Hellcats Roar

by

Ceniana
(Ceniana@gmail.com)

The strange taste of sea water enters a person’s mouth like a ton of bricks hitting your stomach. It would be better if it was JUST sea water, but it had the added mix of fuel and mental. "Dalton? DALTON!" I feel my whole body ache and my face burn from something as I manage to reach out towards the floating body.

"Capt?" The man was barely moving as I pulled us both onto a floating piece of wreckage. "Your leg!" The man let out a gasp as I look down towards my broken leg with a groan.

"I was wondering what was killing me." Touching my face I feel like a thousand daggers were at work on my body. I start to shiver as my eyes tried their best to remain open.

"Stay with me!" Dalton calls out and shakes me, but the darkness feels so reassuring that I give in.

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D.D. walked back inside her room letting out a groan as Mac followed her. She had already pulled the evening dress from her body and was wearing just her slip. ‘Can’t I have five seconds to break down in peace? That’s right, mother’s still here and I’m stuck with him in my room for at least another night.’ D.D. turned around ready to hiss at her husband, but was shocked to see the man’s watery eyes. "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine…" He jerked off his shirt without regard. "He’ll be alright."

"How can you be so sure that he’s fine?" D.D.’s voice was soft and she was shocked to feel his hand touching her own tear stain face. His hand was strangely rough against her smooth cheek.

"Because I believe in him." Mac reached out with his other hand to cradle her face. "So no tears… They aren’t really Babcockish anyway."

"I’m not a cold hearted person." D.D. shivered as Mac reached out taking her in his arms.

"I know your not… and don’t think this means anything." Mac closed his eyes now unable to resist her soft curves.

D.D. felt her face and her lips being brushed up his. "Good... Because it doesn’t…" D.D. found her arms wrapping around his neck as she gave into his kiss.

Mac could feel her hands and let out a groan. He felt his own heart on the verge of breaking when Niles had told the group that Lucas was now missing. It was Lawrence, his butler, who had whispered for him to live every moment. At this moment he would put aside all bets and enjoy the feel of her body against his.

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Niles had placed her on their bed about an hour ago. He was now watching as the three little girls surrounded C.C. holding onto their mother while they all slept. He wanted to join them in that embrace but Niles felt his heart beat heavy in his chest. "Niles?" Fran’s voice was low enough but it had that strange nasal echo as he quickly shut his bedroom door and signaled for them to go towards his small kitchen. "Oy… You have had some night sweetie." Fran reached out hugging Niles.

"Yes." Niles started the coffee pot. "The evening was going quite well, and the children had their grandmother cornered…." Niles stopped for a moment. "How the devil do you know about Lucas?"

"Nick called us after he called you." Fran pushed him away. "Let me do something would ya? I can at least make ya a cup of coffee."

"I don’t think I have ever seen C.C. fall apart like that, but one time." Niles tried to push away the image of C.C. the night Sarah Sheffield‘s wake. "At least this time she’s not reaching for a bottle."

"A Babcock not reaching for a bottle?" Fran raised her eyebrow as Niles let out a groan. "That doesn’t sound like her."

Niles let out a grumble lowering his head. "Best thing I could do for her tonight was put all the girls in our bed with her. She looked like a wounded animal after I told her."

"You know what they say about wounded animals." Fran poured Niles a cup smiling. "What aren’t you telling her?"

"They doubt Lucas or Dalton survived that crash." Niles closed his eyes recalling Nick’s phone call just ten minutes after his first one with more information.

Fran reached out touching her friend’s shoulder, and Niles brushed it away. "Niles…"

"He’s alive, but what I fear most is how long it will take him to come back to us." Niles narrowed his eyes recalling how C.C. handled any problems… "C.C. doesn’t handle things well, and…."

"She can be somewhat destructive." Fran finished her friend’s thoughts. "Careless…" Fran lowered her eyes recalling the huge fight Niles and C.C. got into before their marriage.

Niles felt his soul cry out for rest, but he looked towards his friend. "I’m fairly foolish myself Mrs. Sheffield, but…." Niles raised his hand quieting Fran for a moment. "I have paid for all my earlier mistakes. I just hope I can avoid making any others these next few weeks while he’s missing."

"How are you sure Lucas is still alive?" Fran had to ask the question her words trembled.

"I’m sure because… my heart is still beating." Niles glanced upwards. "If anything ever happened to Lucas… his family… the girls or C.C... I think my heart would stop."

Fran let out a sigh touching her friend’s shoulder yet again. "He’ll come home then."

"When I married C.C., Nick whispered something in my ear." Niles couldn’t help but flash a slight smile. "In either good times or bad times please let the Babcock side do no lasting damage."

"A prayer?" Fran let out a soft nasal giggle.

"He told me that he whispered it every time D.D., Noel and C.C. left for boarding school."

"What do you think she’ll do?"

"For the first time… I don’t know." Niles sipped at his coffee. "That is what worries me more than anything else."

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C.C. felt the light hit her face and waved an angry hand away. The light was something that was cheerful, and she was anything but cheerful. She rolled over to come face to face with a smiling Casey.

"Mama." The little girl reached out brushing away her mother’s hair.

C.C. closed her eyes again trying to pretend the child wasn’t there. She felt the slight push of the three year old against her shoulder, and the beeping of her alarm clock.

"Up!" The little girl’s voice was always soft and she pushed again.

‘Sometimes I have to wonder who the child is and who the adult is.’ Lucas’s laugh echoed in her ears as she quickly sat upward.

C.C. tickled the girl’s chin and moved out of bed. She had recalled Niles placing both Morgan and Claudia with her as well, but wasn’t shocked that only little Casey remained. She glanced inside her closet wondering what to wear for work. She had little to do at the office today. She felt her will starting to shake as she picked out her business suit. She turned at little Casey’s whimper. "What is it?"

"Bubba?" Casey sat on the edge of her bed watching as C.C. was getting ready for work. Her eyes glanced at her mother and then the floor letting out a whimper.

C.C. felt her heart starting to break when she needed to be strong. "I know baby." She quickly pulled on her shirt and buttoned it taking the little girl in her arms. C.C. felt the strange need to let go. In college after Lucas was born she would leave him with Gram for long weekends just for a chance to release her bitterness towards the world. The world that had driven Niles away… the same world now that her son was missing in.

"Daddy?" Casey pointed towards the Sheffield main house.

"Daddy…" C.C. couldn’t escape her duties for today, but she felt something in her head starting to pound away.

Niles picked up Fran and Maxwell’s plates glancing at the time. C.C. was a half hour late. "Well hello!" Niles reached out fighting the urge to make his normal remark.

"Coffee…" C.C. reached for it placing Casey next to her and leaned over to kiss Morgan’s head.

Niles watched her for just a moment. What worried him more than anything else is how quiet C.C. had been. She had whimpered during the night of course, but she had been withholding the explosion. "The girls and I are going to the park today! Shall we pick you up at the studio?" He watched as C.C. quietly nodded.

C.C. reached out for a piece of toast closing her eyes once more trying to force her ‘Babcock’ armor back on. "I have to go baby-sit actors today."

"I sent your best whip to be repaired a few days ago." Niles couldn’t help it and his face broke out into a huge smile watching her eyes light up.

"Well if your butt wasn‘t so damn big and hard."

"That’s not the only thing that’s hard!" Niles let out a purring sound and C.C. giggled. He reached out touching her cheek with a gentle hand. "See…."

"See what?" C.C. let out a soft hiss closing her eyes.

"The world isn’t over." He lowered his voice and watched her playful face crumble back into reality.

"Just feels that way." C.C. pulled back and stood up putting aside her piece of toast. Niles glanced down frowning at her full plate.

"Mommy!" Claudia reached up stealing a kiss from C.C. who forced a smile.

"Give me a call later, bell boy." She kept on walking as Niles felt his throat tighten.

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C.C. opened up her office door to find Mac sitting in her chair. "Where in the hell did I put my gun?" C.C. grumbled tossing her bag to the side and groaning.

"You look like hell." Mac tapped his fingers on the desk.

"Geeze, that’s a rather supportive comment." C.C. poured the spring water into an empty glass letting out a sigh. "Why are you here again?" She turned towards her old friend who was rocking back and forth in her chair.

"Worried about you." Mac’s voice softened. "Did you get any news since last night?"

C.C. closed her eyes picturing Niles’ pale face. "None worth talking about."

"You remember that boy is part Babcock, and that makes him a viper." Mac stood up holding a few pieces of paper. "Here this should make your day better!"

C.C. glanced at the contract letting out a soft sigh. It was the contract that both Maxwell and she wanted from this actor. She quickly glanced at a smiling Mac. "Okay why in the hell do you have that silly grin on your face?"

"It’s going to cost ya." Mac tapped on the paper C.C. hand in her hand. "I have a ranch up in the hills."

"You have a ranch? Please!" C.C. rolled her eyes. Mac had a habit of collecting property like other man collect cars.

"You and …" Mac’s face twisted for a moment.

"His name is Niles." C.C. sat down in her chair.

"Yeah… need to get away for just a few hours… hell even a weekend might do you good." Mac watched as C.C. closed her eyes again. "I know you Babcock, and I’m sure that husband of yours is thinking the same thing."

"What? What is he thinking?" C.C. sat up feeling her heart pound. She felt like her emotions were on the edge of the cliff.

"You’re in need of an escape, and if you don’t get it soon you’re likely to explode. Hell… Aren’t I family now?" Mac folded his arms watching C.C. groan.

"How in the hell did that happen again?" C.C. reached for a pen tapping it against the desk.

Mac sat down in another chair watching her for just a moment. "I don’t think you are up for this tale."

"Great…" C.C. rolled her eyes for a moment. "Is there anything my sister can’t screw up or make into something twisted?"

"She’s not twisted." Mac leaned forward.

"Ah!" C.C. couldn’t help the growing smile on her face. "Has she told you all the stories?"

"Well ... You haven’t even told me all the stories about you and … and…."

"Niles!" C.C. yelled out letting out a groan.

"Yes…" Mac leaned back watching as C.C. let out another groan. "Babcock, can you not sit still for five seconds today?"

"No…" C.C. let out a sigh standing up. "I …." She knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to crawl back in her bed and curl up under the covers. She did that after returning from London when Niles had pushed her away. Her quiet sobs had lasted three weeks until she started showing signs that Lucas was on his way.

