You Can't Live Without Them Part II
Title: You Can’t Live Without Them
Author: xashtheartistx
Pairing: Castle/Beckett
Other Characters: Gina, Paula, Meredith, Dr. Lanie Parish, Martha Rodgers, Alexis Castle
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: AU, Future Fic
Spoilers: Nada
Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be.
A/N: The latest edition to the quirkily fan-named Pancake Series (link will soon be attached, promise).
4. Lanie
“Fancy meeting you on the West Coast.” Rick hugged Lanie endearingly, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Likewise Castle.” patting his arm as they pulled out of the hug, she studied him over. “I’m glad Kate told me you were out here on business the same time as my conference.”
“Why Dr. Parish, did you need a familiar New York face or are you merely polite?” He asked as he guided her out of the hotel lobby. “Social butterfly that you are I’d be surprised you haven’t met someone engaging.”
“It’s the coroner’s division of a forensics conference, most of them are as dull as a corpse. Think Pearlmutter.”
Rick grimaced. “Ugh.”
“Yeah, exactly. Now where are we going?”
“I was bold and made dinner reservations for us. I figured I’d wine you and dine you, my dear.” He explained, linked arm and arm with Kate’s good friend to properly escort her out. “Unless that’s not alright?”
“Oh no, by all means, wine me and dine me.”
“Alright then.” Outside, he led her to the car service that was driving him around, sliding into the back seat with her. “And how has California been treating you Lanie?”
“Not bad at all. Been at my conference mostly, but I’ve managed to do some sight seeing. “ She slid a look to him. “What about you?”
“I saw Meredith, did some bonding over coffee and pictures of Alexis, meeting, another meeting, now I’m here enjoying your company.” He explained.
“You look like you miss them.” Lanie hinted.
“It’s only a few days,” he confessed as the driver pulled away from the hotel. “I always get a little separation anxiety when I don’t have Alexis.”
“But now that it’s Alexis and Kate?” She tilted her chin.
Rick nodded his head, admitting. “It’s a little worse.”
Lanie patted his shoulder.
“I have to admit they’re both making it easier by sending pictures.” Pulling his iPhone out, he tapped into the pictures and slipped the phone in front of Lanie, smiling wistfully. “Although Martha’s been sending the most.”
She looked at the pictures he scrolled through. Alexis studying at the dining room table, Kate making dinner, the two of them sharing the couch and practicing French.
"She took all of these.” Grinning widely, he showed off a picture of them once again on the couch, Alexis’ slipper clad feet in Kate’s lap as they watched TV, and finally Alexis asleep on the couch as Kate was at the coffee table doing paperwork.
“They make quite the pair.” Lanie was highly amused at just how proud he was about his two girls back home.
“I talked to a friend today and got some box seats to the Rangers next week.” Staring at the last picture for a little while longer he continued. “I figured it’s an appropriately fun first public outing for the three of us.”
Lanie was about to comment on her escort’s sheer over the moon behavior, however her ringing phone caught her off guard. Finding it in her purse, she quickly had it at her ear. “Hello.”
Rick leaned back, not wanting to pry.
“Hey girl, I’m with your man right now.” She chimed, stealing a glance at Rick, who’s eyebrows had quirked curiously. “He stole me away from my hotel for some wining and dining.” Her smile faded. “Oh, well of course.” Lanie sat up, looking far more professional.
Rick leaned in.
“Uh huh.... yeah... sure, of course... alright... how high?” Lanie asked, her brow furrowing. “I need to know how bad... okay...”
He began to show worry, imploringly gazing at the M.E. and wanting answers.
“Kate, I need you to have her show you where exactly the source of the pain is. Have her put her hands over it....”
Rick’s brows furrowed as his skin began to lose some of it’s color.
Lanie cupped her hand over the mouthpiece meeting the anxious blue eyes from across the bench seat.
“What’s wrong?!” He blurted.
She kept a calm tone, not wanting to startle him more. “Alexis hasn’t improved, she has a high fever, abdominal pains that are getting worse and Kate wanted a professional opinion before she made a decision.”
“Alexis.”
“Rick,” she grabbed his fleeting attention “I need to know if she’s ever had her appendix out.”
“No, no she hasn’t.” He answered quickly.
“Do you have a physician or a hospital you prefer?”
