with Mas and Sukie and it just sort of got me thinking..."
"Thinking about what?" Will asked her.
"How I think Hannah would be having a brother or sister," Frankie said tentatively.
Will smiled at her. "Are you saying---?"
"I'd like to try," Frankie said as he reached for her. "I'm scared to death, but if I can do this well with Hannah..."
"You're a great mum," Will said putting his arms around her. "Oh, sweetheart..."
"You really think we could handle two?" Frankie asked, pressing her face into his shoulder.
"I do," Will said nuzzling her neck.
"NO!" they heard Hannah call out from her bedroom.
Frankie immediately pulled away and grabbed her robe as she dashed for her daughter's room, Will right on her heels.
"Hannah," Frankie said gently waking her daughter. "Sweetheart----"
In her sleep, Hannah slapped at Frankie's hands. "No! Please! No!"
"Hannah," Frankie tried to hold her hands down. "Baby, wake up..."
Hannah opened her eyes and she looked up at Frankie's concerned face. "H-he was in my room, Mummy! He was in here and he told me he was going to hurt me like he did my mummy!"
"No, baby no," Frankie held her closely. "He can't get to you ever again."
"But he was in here!" Hannah insisted holding on tightly to Frankie.
"How about Daddy goes and looks around?" Frankie asked. "Will that make you feel better?"
Hannah nodded. "Okay."
Frankie stroked her hair off her sweaty forehead while Will checked the closet and under the bed. "No one here, sweetheart."
Hannah looked up at Frankie. "It seemed real, Mummy. I was...I was in here and he came in and told me that I was a bad girl and that he was going to punish me like he did my mummy and that you didn't really l-love me."
"That is absolutely not true," Frankie told her. "Your daddy and I love you more than anything else in the world."
"Don't leave me," Hannah pleaded.
"Of course not baby," Frankie kissed the top of her head. "Never."
"How about you come and sleep with us?" Will asked her. "Would that be okay?"
Hannah nodded, wiping her eyes.
Will retrieved her stuffed bear and together the three of them walked across the hall to the master bedroom.
"I'm sorry," Hannah apologised.
"Honey you don't have to be sorry," Frankie told her. "Nightmares are just no fun."
Hannah nodded and got into bed with her parents, hugging her bear protectively to her. The dream had seemed so real and it had made her doubt her place in her family.
Will left one dim light on before he slid under the covers. "It's going to be all right, Hannah." he said, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"We'd never let anything happen to you," Frankie promised.
Hannah nodded as she curled up into a little ball.
"Try and get some sleep, baby," Frankie whispered.
The little girl was asleep again in a few seconds. "That killed the mood a bit," Will joked weakly.
"Mrs. Roman warned us that she wouldn't forget the damage he's done very easily, Will," Frankie whispered. "But this was the first time she'd had a nightmare in a week or so."
"I know," he said. "I hate that she thinks we'd get mad at her for having them."
Frankie looked down at Hannah's sleeping face. "Our sweet baby girl."
Will smiled as he kissed Hannah's temple. "Always our sweet girl," he agreed.
"I just hope that one day, the bad dreams go away and she doesn't worry about David Wright ever again," Frankie said looking at Will.
"We'll just keep showing her that we love her," Will said. "Eventually the nightmares will stop."
Frankie smiled at him. "You're a great father, Will."
"And you, Frankie Barron, are a fantastic mother," Will leaned over and kissed her.
"Good night," Frankie said softly.
"Night, both my girls," Will echoed.
Frankie closed her eyes, but she didn't fall asleep. Not only was she worried about her daughter, she was still thinking about possibly having a baby. She'd seen how well Hannah had interacted with her cousins.
It was a possibility that still scared her, but after seeing how it was with Hannah, something that she was now more open to.
She was a little concerned with how Hannah might react to having a sister or brother. She hoped that Hannah wouldn't think that she would be loved any differently because she wasn't biologically theirs.
She turned on her side and Hannah instinctively snuggled closer to her. Kissing her daughter's forehead, she made a firm resolve to never let Hannah feel unloved in any way, shape or form.
"Love you, Mummy," Hannah whispered.
"I love you too baby," Frankie said softly. "More than anything."