"C.C." Mac let out a sigh his eyes lowered towards the ground. "Lucas will be back… so don’t fall apart on us."

"I’m not falling apart." C.C. felt her heart twist in response.

"C.C. … remember, I was there when you thought ‘Butler’ was going to get married to his maid." Mac watched her for a moment longer and let out a sad sigh. "You held yourself together, but… you scared the crap out of Lucas, Gram and me."

"You have to mention that." C.C. felt her heart pound now.

"Those who don’t learn from their past are doom to repeat them." Mac waved his hand towards his friend. "You have to learn how to control that Babcock rage…"

"Has D.D. displayed her Babcock rage?" C.C. did her best to put that in a teasing voice, but failed.

Mac blushed and let out a laugh. "I have seen your mother’s rage. She left his morning making threats to D.D. if she didn’t send Justin and Sam off to a ‘proper’ school."

"Mac…" C.C. turned towards him. "I feel…."

"You feel what?"

"I feel like pushing everyone away…." C.C. crossed her arms and let out a deep whimper.

"You think … Butler will allow that to happen? I think the man has more guts than that."

"What if he has a heart attack? What if…"

Mac let out a roaring growl. "Babcock… we all are going to die sooner or later! Remember your mother’s a cold hearted snake that keeps people away… She doesn’t embrace life… Your grandmother lost her ‘twin’. Her other half… she lost your aunt… "

C.C. stopped for a moment. "What?"

"She never told you?" Mac let out a soft chuckle. "She told me the tale after I found you half drunk at the bar… when you escaped our picnic."

"She…." C.C. looked towards her friend’s eyes.

"Your grandmother still to this day has her own secrets, but…" Mac let out a sigh. "Lucas is not lost…I don’t care what the military says!" He lifted up his hand and pointed a finger towards her. "You have to fight your inner demons because that boy is coming back. You can’t push anyone away because we will all push back!"

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D.D. Babcock Forest closed her eyes again trying her best to focus on the design. "Dammit!" She tossed the paper towards her helper letting out a sigh. "I’ll try this again tomorrow."

"Mrs. Forest?" A young woman glanced inside the small office. "Niles Butler and three small children are here to see you."

"Great send them in." D.D. nodded and sat down in her chair as Morgan came running in towards her aunt.

"This place is neat!" Morgan jumped up and down letting out a giggle.

"Nancy why don’t you take the girls and show them the glass blowing." D.D. waved her hand towards the twins. "Keep an eye on these two."

"No problem, Mrs. Forest." The woman led the three giggling girls outside.

Niles put his hands behind his back smiling. "How are you today Mrs. Forest?"

D.D. grumbled sitting down and reaching inside her desk. "It’s best you don’t ask." D.D. fought off another image from last night. Mac’s hands roaming her body, and teasing her. "I have something for you." She handed Niles an envelope. "Lucas gave that to me months ago just in …."

"Case?" Niles grumbled finishing her sentence. He let out a sigh opening the note.

Niles glanced at the packet that contained some information about Lucas and Rach’s finances. "Bloody hell…." Niles narrowed his eyes on D.D. for just a moment. "He’s worried about C.C."

"Baby sister could never handle a problem well." D.D. shook her head. "I think she hid in her room for days on end when mommy and daddy got separated for the first time. Course there was that and the other thing she did when daddy moved out."

Niles let out a grumble and shook his head. "What other thing?"

"Never mind."

"I want to know." Niles did his best to put force into his voice.

"Forget it." D.D. stood up rolling her eyes. Niles was able to note her red eyes. "There are some things that C.C. should tell you on her own."

"Yeah… right…" Niles reached out. "It’s not your fault."

"What’s not my fault?" D.D. felt her body shiver thinking about Mac yet again and her guilt over C.C.

"In England… It’s not your fault what happened between C.C. and me."

"Thank you for that." D.D. tapped her chin. "I think… I think karma blamed me for you two drifting apart, and what a price I’ve paid."

Niles felt his pocket start to shake as he reached inside grabbing his cell. "Hello?"

"Hello, Hello! Where the hell are you?" C.C.’s tone was slightly annoyed. "I need your help with something."

"I had to run a few errands." Niles wasn’t sure if she should tell her about being at D.D.’s workshop. "What can I do for you, darling?"

D.D. rolled her eyes standing up and pointing towards her shop. She closed the door to give Niles some time alone on the phone.

"Mac is demanding we go to his ranch this weekend." C.C. felt her heart pound. "I need a reason to turn him down."

"Well…I…" Niles was about to say he didn’t approve of Mister Forest, but thought better of it. "We could go."

"Nileeeees…" C.C. reached out on her desk looking at a picture of her with just Lucas. "I would rather spend time alone with you and the girls."

"I would rather just spend time in our bed personally." Niles let out a purring noise. "It might be grand… after all Jasmine will be around… We would have a ‘free’ baby sitter."

C.C. let out a huge sigh. "True… What if we hear something about…?"

"Nick and Rach have both our cell phone numbers." Niles did his best to try to soothe her. "It would be good for you to get out… among the horses."

C.C. let out a sigh. She had given up horseback riding when the twins were born, but lately she had been missing her hobby. "Maybe."

"We won’t have to be around Mac and D.D. the whole time." Niles had a feeling they could find time to sneak off together.

"Alright, ALRIGHT!" C.C. let out a groan. "I’ll tell Mac we are going. Are you still picking me up in a few hours?"

"I’ll be there with bells on." Niles heard her soft kiss and then the click. He glanced at his cell phone before putting it back in his pocket. He quickly dialed another number. "Does Doctor Bort have a few moments? This is Niles Butler."

"I’ll check!"

"Niles!" Doctor Bort was surprised to be hearing from him. "How are things going? It’s been a while!"

"Things are….. " Niles felt his heart twist. "Hard…. Lucas is missing." Niles waited a few moments. After the long silence became too much he spoke up again. "Doctor?"

"How is C.C. handling it?"

"She seems to be avoiding it." Niles shifted his feet glancing at the floor. "She breaks down at times, but... I can see something ready to explode."

"The best thing you can do is to get her to open up. Talk to her about Lucas… Talk to her… When people push pain away it does more damage when it resurfaces later. I think the best example was the way she handled your marriage proposals."

Niles felt the old knife in his back twist. "Thanks for reminding me."

"Sorry, but that is just one case. Just take her some place safe, and get her to open up now rather than later."

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D.D. walked inside the house letting out a snarl towards Lawrence as he took her hat. "What is this about us heading to the ranch this weekend?"

"Mister Forest didn’t tell you?" The butler let out a sigh.

"No… is he around?" D.D. was hoping to avoid him a moment longer. She had escaped the bedroom leaving him all alone.

"Diane…." Mac smiled leaning against the wall.

"He arrived a few moments before you did." The butler walked away letting out a chuckle.

"What’s wrong? You look a little pale." Mac reached out and D.D. quickly pulled away. "What’s wrong woman! I can never understand what you want!"

"If baby sister is going to explode it’s best I’m no where her." D.D. folded her arms and started to walk away. She wanted to rush into her own room for once. She needed some time alone, but was shocked when Mac followed her. He quickly turned her around pressing her body against the door. "Mac…." She felt her body betray her.

"We are going to entertain them this weekend… They need a small escape." His hand started to move across her belly. "It is something Lucas would do." Mac couldn’t fight the feeling he had last night. Something about her body was familiar to him. The small little bird tattoo on her shoulder. "So… do I have to tell your sister about the tattoo…Little bird…?"

"I…." D.D. let out a low moan and wiggled out of his arms. "Alright… ALRIGHT! They can come."

"That’s a good little bird." Mac let out a sigh. "We should talk about last night because…."

"It means nothing." D.D. felt her own voice tremble. "I’m still going to win." D.D. shook her head trying to clear it as another image more distant was flashing before her eyes.

"Ha!" Mac opened up the door and walked out. He let out a mumble rubbing his eyes.

"Master Forest?" Lawrence glanced towards a grumbling Mac. "Is everything alright?"

"Pick up the boys today old friend… I’m going to take a rather long and cold shower."

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"What do hellcats do!" Morgan started to sing.

"Roar! Roar!" Claudia and Casey answer back in a soft voice.

"What do hellcats do do do!"

"MORGAN!" C.C. let out a hiss glaring at the little girl. "Do you three really need to sing that song again?" She shifted in the limo seat as Niles reached for her hand.

"I’m sorry mommy." Morgan let out a whimper glancing at the floor.

"Did someone forget to take her pill?" Niles smirked and C.C. shot him a glare. "Come on Caca they are only being children. You do remember that?"

"Yeah….what ever…"

"C.C…." Niles took her hand in his. "You can’t rush out to save him at this point in time."

"I know… I wish I could." C.C. glanced down at her hands, her mind miles away. "I hate the fact I can make things twist and turn, but I’m not able to help my own son."

Niles glanced back at the three girls still playing with small dolls. "Look…" He pointed towards the small children. "We are all here, and miss him as well, C.C."

"Niles… there will always be something special about Lucas."

"I know this all to well." Niles closed his eyes feeling the old guilt take hold of him again. "He will come back to us soon enough." Niles mind started to race as he held her hand even tighter. Sooner better than later.

C.C. felt annoyed turning her head around to face the girls. She saw something of herself and D.D. in her daughters. Morgan was the ring leader, and had a strange habit of protecting both Claudia and Casey…. Course D.D. used to be like that until she hit the ‘bitchy’ teenage years when she rebelled for some odd reason.

Niles watched her face and frowned. "Still thinking about Lucas?"

"No… I was just remembering how close I used to be to… D.D." C.C. let out a soft sigh and leaned back in his arms. "That was before she ruined my life…"

"Caca…" Niles narrowed his eyes.

"Well… her actions…." C.C. let out a hiss as Niles covered her lips with an index finger.

"Let it all go…" Niles grumbled and held her tight as the little girls started to sing once more.

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Mac let out a groan watching the aged stallion in the pen. "Why is your mother so attached to this damn animal?" He eyed his step-daughter who let out a soft laugh. "Are you going to answer me, Jas?"

"My father gave it to her when Soulfire was just a foal." Jasmine climbed over the fence as the limo pulled up. "Aunt CC! Uncle Niles!" Jasmine waved holding onto the old stallion touching his proud face.

"Well well…." C.C. walked over as the girls ran towards the fence. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Soulfire…" Jasmine waved the girls towards her, and C.C. let out a hiss.