He shook his head. “Whatever you thinks the best.”
With a nod, she got back on the line. “Alright, Kate, I’m going to make a few calls, I need you to get Alexis up and take her to...”
Already with his phone to his ear, Rick heard the line click. “This is Richard Castle and I need the first flight back to JFK.”
***
5: Alexis
It had been a long, harrowing flight back to New York as he walked through the hospital, his small piece of luggage rolling behind him. Thankfully, Lanie knew the right people to call to get Alexis top notch, immediate treatment. She had also made sure Kate was able to stay with her, regardless she wasn’t exactly family. It had allowed him some relief as he saw his mother walking towards him.
“Richard,” Martha, seeing his fret, swept him up into a hug “it’s ok, she’s fine.”
“It’s like to see for myself.” He said breathlessly, nervously shifting his weight and eyeing the door she had emerged from. “When did she get out of surgery?”
“A few hours ago.” She walked him down the hall. “The surgeon said it went smoothly, she has no complications.”
Rick’s pace quickened as they neared the door. “Kate?”
“She’s a pro.” Martha announced. “She won’t leave Alexis, I was just on my way home to get the two of them some things.”
Nodding, he reached for the door handle. She took his luggage and nudged him along.
Entering the dimly lit hospital room, he held his breath for a moment. Alexis was asleep in the bed, and Kate was seated next to the bed in a chair, her eyes shut as her head rested against the wall. Slowly opening her eyes, Kate saw him heading over.
“How is she?” He whispered.
“Much better, sleeping off the anesthesia.” Stiffly rising from her chair, she stepped out of the way as he stood next to the bed and hovered over his daughter. Sidling up next to him, she watched how he brushed a hand over the top over her head and leaned in to kiss her forehead.
“Was she scared?” He asked, reaching out to take Alexis’ hand.
“A little, she’s a trooper though.” Kate reassured, eyes flitting to the child’s face as it twitched.
Her eyelids slowly, heavily opened. “Daddy?”
Hearing the word, Rick’s heart just felt strangled in his chest. “Hey Princess, it’s me, I’m here.” He shushed, reverting back to the old calming tone he had used when she had been in diapers. “Dad’s here.”
“I’m okay.” She whispered back to calm him down.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” Rick apologized. “I should have been here.”
“It’s alright.” Alexis smiled. “I’m okay, everything’s okay. The world? It’s okay.”
Rick’s face pulled into a confused smirk. He suddenly became more attuned to just how glazed over Alexis’ eyes were.
“They have her on some pretty good pain meds.” Kate clarified, rolling her lips into her mouth to refrain from laughing.
Chuckling, he sank into the chair next to he bed.
“Dad?”
“Yes Honey?” His relief was replaced with amusement. She would never live this down, she looked like a few of his friends during college.
“Kate’s awesome. Really, reeeeealllyyy awesome.” Alexis announced, her voice sleepy, slurred “Like, awesomer than mom.”
“So she gets a high score for handling this?”
“+500 exp points.” Alexis blinked, unsure. “That’s right, right?”
“Yes, your gaming lingo is solid.” Stroking his thumb across her knuckles, he felt Kate’s hands rest on his shoulders and massage the remaining tension away. Tossing his head back, he gazed up at her laughing eyes. ‘She’s so high’ he mouthed.
Kate allowed the smallest of laughs to escape before bending down to kiss him. "She is."
"I'm what?" Alexis asked, looking somewhat concern.
"Absolutely, positively, adorable." Rick patted her hand reassuringly.
"I'm sorry I didn't call you first." Kate apologized sincerely, squeezing his shoulders, feeling how knotted up and stressed they were. "I just wanted to call Lanie first and make sure I had an appropriate reason to freak out."
"No, you did the right thing." He replied. "If you hadn't called Lanie Alexis wouldn't have gotten such great care."
"Kate?"
"Yes Sweet Heart?" Kate massaged her father's neck.
"Someone offered Jello a little while ago... and I really need some Jello." Alexis announced. "Please?"
Rick tried not to laugh, tilting his head back he mouthed once more to his girlfriend. 'She has the munchies.'
Kate swatted him. "I'll see if I can chase down some Jello for you."
***
6: Kate
“I didn’t think you were such a traditionalist.” Kate announced, seated at the bar and watching him cook. She had traded the day’s slacks and blouse for a blue dress in the sake of dressing up regardless they were doing an in-loft dinner.
“What can I say, when it comes to Valentine’s I subscribe to an older school of thought.” Expertly putting a dash of vinegar into the wok, the vegetables began to crackle.
“You don’t say.” She eyed the silver bucket the champagne was chilling in, along with the duel rose bouquets. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Nope. I got it under control, almost done actually.”
Kate watched, and couldn’t help but give him a cute little smile towards his efforts to pamper her. She would have been fine with going out to eat at a diner.
Rick smiled.
“What?”
“You look sooo cute ogling me.”
Kate scoffed, replacing her smile with a look of indifference. “I do not ogle.”
“Oh. You. So. Ogle.” He enunciated, raising a brow. “I’m getting bonus boyfriend points for home cooked meal aren't I.”
“A few.” She admitted. “Smugness however takes points away.” Kate turned her head, looking about the empty space behind in curiosity. “Where’s Alexis?”
“The Couch Monster was on the couch, as her name implies, however she got a phone call and limped up the stairs. Doing that whole exaggerated, fast talking, high school girl babble.”
“Huh.” slipping off her chair, she gracefully wandered over to his iPod dock. “Am I allowed to turn on music?”
“There’s a play list labeled ‘V-Day’ on it.” Rick announced, tossing the vegetables.
Finding the correct play list, and hitting play, it let loose the crooning lyrics of Bobby Darrin. Then without warning Alexis’ feet hurriedly clanged down the steps with less coordination than usual. Subsequently making them look up, she was out of the sweatpants and shirt fashion she had been working for a few days, and in pants and her favorite sweater.
“Dad, dad, dad, DAD!”
Rick turned down the stove as his post-op daughter came skidding across the floor. Reaching out, stepping forward, he caught her. “Sweetie...”
She interrupted him with a bear hug, a grin spread across her face. “Dad he called me, he called me on VALENTINES!”
Kate walked over, intrigued, watching Rick let out a chuckle. “Who?”
Spinning around, Alexis saw Kate and promptly attacked her with a fierce hug too. “Kate Conner called and it was completely unexpected because I thought he was into Hannah but it turns out he isn’t and so wetalkedforanhour and he’s totallyfreetonight and told me he knowsit’skindatackyaskingsolateonValentine’s
buthewantstocomeoverandhangout which, itkindaisbut it’sokaybecausehesaidhewantstobringovertakeoutandsomemoviessowecanhavedinnerandamoviesinceIcan’tleave and IknowyouandDadarehavingyourhomedinnertonightbutIthoughtIcouldcaskandmaybewecouldhavethestudyandshutthedoorsowedon’tdisturbyou? Please?”
Rick blinked a few times, utterly bewildered and appalled by run on sentences.
Kate laughed softly at Alexis’ enthusiasm, giving her a squeeze and kissing the side of her ginger head. “I’d be okay with it, actually, I’d be okay with your Dad and I taking the study. Then you two can have the big screen.”
Alexis turned to give her father the puppy eyes. “Dad?”
Rick was still confused. “Yes?”
“You guys are the best!” Alexis gave Kate another hug.
“No problem.” Kate let go of her as she went to go hug her father. “Do you need help getting ready for dinner and a movie?”
“I think I can handle it.” Jumping up on the tips of her toes pressed a kiss to her father's cheek. “Thank you soooo much.”
“Anytime Honey.” Rick patted her back and let go, watching as Alexis tore off. “Be careful! Remember your stitches!” He called out.
Alexis gave a thumbs up as she disappeared.
“You have no idea what just happened, do you?” Kate quizzed.
“There was a boy involved, and we’re eating in the the study?” Guessing, his eyes wandered to the table he had set.
“I can set up the study.” Kate reassured, walking out of the kitchen and towards the table. “Spread a blanket out on the floor, cushions too, light a few candles.” picking up two large pillar candles, she headed towards the study. “Food, wine, read some good literature.” Kate suggested in a more sultry tone, throwing him an over the shoulder look that implied far more.
As she disappeared, purposely adding a more obvious sway to hips, Rick let out a deep breath. He kept staring for a good second, regardless she wasn’t there, before the smell of overcooked stir fry brought him back. “Crap.”