"That old thing…." C.C. shook her head.

"He’s sick, and your sister refuses to give up on the creature." Mac shook his head. "Your sister’s race car driver is worse than your butler!"

"The butler is right HERE!!" Niles was annoyed as Mac smirked.

"Are you developing feelings for elder sister?" C.C. pushed on Mac’s side and the man let out a huge groan.

"When Lucas gets home remind me lash him a few times… Babcock’s are such annoying creatures!" Mac winked as Niles let out a huge laugh.

C.C. narrowed her eyes watching Jasmine lead the stallion back in the stable. D.D. had cost her lost time with Niles, and C.C. was seeking some justice. She couldn’t stop her own mind from twisting and turning as Morgan let out a giggling laugh at something Jasmine had told her. "C.C.?" Niles pulled on her hand and C.C turned.

"Don’t tell me we are staying in the same house?" C.C. noticed the huge ranch style home, and Mac nodded.

"Just think! We can all learn how to be one huge happy family."

"Yeah… happy…right." C.C. took Niles’ arm as Mac led them inside.

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‘For the next few days, heavy storms are expected! All you folks be careful!’ D.D. reached over turning off the car radio and hopped out.

"Are they already here?" She walked inside and Lawrence nodded as a child’s laughter filled the room.

"Baby sister…." D.D. managed her best fake smile as C.C. put down her glass to greet her elder sister. "I’m so glad you could make it."

"We both know that paybacks are long overdue." C.C. hugged her sister and whispered in her ear.

D.D. felt her blood run cold for just a moment as C.C. pulled away with a playful smile.

"You have gone pale…. Mother always said that a Babcock didn’t belong in worship." C.C. pulled away and noticed Niles glaring at her. "What?" She turned towards her husband’s snarling face. "I didn’t do anything."

"Yet…" Niles could see the signs of a battle forming. "C.C…."

"It’s alright Niles… Baby sister wouldn’t do any lasting damage." D.D. shifted towards Mac who was walking outside. "She’s going to corner me…" She whispered towards a grumbling Mac.

"Isn’t it dangerous to corner a viper?" Mac tossed out a few steaks. "How long have you been avoiding it anyway?"

"How long as Lucas been outted as C.C.’s son?" D.D. bit her lip eyeing her smiling sister. "It’s not that I blame her."

"Diane…. What is it? Something deeper is going on here?" Mac stopped for a moment. "Your grandmother told me stories of how close you used to be! You, Noel and C.C…. what the hell happened to that?"

"Gram used to tell a lot of stories." D.D. watched as Mac handled the steaks.

"Yes… She was a character…." Mac narrowed his eyes noticing something. The shirt D.D. was wearing was casual enough, but the hint of a tattoo flashed. The tattoo of a little bird that made Mac’s heart stop again. He had remembered seeing it when they made love the other night when Lucas had been reported missing. He watched as D.D. walked away towards the laughing boys trying to teach the girls how to play a board game.

"What did she do to you?" C.C. walked up and Mac reached for the wine bottle filling up her glass.

"Your sister? Nothing…" Mac lowered his head and felt Niles standing next to him as well.

"Why don’t you tell us both what you have planned for your sister?" Niles smirked as Mac turned his head towards a grumbling C.C.

"Nothing you need to know about." C.C. hissed as Niles let out a groan.

"Butler... You might as well let them get it out of their system." Mac shook his head. "No matter what you tell this woman she’s going to go ahead and attack."

"Do you know what damage they can do to one another?" Niles shook his head watching C.C. walk away from them. "She still blames D.D. for the mess in England."

"We both know who is to blame."

"You really like to rub it in?" Niles smirked as Mac filled up his glass.

"This fight has been a slow build… Something else is going on with the Babcock siblings besides hurt feelings. D.D. can be a viper but when her mother comes around she starts to cave… no butler something is going on here, and they both need to let it out…. I only wish I could have invited Noel and his lovely bride." Mac rubbed his beard letting out a chuckle.

"You really want them to start a war with one another?" Niles snickered shaking his head. "C.C. should just let it all go."

"It was hard on her…Niles… and she loves you... So it’s harder to blame someone you love for the mistakes of the past. It is much easier to find someone else to blame for your pain."

"Is that why you two became good friends?"

"We became friends because she needed someone besides Maxwell Sheffield to talk to... She needed someone besides her shrink… What she really needed was you, but since she couldn’t have you…" Mac smirked taking a drink from his glass. "She had me."

"Did you sleep with my wife?" Niles glared at the man slightly annoyed again.

"God... I wish!" Mac teased and held up his hands. "No... I promised to be on my best behavior. Niles, D.D. and C.C. need to let it all go… The explosion is decades in the making so… at least we got them out of the city to have it."

"Cornered in a ranch house in a middle of thunderstorms too." Niles snickered looking up at the cloudy sky. "Did you control the weather too?"

"No… but I did put in my order." Mac winked as Niles let out a whimper watching the two Babcock sisters glare at one another. It was only a matter of time before they had an explosion.

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"Stop giving me that look Niles." C.C. pulled off her shirt letting out a huge snarl. "I was on my best behavior!"

Niles took her hand pulling her into his arms. He enjoyed the feel of her body against his. "Woman! You are never on your best behavior!" His hands started toying with her curves as Niles teased her neck.

"Niles…" She felt her body start to shake. "Did you hear your cell phone ring tonight?"

Niles released her letting out a soft sigh. "No…"

"I’m sorry… I can’t stop thinking about him."

"Do you think I can?" Niles let out a sharp hiss. "He’ll be back, C.C…. He’s our son after all… Do you think anything would stop him from seeing his second child being born?"

"No…"

Niles reached out for her taking her into his arms. "Then for once have faith in our son."

"I do…" She giggled as Niles tracked his lips down her neck. "Niles… we have been playing dangerously of late…"

"I thought you loved danger?" Niles wiggled his eyebrows and kept on attacking her neck his hands reaching for her bra strap.

"Do you want to see me bare foot and pregnant at my age?" C.C. giggled trying to pull away.

"Nothing sexier than a pregnant grandmother!" Niles buried his lips in her neck, his finger tips tickling her and tracing downward towards her belly button.

C.C. whimpered as Niles placed her on the bed. His lips traveled downward until she was yelping in delight. "Niles…."

"Shhh…." Niles had a huge grin on his face as he watched her wiggle and twist.

"Niles!" C.C. blinked as she felt his hands spread her apart.

"Just give in woman!" Niles looked at her, holding her now naked body close. "I want you and you want me…"

"What makes you think that?"

"I have a ring that tells me so?" Niles waved his wedding ring around and quickly silenced her with a heated kiss.

C.C. felt all the doubt and grief once again leave her body as Niles’ body demanded more and more from hers. She arched up as Niles teased all reason out of her brain and her legs locked around his waist.

Niles groaned as he did his best to free himself from his pants. He needed her more than anything right now as he at last was able to join his body with hers. "Woman…" He groaned as C.C. closed her eyes arching upwards.

C.C. gave into the rocking on his body as Niles held her even tighter. "Niles…" She felt her body tighten around his as he pushed into her again and again.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Do those two ever stop?" D.D. hated to be near Mac Forest. It didn’t help that she heard sounds of love making coming from the other room. The walls were thick but not thick enough to hide the thumping against the wall.

"Want to give them a run for their money?" Mac reached out touching D.D.’s waist. His hand teased her belly wanting to touch her bare skin. He loved the fact that she was stuck with him in the same room for the whole weekend. She was indeed trapped, and he had a growing desire for her.

"Mac…." D.D. hissed pulling away.

"Come on, even you must have needs." Mac narrowed his eyes holding onto her tightly.

"I’m not going to say it."

"Course not… or you would lose." Mac snickered as they heard a thump against the wall. "Come on Babcock…." Mac moved her even closer as D.D. closed her eyes.

"I’m going to kill you for this."

"I’ll die happy." His lips locked with hers in a heated kiss.

"I hate you…" D.D. snarled as Mac let go of her for just a moment.

"Yes? And?" Mac teased her neck.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a sigh holding her tightly against his bare chest. He still couldn’t get over the feeling even now of holding her bare body against his. He closed his eyes tightly wondering if he could turn back the hands of time and redo the past. "Penny for your thoughts?" C.C.’s husky voice broke his day dream.

"You know, my mother keeps asking me if we want more children."

"Your mother had a fit when she found out I was on the pill." C.C. smirked looking at his hand. "Are you doing the math again?"

"You know when Claudia and Casey head to high school…" Niles frowned counting his growing years.

"You’ll still be handsome to me." C.C. smiled weaving his hand in with hers.

"Maybe we should be more careful."

"How many times do I have to point that out?" C.C. let out a husky laugh as Niles reached out to playfully pinch her rear.

"Do you think Lucy feels strange calling Morgan … Auntie?" Niles felt his face twist remembering the first time Lucy had called Morgan that.

"What’s your point?"

"We are fairly twisted? Soon we’ll have another grandchild…" Niles smiled feeling C.C. let out a huge sigh.

"It was only yesterday he was begging me to come to baseball practice." C.C. tilted her head up towards the ceiling. "I hope…"

"What do you hope?" Niles kissed her head tenderly.

"Where ever Gram is at this moment she’s watching out for him, and brings him home safely."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"I hate the rain…" D.D. glanced outside letting out a sharp hiss.

"Never stopped you from ridding before." C.C. stood next to her elder sister glancing outside. "The men are playing with the kids….What ever happened to my wild sister?"

"Are you challenging me?" D.D. glanced at C.C. slightly annoyed.

"I hear you like to place bets with your trust fund anyway." C.C. smirked as D.D. twisted around in pain. "You ARE winning this bet aren’t you?"

"You want to ride out in the middle of a thunder storm?" D.D. was growing more annoyed.

"Chicken?" C.C. flashed a playful grin.

"No….." D.D. glared back. "What’s in it for you?"

C.C. smirked tilting her head. "The choice of horses I get to ride."

D.D. froze as the thunder shook the house. "I don’t think this is a good idea." She glanced outside and heard the boys laughing at something Niles and Mac were doing.

"It’s my turn!" Niles glared at Mac who was wearing the gaming helmet. "You have had it for thirty minutes now." Niles hissed as Morgan pulled on his shoulder.

"Daddy! That’s a silly game!" Morgan giggled as Claudia stood up to hug her father’s neck. "You need to play…"

"Mac is going to give me my turn…." Niles hissed playfully watching the man’s smile grow.

"Hey Mac! Give Uncle Niles his turn!" Sam reached out taking the helmet from Mac’s head!

"Hey boy, whose side are you on?" Mac glanced at the laughing boy.

"He’s on the side that keeps you both from killing one another." Justin smirked and winked towards a laughing Emily.

"Play… Nice!" Claudia managed to spit out.

"I’m playing nice. Your uncle doesn’t know how to share!" Niles put on his best pouting face.

"Alright you big baby!" Mac groaned shaking his head.

"My daddy isn’t a baby! He’s daddy!" Morgan laughed as Niles started the video game. "Daddy…." Morgan whispered in her father’s ear.

"Yes sweetheart?" Niles felt his heart pound as he started to relax at last.

"Does it get betta than this?" Morgan laughed as Niles smiled back looking into her blue eyes.

"No." Niles tickled her chin as Morgan walked over to join her sisters next to her watching cousin.

"Are ya going to tell him?" Morgan whispered to Sam.

"Quiet Morgan!" Sam blushed watching Mac. "Not yet."

"Ya should." Justin eyed his step brother with a huge grin. "I don’t care what Jas thinks."

"Sissy’s right." Sam watched Mac and let out a sigh. "We should wait for him and mama to fall in love."

"They already make the same eyes at one another mama and daddy do." Morgan giggled.

Niles jumped up beating Mac’s high score. "Beat that Forest!" Niles tossed up his fist in the air for victory.

"Which one of us scrubs Maxwell’s towels?" Mac let out a grumble as another burst of thunder shook the house.

Morgan felt her heart pound and stood up. "Mommy?" She glanced around the room looking for C.C. "Daddy?"

"What’s wrong sweetheart?" Niles froze for a moment. He blinked as the power went out causing all three little girls to let out a yelp of terror.

C.C. let out a happy sigh as she saddled Soulfire. She had noticed D.D.’s annoyed expression as she chose the stallion. "Race?" She turned towards a grumbling D.D. as another thunder strike hit the stables.

D.D. jumped up on Mac’s favorite horse letting out a hiss. "You remember where fence is? I’m sure Mac gave you the grand tour."

C.C. let out a groan recalling the rather long tour of the property. "You and he own a few hundred acres." She felt herself starting to regret her pushing D.D. into this.

"Chicken?" D.D. smirked as C.C. let out a chuckle.

"You remember that time we took the horses out at Gram’s during the snow storm?" C.C. felt the stable being shook by yet another thunder strike.

"She had a fit for weeks."

"Well come on!" C.C. tapped on Soulfire and D.D. took off after her younger sister into the pouring rain.

"Yeah..." D.D. looked out and felt her old recklessness take hold of her soul. "What the hell." She mumbled as the rain drops pounded her hat.

"Daddy?" Morgan turned around and looked towards a grumbling Mac and Niles. "Daddy!"

"They aren’t going to listen to you Morgan." Sam shook his head watching the elder men now playing table hockey. "They can go on like that for hours." He rolled his eyes watching Justin laugh.

"Mommy…." Morgan eyed Justin and Sam for a moment and both boys stopped.

"Yeah!" Claudia stood up off her chair putting the board game aside.

"Yeah... Where is D.D.?" Justin turned towards a frowning Sam.

"They where here only an hour ago." Sam looked outside and then back towards Justin. "Weren’t they?"

"Mommy was growling at Aunt D.D…." Morgan felt her lip starting to tremble. "We better go find them!"

"Wait! Let’s go bug Jasmine!" Sam turned around leading the children outside the play room as Niles let out a roar pulling ahead of Mac for the first time.

Jasmine was in a room with twenty text books spread out all over her bed. She watched as the door opened up and then shut again. "Okay you little rug rats, what do you need?" She sighed closing a few books that might upset the younger children.

"Mommy!" Morgan ran up jumping on Jasmine’s bed.

"Mommy?" Jas turned her head towards a grumbling Sam and Justin. "What’s wrong?"

"We haven’t seen them."

"What do you mean you haven’t seen them?" Jasmine stood up looking at the storm outside. "Did you check all ten rooms?"

"Twice!" Claudia let out a roar. "Mommy!?"

Jasmine turned around looking outside again and towards the stables. "They won’t…." She mumbled and remembered they indeed would. "Where are Mac and Uncle Niles?"

"Play room… What’s wrong?" Justin blinked as Jasmine pushed the children aside.

"Mac! NILES!" Jasmine felt her stomach tighten recalling the stories Gram used to tell of her mother and aunt’s stunts. "MAC! NILES?"

"OY! Woman!" Niles grumbled coming out of the play room. "I was two points ahead!"

"Game called! You loose!" Mac stuck out his tongue for a moment and then noticed Jasmine’s pale face. "Jas?"

"Have you seen mom or aunt C.C.?" She watched as Niles and Mac’s faces twisted in pain.

"No…" Niles groaned looking around. "They were here a…"

"An hour ago?" Mac blinked looking at a clock. "Dammit did you check the other rooms?"

"The kids did." Jasmine felt Morgan and Casey’s arms around her legs. "I think…."

Niles followed Jasmine’s gaze towards the window and went pale. "They wouldn’t…"

"God…" Mac whispered loudly. "Lawrence! LAWRENCE!"

"Sir?" The man came out of a back room as Niles picked up his twin girls trying to quiet their whimpers. "What’s wrong?"

"The Babcock sisters are off being stupid…." Mac reached into the closet pulling out a rain coat. "Niles?"

Niles took a coat letting out a groan.

"Sir if I may…I don’t think it’s wise for you both to go out in the middle of that storm without me."

"Come on… Jasmine, stay here and if those two show up… Throttle them!" Mac tossed Niles a hat and a huge rain coat. "I hope you have experience ridding, butler."

"I’m better than you no doubt."

"Daddy... Don’t go too!" Morgan pulled on Niles’ arm.

"I’ll be back before you know it." He bowed touching the little girl’s arm. "Now be a good little hell cat and help Jasmine take care of your sisters."

Niles walked behind Mac and Lawrence into the stables. The wind started to howl as winds and rain pounded down on them. Mac grumbled noticing his best horse gone. "They took Soulfire…" Lawrence let out a grumble looking towards a pale Mac.

"You said that horse was on his last leg." Niles could picture C.C.’s smirk and recalled D.D.’s attachment to the stallion. "Dear… god…" Niles groaned as Lawrence handed him reins. "Please… C.C…. don’t cause too much damage."

C.C. felt the rain drops pound her face and the wind toss her hair back. She could feel her sister close behind her.

"Slow down!" D.D. called out as the thunder let out another loud boom.

"Come on old boy you can do it." C.C. whispered pulling ahead of her sister, but felt the horse buckle under her.

"C.C.!" D.D. called out as horse and rider went tumbling.

C.C. felt the hard earth and the mud hitting her noise. She couldn’t help but laugh as she felt D.D. pull her up swiftly. "ARE YOU CRAZY?" D.D. stood her mud stained sister up and went over towards the downed stallion.

"You took my life!" C.C. couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. C.C. ran full force towards her elder sister ramming her into the earth as the rain pounded down on them yet again. C.C. felt her sister’s hands reach out to push her little sister away. "Lucas should have had his father, and YOU STOLE HIM!" C.C. managed to stand on her feet again D.D. let out a small cough.

"I didn’t mean….I didn’t want…" D.D. turned as Soulfire let out another painful whimper trying to stand up. "Soul…."

"I don’t care about your damn HORSE!" C.C. tossed another lump of dirt letting out a hiss.

D.D. felt the mud hit her square in the face and stumbled forward. She leaned on C.C. for just a moment. "I didn’t mean… to hurt you…"

"You did…" C.C. whimpered breaking down in her sister’s arms. "I want to know why you became a bigger whore than our mother."

"C.C…." D.D. turned away trying to figure out where they were. The rain hit her back like thousands of heavy hammers.

"I WANT TO KNOW WHY! FACE ME LIKE THE DAMN BABCOCK YOU ARE!" C.C.’s mind flashed back to the image of Niles’ face telling her the summer never happened. The face of Lucas questioning over and over again about his father.

D.D. whimpered something closing her eyes.

"What? WHAT did you say…?" C.C. blinked hearing her sister’s whimper.

"I’m …not a Babcock… neither are you…." D.D. let out another whimper of pain as she faced her glaring sister. She felt a weight of decades being removed from her shoulders. "I… I... Acted like…… Mother wouldn‘t tell me who! I took ever lover she had for a time…" She searched and felt her sister’s body against hers again.

C.C. felt the pounding echo in her ears and she reached out grabbing hair as the thunder echoed. .. The horses painful cry. She blinked as the earth gave way out from under D.D.’s feet. C.C. reached out with her leg wrapping a branch around it. She blinked noticing the mud slide forming around them. "Hold on…" The pain and anger left her voice but this fight was far from over.

"I didn’t mean to ever hurt you… Chastity…" D.D. put tenderness in her voice as her eyes blurred with tears and the huge raindrops hit her face. "I meant to destroy myself…not you..." D.D. slowly released her grip from C.C.’s hand.

"Dammit! I’m not done with you." C.C. felt her sister let go of her grip and let out a cry. "DIANE!"

D.D. managed to free herself from C.C.’s grasp. She quickly felt the full force of the mud slide carrying her away. D.D. had often wondered when she would pay the price for causing undo harm to her little sister. She had pictured C.C. twisting the knife in her back several times, but nothing had prepared her for this as the earth seemed to swallow her up. Diane Dean Babcock Ames Forest gave into the wave of earth and mud exacting it’s price on her body.

C.C. closed her eyes for just a moment regretting her act. She looked down feeling a wave of mud hit her at full force. She had often heard of mudslides but found this one strangely freakish. She then felt something pulling on the branch that held her leg in place. She blinked tearing her eyes from the darkness that had swallowed up her elder sister to looking into the old stallion’s eyes. C.C. felt her lungs starting to fill up as the horse pulled letting out a weak whimper of pain.

"God DAMMIT!" Mac called out as the rain lightened up. "Where the hell are they?" they had been out for two hours searching.

Niles closed his eyes trying to control his panic. "Hear... Me… C.C." He mumbled closing his eyes again trying to feel his way towards his soul mate. Niles found himself being pulled towards something. A quick lighting flash and he saw a rider less horse. "MAC!"