*fin*
Author: xashtheartistx
Pairing: Castle/Beckett
Other Characters: Gina, Paula, Meredith, Dr. Lanie Parish, Martha Rodgers, Alexis Castle
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: AU, Future Fic
Spoilers: Nada
Disclaimer: Not mine, never will be.
A/N: The latest edition to the quirkily fan-named Pancake Series (link will soon be attached, promise).
4. Lanie
“Fancy meeting you on the West Coast.” Rick hugged Lanie endearingly, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Likewise Castle.” patting his arm as they pulled out of the hug, she studied him over. “I’m glad Kate told me you were out here on business the same time as my conference.”
“Why Dr. Parish, did you need a familiar New York face or are you merely polite?” He asked as he guided her out of the hotel lobby. “Social butterfly that you are I’d be surprised you haven’t met someone engaging.”
“It’s the coroner’s division of a forensics conference, most of them are as dull as a corpse. Think Pearlmutter.”
Rick grimaced. “Ugh.”
“Yeah, exactly. Now where are we going?”
“I was bold and made dinner reservations for us. I figured I’d wine you and dine you, my dear.” He explained, linked arm and arm with Kate’s good friend to properly escort her out. “Unless that’s not alright?”
“Oh no, by all means, wine me and dine me.”
“Alright then.” Outside, he led her to the car service that was driving him around, sliding into the back seat with her. “And how has California been treating you Lanie?”
“Not bad at all. Been at my conference mostly, but I’ve managed to do some sight seeing. “ She slid a look to him. “What about you?”
“I saw Meredith, did some bonding over coffee and pictures of Alexis, meeting, another meeting, now I’m here enjoying your company.” He explained.
“You look like you miss them.” Lanie hinted.
“It’s only a few days,” he confessed as the driver pulled away from the hotel. “I always get a little separation anxiety when I don’t have Alexis.”
“But now that it’s Alexis and Kate?” She tilted her chin.
Rick nodded his head, admitting. “It’s a little worse.”
Lanie patted his shoulder.
“I have to admit they’re both making it easier by sending pictures.” Pulling his iPhone out, he tapped into the pictures and slipped the phone in front of Lanie, smiling wistfully. “Although Martha’s been sending the most.”
She looked at the pictures he scrolled through. Alexis studying at the dining room table, Kate making dinner, the two of them sharing the couch and practicing French.
"She took all of these.” Grinning widely, he showed off a picture of them once again on the couch, Alexis’ slipper clad feet in Kate’s lap as they watched TV, and finally Alexis asleep on the couch as Kate was at the coffee table doing paperwork.
“They make quite the pair.” Lanie was highly amused at just how proud he was about his two girls back home.
“I talked to a friend today and got some box seats to the Rangers next week.” Staring at the last picture for a little while longer he continued. “I figured it’s an appropriately fun first public outing for the three of us.”
Lanie was about to comment on her escort’s sheer over the moon behavior, however her ringing phone caught her off guard. Finding it in her purse, she quickly had it at her ear. “Hello.”
Rick leaned back, not wanting to pry.
“Hey girl, I’m with your man right now.” She chimed, stealing a glance at Rick, who’s eyebrows had quirked curiously. “He stole me away from my hotel for some wining and dining.” Her smile faded. “Oh, well of course.” Lanie sat up, looking far more professional.
Rick leaned in.
“Uh huh.... yeah... sure, of course... alright... how high?” Lanie asked, her brow furrowing. “I need to know how bad... okay...”
He began to show worry, imploringly gazing at the M.E. and wanting answers.
“Kate, I need you to have her show you where exactly the source of the pain is. Have her put her hands over it....”
Rick’s brows furrowed as his skin began to lose some of it’s color.
Lanie cupped her hand over the mouthpiece meeting the anxious blue eyes from across the bench seat.
“What’s wrong?!” He blurted.
She kept a calm tone, not wanting to startle him more. “Alexis hasn’t improved, she has a high fever, abdominal pains that are getting worse and Kate wanted a professional opinion before she made a decision.”
“Alexis.”
“Rick,” she grabbed his fleeting attention “I need to know if she’s ever had her appendix out.”
“No, no she hasn’t.” He answered quickly.
“Do you have a physician or a hospital you prefer?”
He shook his head. “Whatever you thinks the best.”
With a nod, she got back on the line. “Alright, Kate, I’m going to make a few calls, I need you to get Alexis up and take her to...”
Already with his phone to his ear, Rick heard the line click. “This is Richard Castle and I need the first flight back to JFK.”
***
5: Alexis
It had been a long, harrowing flight back to New York as he walked through the hospital, his small piece of luggage rolling behind him. Thankfully, Lanie knew the right people to call to get Alexis top notch, immediate treatment. She had also made sure Kate was able to stay with her, regardless she wasn’t exactly family. It had allowed him some relief as he saw his mother walking towards him.
“Richard,” Martha, seeing his fret, swept him up into a hug “it’s ok, she’s fine.”
“It’s like to see for myself.” He said breathlessly, nervously shifting his weight and eyeing the door she had emerged from. “When did she get out of surgery?”
“A few hours ago.” She walked him down the hall. “The surgeon said it went smoothly, she has no complications.”
Rick’s pace quickened as they neared the door. “Kate?”
“She’s a pro.” Martha announced. “She won’t leave Alexis, I was just on my way home to get the two of them some things.”
Nodding, he reached for the door handle. She took his luggage and nudged him along.
Entering the dimly lit hospital room, he held his breath for a moment. Alexis was asleep in the bed, and Kate was seated next to the bed in a chair, her eyes shut as her head rested against the wall. Slowly opening her eyes, Kate saw him heading over.
“How is she?” He whispered.
“Much better, sleeping off the anesthesia.” Stiffly rising from her chair, she stepped out of the way as he stood next to the bed and hovered over his daughter. Sidling up next to him, she watched how he brushed a hand over the top over her head and leaned in to kiss her forehead.
“Was she scared?” He asked, reaching out to take Alexis’ hand.
“A little, she’s a trooper though.” Kate reassured, eyes flitting to the child’s face as it twitched.
Her eyelids slowly, heavily opened. “Daddy?”
Hearing the word, Rick’s heart just felt strangled in his chest. “Hey Princess, it’s me, I’m here.” He shushed, reverting back to the old calming tone he had used when she had been in diapers. “Dad’s here.”
“I’m okay.” She whispered back to calm him down.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” Rick apologized. “I should have been here.”
“It’s alright.” Alexis smiled. “I’m okay, everything’s okay. The world? It’s okay.”
Rick’s face pulled into a confused smirk. He suddenly became more attuned to just how glazed over Alexis’ eyes were.
“They have her on some pretty good pain meds.” Kate clarified, rolling her lips into her mouth to refrain from laughing.
Chuckling, he sank into the chair next to he bed.
“Dad?”
“Yes Honey?” His relief was replaced with amusement. She would never live this down, she looked like a few of his friends during college.
“Kate’s awesome. Really, reeeeealllyyy awesome.” Alexis announced, her voice sleepy, slurred “Like, awesomer than mom.”
“So she gets a high score for handling this?”
“+500 exp points.” Alexis blinked, unsure. “That’s right, right?”
“Yes, your gaming lingo is solid.” Stroking his thumb across her knuckles, he felt Kate’s hands rest on his shoulders and massage the remaining tension away. Tossing his head back, he gazed up at her laughing eyes. ‘She’s so high’ he mouthed.
Kate allowed the smallest of laughs to escape before bending down to kiss him. "She is."
"I'm what?" Alexis asked, looking somewhat concern.
"Absolutely, positively, adorable." Rick patted her hand reassuringly.
"I'm sorry I didn't call you first." Kate apologized sincerely, squeezing his shoulders, feeling how knotted up and stressed they were. "I just wanted to call Lanie first and make sure I had an appropriate reason to freak out."
"No, you did the right thing." He replied. "If you hadn't called Lanie Alexis wouldn't have gotten such great care."
"Kate?"
"Yes Sweet Heart?" Kate massaged her father's neck.
"Someone offered Jello a little while ago... and I really need some Jello." Alexis announced. "Please?"
Rick tried not to laugh, tilting his head back he mouthed once more to his girlfriend. 'She has the munchies.'
Kate swatted him. "I'll see if I can chase down some Jello for you."
***
6: Kate
“I didn’t think you were such a traditionalist.” Kate announced, seated at the bar and watching him cook. She had traded the day’s slacks and blouse for a blue dress in the sake of dressing up regardless they were doing an in-loft dinner.