"Dear God… Soulfire!" Mac and Niles moved quickly and noticed the stallion had been protecting something.

"Caca!" Niles let out a yelp of pain seeing her covered with mud and hardly moving.

"Lawrence, help Niles get C.C. to the house, and call for help." Mac narrowed his eyes feeling the wind pick up again.

Niles blinked reaching to see if she was still breathing. He let out a small sigh of thanks to find her still alive. He looked up into the man’s eyes. "You can’t go out alone."

"Do as I say Lawrence… Niles! GO…" Mac walked over jumping on Soulfire’s back letting out a growl in the horse’s ear. The stallion’s ears moved as if he was annoyed with what ever Mac had whispered and moved quickly.

"He’s going to get himself killed!" Niles felt his heart twist and turn. He knew C.C. needed help, but should he leave Mac behind?

"Sir…" Lawrence pointed down at C.C.’s leg. The brown earth had a small hint of color. Niles let out a gasp noticing the blood. "I suggest we do as Mister Forest ordered." Lawrence carefully took the unmoving C.C. from Niles’ arms. He watched as Niles climbed up on the horse and handed him C.C.

"Hold on … Babcock…" Niles whispered in her ear. "Just hold on."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

It was strange, in the middle of the darkness C.C. felt surrounded by an odd warmth that started to take shape. She blinked again to find herself seated at a bar. The stool seemed to be fitted just for her. "Care to by me a drink?" A blonde headed man sat down next to her. He couldn’t have been any older than nineteen, but his eyes flashed an ageless wisdom. "Come on! You can afford it!" He pushed on her playfully.

A woman rose up from across the room letting out a sigh. She was his match in every way. Her long golden hair came down well passed her shoulders. She was beyond beautiful…She was the very picture of a Greek goddess." She just got here! It’s going to take her a moment. Just wait until her sister joins us….. Idiots!"

C.C. turned towards someone laughing. "Lucas?" She stood up seeing her son’s image for the first time. He reached her hugging her body against his tightly.

He came across shaking his finger. "I know why I’m here… but what the hell are you doing here mother?"

"I…" C.C. closed her eyes for just a moment. "Wait a moment are we dead?"

"You can’t learn anything if your dead!" The woman let out a laugh as D.D. appeared on another bar stool. The woman rolled her eyes glancing from C.C. and then back to D.D. "Of all the stupid stunts you two pulled while I was alive... You had to top yourself after I left the earth."

D.D. narrowed her eyes trying to figure out what was going on. One moment she had felt strong arms pick her up and the next. "Chastity? Are we…"

"Nope..." Lucas smiled hugging his aunt’s neck. "Welcome to the strange party... Can you guess who our host is?" Lucas had figured it out from the moment he had arrived. He winked towards the woman now serving them drinks. He had seen a picture of them both in Nick and Tish’s condo. The black and white picture didn’t do the Morgan twins any justice.

"Do you mind if I handle this?" Gram looked towards her brother who smiled.

C.C. and D.D.’s jaw both hit the floor looking at the woman. C.C.’s mind started to flash back to the countless number of times Gram would punish her. "Gram?" C.C. and D.D. both called out at the same time.

"Idiots!" She hissed and glared at C.C. "You would risk everything you have now… Just to settle a score with your sister?"

C.C. started to open her mouth but noticed Gram’s glare.

"AND you! You’re a bigger idiot because you walked right into it." Gram poked her finger into D.D.’s shoulder. "Do you think I cared who your father is? DO you think it mattered to me? You need to wake up young lady! You need to notice that you have the world at your feet and a man who is in LOVE with you! Tell him Diane! Don’t spoil all my hard work!"

"Dead for years and you’ll still shape events." Lucas let out a chuckle and Gram winked towards him.

"Tate has a reason for being here! You two…" Gram was about to start in on them both again until the man behind them let out a cough. "I didn’t ask you to chime in did I?"

"Let me tell you three the story of how Lucy ruined her knee!" The man opened his mouth again but stopped himself. "It was… sometime after my death?"

Gram groaned shaking her head. "You’re not helping brother dear…"

"I know…" He smiled walking up towards C.C. "You really don’t belong here…" He kissed each of her hands.

"Is what Diane said true…? Is Stuart Babcock my father or not?" She felt her lower lip starting to tremble. She watched as Lucas Morgan broke out into a huge smile.

"What does it really matter Chastity? You are still who you are… You just take this new information and merge it with the old information." Lucas tilted his head up. "Your sister had to find out at an early age… Now I’m not saying that gives her good reason for acting like an ass back then, but…" Lucas smile touching her cheek. "You can start to understand it."

"I wasn’t …" D.D. was about to defend herself but received a quick tap on the shoulder from Gram. "Do you always have to hit someone?"

"Yes... She does." Lucas Morgan let out a laugh and looked towards his name sake. "You did name him well!"

C.C. watched for a moment looking from her son back to Gram’s twin brother. "Yeah…." Her mind started to twist and turn watching them.

"Time for you to wake up…." Gram poked on C.C.’s arm.

"Lucas? D.D.?" C.C. reached out for her sister and son only to have them both fade.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles shifted upright when he heard her mumbling. The soft beeping of monitors echoed in his ears as he noticed C.C. trying to pull of her oxygen mask. "Stay still…" He waved her hands off the mask letting out a sigh and placed a hand on her forehead. "Thank God!" He mumbled quietly as he felt her fever starting to break. "Are you trying to give me another heart attack?"

"D.D.? Lucas?" She mumbled again under the mask.

"No questions! Not yet." Niles touched her cheek letting out a sigh. "If you ever do something so stupid again…" He closed his eyes feeling her hand on his cheek. "How many times do I have to tell you…? London was my fault."

C.C. closed her eyes again nodding. "Niles….Hellcats??"

"The girls are with Fran and Mister Sheffield." Niles let out a sigh. "Sleep love." He kissed her hand as C.C. closed her eyes for some healing sleep. Niles walked out into the hall way to face Stuart Babcock and Nick Morgan. "She came out of it."

"Thank God… What the hell were those two thinking?" Stuart shook his head.

Niles closed his eyes as Nick pressed a cup of coffee in his hand. "When is the last time you slept Niles?"

"Two days ago." Niles leaned against the wall letting out a huge sigh. "D.D.?"

"No change." Stuart rubbed his face. "If she doesn’t wake up soon…" Stuart felt his throat tighten.

"Why don’t you go sleep for just a few hours? We can handle things from here." Nick pushed Niles towards the waiting room and he let out a huge sigh.

"You should still be in New York." Stuart glared at his cousin.

"Tish and Rachael forced me out the door." Nick smirked sitting back down in the hallway. "Are you still upset Mac won’t let you near D.D.?"

"I blame you for all this…. Morgan…" Stuart’s left hand balled into a fist.

Nick narrowed his eyes watching Stuart Babcock. "Go on…"

"If you had just stayed mother’s lap dog and left well enough alone." Stuart shifted and watched as a doctor passed by in the hallway.

Nick watched as his cousin shifted. "I was hardly ‘her’ lap dog." Nick realized what was really bothering Stuart.

Stuart’s face twisted in pain as he was about to say something back but he quickly noticed Jasmine standing in the hallway eyeing Nick and then glancing towards Stuart. "You two do realize you’re in a hospital?"

"Yeah…" Stuart stood up. "Follow me cousin." He waved Nick towards the door as they both made their way into the parking lot.

"Stuart this isn’t…" Nick blinked as a jam was tossed his way. They where both old man facing a rather old grudge. One time during their youth they might have been able to kill one another with such blows.

Stuart hated to admit it. That first blow against Nick’s stomach felt good. "Come on!" He waved his cousin upright. "I’m not done with you yet."

"I’m done." Nick managed to dodge the next blow.

"HOLD ON HERE!" Mac came into the parking lot led by Jasmine. "I WANT A PIECE OF THIS!"

Stuart watched as the man stood in front of him. "What the hell do you think your doing, Forest?"

"Come on!" Mac raised his fists and turned towards Nick. "I haven’t had a good fight since Butler and I got into it. Come on!"

Nick couldn’t hide his growing smile and let out a soft laugh. "Now I see why Gram liked you."

"Come on Stuart! You know you’ve been wanting to hit me!" Mac waved his hand towards his father in-law. "You said I tricked your daughter into a loveless marriage so COME ON!"

Stuart let out a sigh looking back towards the hospital. "This isn’t over cousin."

"It never is." Nick shook his head as he and Mac watched Stuart walk back indoors. "Thanks for that."

Mac let out a grumble. "I am starting to think calling B.B. would have been less trouble. Is Tish the only person who keeps him from killing you?"

"So my wife keeps telling me." Nick let out a moan of pain grabbing his side. "Is she…?"

"No… she’s not awake yet." Mac reached out leading Nicholas Morgan towards the door.

"Grandpa?" Jas took Stuart’s arm.

"I started this whole mess…" Stuart mumbled shaking his head. "Can you see if Mac might let me near your mother?"

"I’ll see what I can do." Jasmine looked up into his sad eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Jet lag." He frowned and let out a sigh.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

C.C. blinked letting out a groan, reaching out to pull the mask off her face. "I would keep that mask on there young lady." Nick leaned up smiling. "You’re still not out of the woods yet."

"You shouldn’t…." C.C. let out a cough before finishing her sentence.

"Be here?" Nick watched as C.C. let out another hacking cough. "Tish kicked me out the door when Lawrence called us." He shifted so he was closer to her bed. "Rach and Tish nearly came themselves."

"Lucas?" C.C. blinked and felt Nick touch her hand.

"He’ll be home soon enough, and he’ll have a few choice words for you and Diane." Nick watched as C.C.’s eyes started to close once more. "Sleep… please…"

Nick stood up, walking outside the room and letting out a deep sigh. He blinked as he felt his cell phone shake in his pocket. He blushed as a nurse glared at him for answering it. "Hello?"

"How are they?" His wife’s voice was music to his ears.

"Chastity woke up, but… Diane hasn’t yet…" Nick felt his own voice tremble and the weight of many years came crushing down around his shoulders. "What if she really has done it this time? What if D.D. has at last given in to her self destructive nature?"

"You can’t blame yourself."

"Can’t I?" Nick glanced around. "I’m not the saint in this mess…It took Lucy months to forgive me when I finally told her."

"Nick…" Tish had to fight her urge to jump on the nearest plane and run to her husband. "Rach and Lucy are begging to come… We can’t do anything expect wait for the phone call, and the government has Rach’s cell phone number. Would you like us to come?"

Nick could feel Gram’s cane hitting his head about now and rubbed the missing bump. "Yes…"

"I’ll call now. They’ll be alright."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"How is she?" Niles stood next to Jasmine was glancing at her mother’s chart. "Any change?"

"No…" She chewed on her lower lip putting aside the file. "Aunt CC?"

"I’m going to check on her now." Niles rubbed his ear after having called Morgan. He had received an ear full from the little girl demanding to see her ‘mummy’ now! He felt the pain in his lower back after having slept in chairs all night. "Morgan is..."

"Demanding to see her mommy?" Jasmine let out a sigh. "Sam wants to see mom too, but… Mac doesn’t think it’s a good idea for either him or Justin to come up yet." Jasmine’s head turned noticing something. She turned her uncle around. "Tish?"

"Rach!" Niles raced out hugging his daughter in-law and granddaughter. "What are you doing here? Nick came alone?" He then reached out after Jasmine was done hugging Tish’s neck to kiss her hand.

"Hellcats roar!" Lucy’s face twisted in a mean expression. "Let Morgan see Gram!"

"I’m sorry…" Rach let out a sigh. "We stopped by the house first."

Niles picked up the little girl in his arms. "Now..now…."

"Please?"

Niles felt his lower lip tremble noticing Lucy’s pouting look. "We’ll talk about this later." He hugged the girl’s neck letting out a soft sigh.

"I guess no one has called BB yet?" Tish glanced around the waiting room.

"How can you tell?" Jas glanced around.

"She would have been in here demanding her ‘rights’ as a parent." Tish let out a soft giggle touching Jasmine’s face. "You both look so tired."

"What the heck happened?" Rach let out a sad sigh. "I know I’ve heard stories on how wild C.C. and D.D. could be but I had no idea it would go this far!"

"It’s been a rather long night." Niles groaned. "Come on and we will try our best to explain." Niles sat down and told the story of how C.C. and D.D. both left the house during a thunderstorm. He then watched as Jasmine commented on something C.C. mumbled when they had managed to bring her back to the house.

"Not a Babcock?" Jasmine frowned eyeing her uncle. "I’m sorry... I didn’t have time to tell you that before."

Niles had prided himself on being able to study people’s reactions. He watched and noticed something in Tish’s expression. She wasn’t… surprised by this statement. "When C.C.’s stronger … I’m sure she’ll explain." Tish smiled and glanced towards Niles.

"I’m sure…" Niles rubbed his cheek. "Come on…" He reached out touching Rach’s hand. "I’ll take you to see her."

C.C. was slow to open her eyes this morning but felt the mask now gone. "Niles?" She blinked and saw the young woman before her. "Rach? LUCAS?" She let out sitting up.

"No... No... No word yet…" Niles reached out with Rachael guiding C.C. back down on the bed.

"How do you feel?" Rachael took C.C.’s free hand.

"Like a truck hit me…" C.C. mumbled closing her eyes again.

"Darling… Love…" Niles felt the question hover in his mind. "What did you mean when you told Jas… ‘Not a Babcock?’"

C.C. closed her eyes trying to drive Niles’ words from her ears.

"I’m …not a Babcock…neither are you…." D.D.’s words rang out in her skull and she felt the full power of it’s impact. She let out a sob that soon became a hurricane of emotions.

Niles held onto his sobbing wife and glanced at Rach. He had never seen C.C. break this easily… except one time… He watched as Rachael reached into her pocket pulling out her cell phone. Rach reached over with it finding C.C.’s ear.

"Mother….." Lucas’s voice was soft, but cut past her defensives as C.C. was able to snap out of her own pain.

"Tate???" She sat up with renewed strength and glanced at a worried Niles.

"Don’t fall apart on me before I get home." Lucas mumbled his own words being slurred by painkillers. "Rach… please…" C.C. quickly passed the phone back to her daughter in-law.

"He’s alive… see…" Niles whispered touching her cheek. "He’s coming home…" Niles made a mental note to make sure he asked Stuart to pull what ever strings he could to have Lucas moved here once he hit the states.

"Niles…" C.C. was now unable to talk, her cheeks still damp with tears. "D.D….?"

"Shhhh." Niles settled her back down in the bed covering her up once more. "Now… you sleep…" He pointed towards her and watched as C.C. was able to give in to the healing sleep. He watched as Rachael hugged the wall outside while on the cell phone. Her Seeing Eye dog supporting her as she paced.

Stuart walked up beside Niles. "I thought they were staying in New York?"

"Tish brought them…. They found him…" Niles smiled feeling his own tears hit his cheeks. "They found him."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mac held his head close to hear D.D.’s beating heart. He had allowed Stuart a few moments alone with her but quickly kicked him out when the news of Lucas was delivered by Jasmine.

"She’s resting!" Mac blinked and looked into the Samuel Babcock’s eyes. "She’ll remember... She’ll come back!"

"What are you doing in here Sam?" He left his wife’s side for just a moment.

"You really love her don’t you?" Sam glanced upward into the man’s eyes. "Tell me you do!"

Mac let out a mumble kneeling down. "Sam... I…"

"Mom once told me that love could heal any wound if you believe hard enough and long enough it could happen." He reached out touching the man’s chin. "You love her don’t you?"

"I…." Mac felt his heart stop for just a moment turning back towards the bed and glancing into the boy’s eyes.

"Tell her!" He pointed towards the bed. "Demand she wake up!" He growled and watched as Mac returned to D.D.’s side. "Sam?" He turned once more to find the young boy gone.

Jasmine shook her head as her little brother came out of the room. "How was it?"

"Good… Thanks sis! Can you sneak Justin in later?"

"I’ll see what I can do." Jasmine winked and let out a sigh. "Come on… wake up!"

Stuart pulled on Niles’ arm. "It’s all been taken care of! It took some twisting and turning, but he’s being brought here after his short stay in Germany." He smiled as Niles nodded his approval.

"Thank you, Stuart…" He let out a sigh.

"Kitten won’t look at me... What the hell happened between her and D.D.?" Stuart grumbled shaking his head.

"That’s a good question." Niles shook his head remembering C.C.’s earlier break down. "Why don’t you tell me something then?"

"What?" Stuart narrowed his eyes.

"What did C.C. mean when she mumbled. ‘Not a Babcock’?" Niles waited and watched Stuart’s face grow slightly pale.

"I have no idea."

"I think you do, Sir…" Niles felt his hands ball into fists. "When I brought the comment up to C.C. again she nearly had a break down in my arms until Lucas called."

"Then I would thank God for the boy’s timing." Stuart glanced down at his watch letting out a sigh. "I’ll be right back."

"Escaping are we?" Niles was more than annoyed. Something had cause D.D. and C.C. to explode on a grand scale and he wanted answers.

"NO…" Stuart rushed off as Niles felt his stomach twist.

"Babcocks…" He groaned reaching for his cell phone. "Hello?"

"You better tell me the reasons why mother and aunt D.D. are in the hospital." Lucas’s voice sounded clear and he was making a snarling noise that C.C. would use on the phone to an actor.

"That’s the question of the hour." Niles shook his head. "Your mother still blames your aunt for London."

"And?"

"And what?" Niles watched as Samuel Babcock walked passed him.

"You have that tone in your voice that there is more to this tale than just London." Lucas shifted in his bed.

"I think Gram once told me… When dealing with your mother, your are dealing with a whole host of other issues. I think the same could be said of your aunt, but I’m starting to get the feeling only a select few know what is really going on."

"Care to fill me in then?" Lucas waited as Niles repeated the words C.C. had mumbled when Jasmine was attending her. He also commented on Tish and Stuart’s reaction to the words. "Great…. Trouble is brewing and I’m not even in town yet."

"Rest up lad... I’m going to need reinforcements." Niles leaned against the wall letting out a sigh. "I have to go check on the hell cats… "

"Give my love to Rach and Lucy… Dad… She’ll be alright."

"We’ll make sure of it." Niles hung up the phone stuffing it back inside his pocket. He opened the door to her hospital room letting out a soft sigh. "Love?"

C.C. opened her eyes for just a moment. "Niless…."

"Shhh ... I’m going to check on the girls... You rest and we’ll talk later." He placed a small kiss on her forehead. "I love you."

"Love you more…. Bell Boy…" She mumbled and closed her eyes again.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mac stood up glancing into her pale face feeling his stomach twist. "I can’t do it…" He grumbled remembering Sam’s words. He reached out for her cold hand and did his best to try and force life back into it, but nothing happened. Mac started to hum to himself trying to fight his urge to break down. He closed his eyes as a memory entered his mind.

"I’m not crying over some damn horse movie!" D.D. sniffled as all four of them watched Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. "Stop glaring at me, Forest."

"Babcocks do have hearts after all!" He let out a laugh pointing with Justin. "You see? Nothing like a horse to make a Babcock cry."

"It’s not the damn horse… It’s his feeling of loss…" D.D.’s lip started to tremble.

"Mommy always responds to this song." Sam winked towards Mac. "Jasmine used to play it every once in a while and mama would come running!"

Mac let out a groan opening his eyes. "Damn you woman…."

Quiet beeps filled the room as D.D.’s only response.

Mac mumbled and looked around to make sure they were both alone. "Sound bugle now... Play it just for me. As the seasons change- Remember how I used to be…" Mac glanced down as he felt her hand twitch for the first time in days. "Now I can’t go on-I can’t even start… I’ve got nothing left just an empty heart…. I’m a soldier... Wounded so I must give up the fight... There’s nothing more for me- lead me away or leave me lying here." Mac waited hoping for another feel of movement... "Then from on high... Somewhere in the distance... There’s a voice that calls… remember who you are! If you lose yourself… your courage soon will follow… So be strong tonight… remember who you are!" Mac buried his face on the bedside feeling the pain of the past few days drain from him. He hadn’t cried out since the death of his second wife.

"Mac?" D.D.’s voice was soft and muffled because of the oxygen mask.

Mac lifted up his face wiping away his tears. "Diane… You scared the crap out of me." He touched her face and watched as she closed her eyes.

"Head hurts so bad…" She blinked and started to cough.

"Shhh…." He let out a sigh.

"C.C.?"

"She’s fine… What happened Diane?"