“What can I say, when it comes to Valentine’s I subscribe to an older school of thought.” Expertly putting a dash of vinegar into the wok, the vegetables began to crackle.
“You don’t say.” She eyed the silver bucket the champagne was chilling in, along with the duel rose bouquets. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Nope. I got it under control, almost done actually.”
Kate watched, and couldn’t help but give him a cute little smile towards his efforts to pamper her. She would have been fine with going out to eat at a diner.
Rick smiled.
“What?”
“You look sooo cute ogling me.”
Kate scoffed, replacing her smile with a look of indifference. “I do not ogle.”
“Oh. You. So. Ogle.” He enunciated, raising a brow. “I’m getting bonus boyfriend points for home cooked meal aren't I.”
“A few.” She admitted. “Smugness however takes points away.” Kate turned her head, looking about the empty space behind in curiosity. “Where’s Alexis?”
“The Couch Monster was on the couch, as her name implies, however she got a phone call and limped up the stairs. Doing that whole exaggerated, fast talking, high school girl babble.”
“Huh.” slipping off her chair, she gracefully wandered over to his iPod dock. “Am I allowed to turn on music?”
“There’s a play list labeled ‘V-Day’ on it.” Rick announced, tossing the vegetables.
Finding the correct play list, and hitting play, it let loose the crooning lyrics of Bobby Darrin. Then without warning Alexis’ feet hurriedly clanged down the steps with less coordination than usual. Subsequently making them look up, she was out of the sweatpants and shirt fashion she had been working for a few days, and in pants and her favorite sweater.
“Dad, dad, dad, DAD!”
Rick turned down the stove as his post-op daughter came skidding across the floor. Reaching out, stepping forward, he caught her. “Sweetie...”
She interrupted him with a bear hug, a grin spread across her face. “Dad he called me, he called me on VALENTINES!”
Kate walked over, intrigued, watching Rick let out a chuckle. “Who?”
Spinning around, Alexis saw Kate and promptly attacked her with a fierce hug too. “Kate Conner called and it was completely unexpected because I thought he was into Hannah but it turns out he isn’t and so wetalkedforanhour and he’s totallyfreetonight and told me he knowsit’skindatackyaskingsolateonValentine’s
buthewantstocomeoverandhangout which, itkindaisbut it’sokaybecausehesaidhewantstobringovertakeoutandsomemoviessowecanhavedinnerandamoviesinceIcan’tleave and IknowyouandDadarehavingyourhomedinnertonightbutIthoughtIcouldcaskandmaybewecouldhavethestudyandshutthedoorsowedon’tdisturbyou? Please?”
Rick blinked a few times, utterly bewildered and appalled by run on sentences.
Kate laughed softly at Alexis’ enthusiasm, giving her a squeeze and kissing the side of her ginger head. “I’d be okay with it, actually, I’d be okay with your Dad and I taking the study. Then you two can have the big screen.”
Alexis turned to give her father the puppy eyes. “Dad?”
Rick was still confused. “Yes?”
“You guys are the best!” Alexis gave Kate another hug.
“No problem.” Kate let go of her as she went to go hug her father. “Do you need help getting ready for dinner and a movie?”
“I think I can handle it.” Jumping up on the tips of her toes pressed a kiss to her father's cheek. “Thank you soooo much.”
“Anytime Honey.” Rick patted her back and let go, watching as Alexis tore off. “Be careful! Remember your stitches!” He called out.
Alexis gave a thumbs up as she disappeared.
“You have no idea what just happened, do you?” Kate quizzed.
“There was a boy involved, and we’re eating in the the study?” Guessing, his eyes wandered to the table he had set.
“I can set up the study.” Kate reassured, walking out of the kitchen and towards the table. “Spread a blanket out on the floor, cushions too, light a few candles.” picking up two large pillar candles, she headed towards the study. “Food, wine, read some good literature.” Kate suggested in a more sultry tone, throwing him an over the shoulder look that implied far more.
As she disappeared, purposely adding a more obvious sway to hips, Rick let out a deep breath. He kept staring for a good second, regardless she wasn’t there, before the smell of overcooked stir fry brought him back. “Crap.”
*fin*