"A mess." D.D. closed her eyes once more, and let out a soft sigh. "Love you…" D.D. mumbled as she reached out holding his hand even tighter.

Mac blinked watching her fall asleep. "Did I just win?" He mumbled teasingly to himself.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Chastity." C.C. blinked her eyes open hearing his soft smoothening voice.

"Noel!" She reached letting out a whimper of joy. His hair had gone completely grey over the past two years. C.C. had no doubt it was from trying to keep up with a much younger wife, and a toddler in his house. She reached up touching his hair and he let out a chuckle.

"You aren’t going to start teasing me about that are you?"

"Maybe later." C.C. smiled and felt her brother move even closer. She closed her eyes again feeling the warmth of his hug. In this world she only felt safe in two places… Noel’s arms, and Niles’ arms. "You shouldn’t hide yourself."

"It’s the only way I can out run mother." Noel let out a chuckle.

"Next time give me tips on how you do that. She stops by every once in a while ever since the twins were born." She smiled and watched as Noel sat back down.

"C.C….. What happened? D.D. won’t tell me anything." He held onto her hand for dear life hoping to get something out of his little sister. He watch as C.C. turned her face away. "One of you needs to start talking. D.D. has always managed to pull away from me but not you too… what’s going on?" He reached out wiping at her cheeks.

"I don’t know who I am anymore…." It was the only thing C.C. managed to spit out before the flood of tears over took her.

Noel walked out of the room sometime later looking into the faces of his brothers in-law. "She won’t tell me anything." Noel watched as Mac and Niles exchanged looks. "I know… I know..." Noel raised his hands. "They nearly both killed one another."

"Well to be honest… C.C. nearly got THEM killed." Mac smirked watching Niles let out a groan.

"Lucas will be coming home in a few days... My folks are in Germany watching over him as he recovers." Niles walked as Noel headed towards the empty waiting room to sit down. "There has got to be some way to reach them."

"D.D. has been a closed book to me since Mother and Daddy sent her off to France."

"Diane called it exile." Mac shook his head. "Babcocks... I will never understand you."

"Did she really say that?" Noel eyed Niles again. "Did Jasmine really hear C.C. say that?"

"Jasmine wouldn’t make that up." Niles sat down wiping his forehead. "Maybe I should call Bort?"

"I doubt that shrink could help anyone now. This goes deeper than anyone knows." Mac let out a mumble looking up towards the ceiling.

"What’s wrong with you?" Niles pulled on Mac’s arm.

"I won! It doesn’t feel as good as I thought it would." Mac stuck his hands inside his pockets. "Diane is acting like a wounded puppy, and I hate that look! I want my…" Mac tapped his foot searching for the right words. "I want my hellcat back."

Niles tapped his foot as he tried to pull his own thoughts together. "What caused B.B. and Stuart to send you all away again?"

"We attacked mother with a water hose." Noel broke out into a small laugh.

"Why?" Niles rubbed his hands together, and Mac watched him for a moment.

"It’s mother, do we need a reason?" Noel let out another small laugh but noticed Mac’s eyes glancing at Niles.

"D.D. came up with the idea." Mac rubbed his chin.

"Seems awfully harsh to send a girl across the ocean for a water fight." Niles could picture the countless number of times Brighton Sheffield had teased his father. Maxwell would always threaten to send him away.

"Noel… Do you remember what D.D. said that day…Can you remember it?"

"To hide the truth is like trying to bury water. Mommy will find this funny!" Noel opened his eyes recalling his sister’s words.

Niles glanced at Mac then at Noel. "Not a Babcock…."

"C.C. and D.D. have tied their fates into BEING Babcocks…. What if…" Mac felt his gut turn. "UGH! Your family!" He pointed down towards a grumbling Noel.

"Lucy Babcock made it a habit of knowing everything that went on in her family…" Niles rubbed his chin. "Why don’t we go to the keeper of all her secrets."

"I doubt Nick would betray Gram’s trust even today." Noel let out a sigh. "I would try Chastity and Diane first." Noel turned to glance at Niles. "Would you tell everything Maxwell had done even after he died?"

"No… not easily, but then again how well do you know me?" Niles smiled causing Noel to chuckle.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"Let me do it again!" Morgan reached out touching her mother’s lips with the paint brush. She brushed back her mother’s hair letting out a happy giggle of delight as C.C. presented her lips for Morgan to brush.

"Silly!" Claudia called out and leaned over whispering softly to her twin.

Niles watched them for just a moment seated in the chair. The three little girls laughed and giggled at the funny faces C.C. put on as they all pretended to put on her make up. He blinked as someone opened the door smiling. "Girls?" Tish Morgan smiled holding Lucy’s hand. "Would you like to go to McDonalds with us?"

"Yeah!" They all reached out kissing C.C.’s cheek, and rushed outside.

"I’ll call when we get back." Tish laughed and Niles glanced out the doorway to see Nick holding onto Sam, and talking to Justin.

Niles sat back down watching his wife.

"Wha?" She blinked back at his gaze. "What did I do?"

"Lucas will be moved tomorrow… You’ll be out of here tomorrow… so we need to talk about it Claire." He waited for a long moment and noticed a change in her. "C.C…" He quickly reached out touching her chin. "Where is my hellcat? Where is the witch and her spells? Don’t fall apart on us… We need you… Tell me what I can do?" Niles remembered C.C. in the hospital and the lost look she had. He remembered it all to well, but this look was one of devastation.

"What am I?" She let out a whimper. "Diane told me… we aren’t Babcocks."

"You’re my wife... My natural foe… You’re … everything to me. Let me help you! Let me make up for all my past wrongs." He wiped away her tears. "Tell me sweetheart…" Niles sat still and watched as C.C.’s started to cry, but this time she told him what happened between her and D.D.

"What if it’s true?" C.C. pulled him even closer.

"Then you’ll face it because ... Remember no one messes with you!" Niles let out a sigh. "I can’t wait to get you home… "

"Niles…I have to know."

"Shhhhhhh… I will handle everything, and besides Lucas will be here soon enough." Niles displayed a silly grin trying his best to cheer her up. "This could be nothing."

C.C. tugged him even closer as her lips brushed against his. "Make love to me..."

Niles let out a gasp feeling the force of her need. "This is hardly the…." Niles blinked as C.C. pulled him into a heated kiss.

C.C. no longer cared to analyze what had transpired between her and D.D. She wanted to feel something other than loss. She felt him trying his best to stop, but held on tight as her hand pushed off his jacket. She figured they had an hour before the next nurse came in to check on her. She delighted at the feel of his bare chest against her lips as Niles now shifted on the bed.

Niles cursed himself for not being able to control himself here of all places. He felt her whole body cry out with feverish need to feel him inside her. He let out a soft moan trying to slow down the pace, but C.C. soon had his pants down around his knees.

C.C. closed her eyes as Niles joined with her. This she could understand. The whole world started to make sense when Niles would make love to her. Nothing else mattered but that need she had to be filled by him. She closed her eyes as Niles now became a more willing partner.

Niles let out a groan pulling off his pants and wrapping her legs around his waist. The bed was way too small but Niles had the right angle of attack as she kissed his lips with renewed hunger.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mac watched her sleep letting out a sigh. He was unsure how to start this conversation. "You know if you would stop sighing I could get some sleep." D.D. mumbled turning over to face Mac’s frown.

"Why…." Mac glared at her with unhappy eyes.

"Why what?" D.D. sat up. Her head was still pounding but she could now only see two of him. D.D. was sure in a few days only one Mac would remain.

"Why did you say it?" Mac moved to her bed sitting on the edge.

"Because…." D.D. did her best to turn away from him and Mac held her firm.

"Why…" He glanced at her. "Diane…."

"I do… love you… are you happy? You won, and I can’t stop myself from saying it." D.D. tried again to escape his grasp but Mac held on.

Mac felt a comment rise up in his throat and die. "Yes…and…..I love you too!"

D.D. opened her mouth but Mac kissed her lips softly, aware of her concussion. He would have preferred a deeper kiss but that would have to wait. She gave him a look of shock after he pulled away.

"If you ever try to die on me again… I’ll kill you myself."

"I don’t mount on your wall well." D.D. snickered recalling Mac’s countless number of hunting trophies.

"Diane… what happened… You always had such a haunted look behind those eyes, but now…" Mac touched her cheek and watched her tremble.

"I said something… I shouldn’t have."

"Like?" Mac relaxed still holding onto her.

"I … told the truth…. I’m not a real Babcock, and either is C.C…. that is the reason mother’s been holding my feet to the fire for years… I haven’t been able to do anything against her… "

"So... You let out all this…in one moment… One loud roar?" Mac shook his head. "Woman…"

"Help me…" D.D. glanced into his eyes letting out a whimper. "Please…"

"Just wait…" Mac leaned back still holding her tightly against his chest. "You rest, and I’ll see about getting you some answers."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Nick watched as all the children played on the playground. "You know the only thing that is missing is Thomas’s sons." He glanced at the glass and caught Sam smiling at him.

"I remember when Lucas was playing just a few years ago." Tish let out a sigh as her husband sat back down. "Are you alright?"

"You know Thomas is only a few hours away. When was the last time we saw our son and his children?" Nick reached out taking his wife’s hand. "I could use the time away, and Rachael is safe here with Niles."

"You don’t want to wait and see Lucas?" Tish let out a sharp gasp. "What’s wrong?"

Nick leaned back in the chair. Tish had never seen him look so old before. He was nearing his late sixties but now the grief of the past few years twinkled around his face. "Do you realize how stupid I’ve been?"

Tish let out a soft giggle shaking her head. "Somewhere I hear Lucy laughing."

"She would laugh." Nick glanced up towards the ceiling. "Nicholas I gave you your birth right, but you prefer to stay in the same place… You prefer just to be in the back ground! Embrace what you are lad! You’re a MORGAN! Take what is rightfully yours…Open your heart to those who need you! " Nick glanced back towards his wife. "She always had that annoying habit of being RIGHT!"

"What is it?" Tish touched his cheek. "Is it what I told you about C.C.?"

"Not a Babcock….." Nick let out a groan. "Which means… D.D. has known all along... Which means her rebellion was nothing more than my fault."

"Nick… It’s not your fault."

"Yes it is… I just need to see Thomas… I need to see our son, and remember I’m not Stuart... For once..." He ran his right hand in his gray hair and tugged on his business shirt.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles waved his finger towards C.C. "You’re an evil woman!" He grumbled tucking his shirt back inside his pants.

"So it wasn’t any good?" C.C. giggled and right on time a nurse came in.

"I feel soooo used…" Niles twisted his face into a playful pout, and the nurse gave him a glare handing C.C. some paper work to sign. "Your Johns weren’t treated this poorly in New York!"

"Niles!" C.C. groaned and waited as the nurse left. "Stop pouting you big baby!" She tossed her pillow towards him.

Niles caught the pillow in midair letting out a sigh. "Just wait until you come home tomorrow woman!" Niles stopped as the door opened. They both turned to see D.D. in her wheelchair being pushed by a smiling Mac.

"Can we come in?" Mac waited and watched the two sister’s glance at one another. Mac of course just pushed his way in leaving the room quiet. "Come on Niles I’ll buy you a cup of coffee!" Mac reached out grabbing his arm and jerking Niles out of the room.

Niles let out a groan being dragged into the hallway. "Are you INSANE FOREST?"

"Listen... They need one another." Mac pointed towards the room. "They have to work this out, and I figure since they are in a hospital at least here we can get the damage repaired quickly."

C.C. turned her head away from D.D. for just a moment, and then glanced back. "Are you alright?"

"Expect for a small crack on my skull… I’ll live." D.D. moved closer. "I didn’t mean too…"

"Neither did I… This isn’t over though!" She pointed towards D.D. "I’m still going to have your hide because of London."

"Can you find a less destructive way to do it next time?" D.D. let out a groan holding her head. "I am still seeing double."

"I thought... For a moment… I had gotten us both killed." C.C. let out a sigh. "How long… have you known?"

"Since I was fourteen." D.D. felt her lower lip tremble.

"Why didn’t you tell me? Of all people I had the right to know!" C.C. let out a sharp hiss. "We used to be tied together… was this the reason you pushed me away?"

"Chastity…" D.D. glanced down at her hands trying to force her eyes to focus.

"You… should have… told me." C.C. did her best to put a gentle tone in her voice. "It was not right for you to keep that information all to yourself."

"It wouldn’t have been right for me to take away Daddy’s kitten now would it?" D.D. glanced up into her sister’s eyes.

C.C. shook her head letting out a sigh. "What do hellcats do?" She mumbled the words of her daughters favor song. "They roar... Roar… roar…"

"What?" D.D. blinked and C.C. managed a small smile.

"You’re not off the hook, but I’m willing to put London aside for now!" She slid down the bed hugging her elder sister’s neck. "This doesn’t mean we are friends are anything."

"Course not..." D.D. snickered and leaned away smiling.

"First thing we do is get facts… Not rumors, but cold hard facts." C.C. let out a groan. "This could still be nothing…"

"It’s real baby sister."

"Only one way to find out, but I doubt daddy would help us outright."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Niles let out a sigh walking into the military hospital with Rachael on his arm. He had been expecting the worst after hearing the doctor’s report about Lucas. They gazed for a moment at his right leg encased in metal. "Hello strangers." Lucas turned and the scaring around his right eye was glaring and angry.

"Lucas!" Rachael moved quickly finding her husband’s neck. Niles blushed feeling like a third wheel without C.C. next to him. He was grateful that she was still ordered to stay in bed for the next few days. Noel was at her bedside watching her and the hellcats with Fran’s help.

"Woah!" Lucas reached out touching Rachael’s tummy. "Come on little guy! Just a few more months!" He laughed shaking it lightly.

"Little guy?" Niles raised an eyebrow and reached out for his son’s hand.

"A son... Yes…" Lucas blushed and noticed his father’s worried look. "They are nothing more than scars dad…" Niles reached out his hand pointing out one that went from his right eye down to his chin. "Happens when fuel hits your face."

"We heard what the doctors said." Rachael whispered quietly. "Months, maybe years to recover?"

"I’m lucky to still have my leg at all." Lucas leaned back. "Now tell me about mom and Aunt Diane."

"He’s back to fixing the world again." Rachael snickered as Niles pulled up a chair for her allowing her to sit close to Lucas.

"Just my small part of the world." Lucas displayed his boyish grin.

"They’ll wait for now."

"What about Mac and Aunt Diane? Is mom really holding up or is she just putting on a front?"

"Lucas! Can you stop plotting for a moment?!" Niles let out a groan rubbing his face. "Just a moment... I’m more concerned about you."

"All wounds heal." Lucas let out a sigh. "It might take time but all wounds heal. Now does Mac know about Sam? "

Niles let out a groan tossing up his hands. "I give up!"

"He is your son after all." Rachael let out a laugh watching Niles let out another groan. "After all the stories I’ve heard about you from Fran…. This shouldn’t surprise you that one of your children plots and schemes just like you."

"Morgan has already started ‘plotting’." Niles groaned and glanced at him again. "Rachael has found you both housing."

Lucas glanced back at his wife for a moment, then at his father. "She did … "

Rachael blushed looking into his eyes. "I did."

"What about your job?"

"The baby will be born in less than two months and you’re worried about my job?" Rachael let out a hiss pushing on Lucas’s shoulder.

"Well someone has to support us woman!"

"Well it’s a good thing someone has a rather large trust fund." Rachael let out a laugh.

"You know… if I’m not a Babcock what right do I have to that trust fund." Lucas let out a groan and eyed Niles. "You think that’s why D.D. kept her mouth shut all these years?"

"No… Your aunt and mother don’t really need the Babcock and Morgan trust fund." Niles let out a groan recalling how much money C.C. had pulled in with her t.v. shows last year. He could only guess how much D.D. would sell a necklace for.

"I think it’s time for a cult meeting!" Lucas sat up letting out a yelp of pain.

"Are you alright?" Niles reached out taking his free hand.

"Yeah… Uncle Noel’s in Town. Is S.J. in town?" Lucas glanced as Niles who shrugged.

"Wait a moment... Something is missing here…"

"Your mother?" Niles let out in a teasing voice but then glanced around the room. "Your grandfather will be here later on today, and I suspect Jasmine will be bringing Sam, Justin and the hellcats."

"Diane is still in the hospital for a few more days and your mother has to remain at home and in bed." Rachael added quickly, watching Lucas. "What’s wrong Luke?" He touched the side of his face.

"Nick and Tish?"

"They left for a few days to see their son." Niles shifted recalling Mac’s groan at not being able to question them.

Lucas glanced at the pair and then out the window. "Interesting… I know Thomas has a winery in the valley, but the fact they left before you could ask them about…"

Niles let out a grumble. "Mac said the same thing."

"They can’t be running away? They’ll be back!" Rachael sat up watching Lucas for a moment. "It doesn’t sound like them."

Lucas let out a gulp of air. "The past few years have been hard on them. After losing…"

"Two of their children? I have some idea of the feeling." Niles eyed Lucas who blushed for just a moment. "We will question them later." Niles reached out kissing Lucas’s forehead. "Thank God you’re still with us! I’ll give you two a moment." Niles walked outside letting out a deep sigh and looking up towards the heavens giving them a quiet thank you.

"What are you thinking?" Rachael played with his short hair.

"Can you try and find S.J. tonight?" He glanced up at his wife. "It’s time we have a meeting of the minds here. I think Gram’s letter to me is happening … here and now." Lucas let out a groan of pain and hissed. "Can you find that letter, Rachael?"

"I’ll see what I can do." She laughed at the statement causing Lucas to blush. He reached out carefully holding her body against his. His hand softly touching her growing belly.

"You see more than most people do…. What do you think?" Lucas leaned in whispering softly in her ear.

"I think unless we do something … Your mother and aunt are going to explode again."

"Then we’ve got work to do!" Lucas let out a chuckle as his lips teased her neck. "After I’m done teasing my wife, of course."

"Of course."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"You have that look on your face, dad. Mom keeps on looking at you like you’re going to explode any moment." Thomas Morgan let out a long huge sigh walking with his aging father. "I haven’t seen that look on your face in years." They walked the long row of grapes ripening on the vine. Nick let out a huge sigh. He would have loved to sit there forever and remain hidden among the grape vines.

"I have to talk to someone about this."

"Have you tried talking to mom?" Thomas smiled and watched as his four sons came racing by. "Dad?" He blinked noticing Nick’s expression.

"Do you remember when I told you about D.D. and C.C.?"

"You told us we couldn’t ask questions." Thomas let out a growl. "I remember mom agreeing to that."

"I didn’t want you boys to get the wrong idea about them." Nick rubbed his forehead for just a moment.

"Well did Jason tell you about the time Diane tired to jump him before B.B. sent them all away?" Thomas watched as his father’s face went completely white.

"Dear GOD!" Nick leaned over holding his stomach. "She didn’t... They didn’t?"

"No… they didn’t… In fact D.D. backed away from him fairly quickly." Thomas reached out helping his father up. "You know... Somewhere they know. I think it’s past time you talk to me about it."

"Your mother, B.B. and Stuart are the only people alive who know the whole story."

"Aunt Lucy knew?"

"Gram knew." Nick felt his mouth go dry for just a moment.

"Why don’t you tell me the story…? Come on, and I’ll show you the rest of the vines while you tell me about it."

Nick let out a groan starting in on his tale the best he could.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

"What do you mean your taking the lad and leaving?" Nick reached out trying to pull Tish to him. "Tish!"

He watched as Tish walked out of the servant’s quarters. He glanced at the cooks glaring at him, and the two butlers whot had been hired by John Babcock. "Go back to your rooms… all of you!" Nick hissed slamming the door to his small apartment.

"Wait ... Wait dad!" Thomas lifted up his hand. "EWWW!" He shivered and Nick managed his first soft laugh. "What were you thinking? Did you sleep with her that night?"

"No…The woman wouldn’t leave me alone and started showing up every night I went drinking."

"What did mom think when you told her about the affair?" Thomas stood still for just a moment as Nick let out a sad sigh.

"Your mother was less than pleased, but she had walked out the door with every intention of divorcing me. She is still dealing with our mistakes. I am still dealing with our mistakes."

"Dad… You have to tell them. You have to tell Diane and Chastity the truth."

"Tell them what? That I’m their father?" Nick stood still letting out a gasping breath. He had at last said the words aloud. Nick closed his eyes recalling the two times he had invaded the Babcock nursery to see his daughters. It was stolen moments that kept him going until he had won back Tish.

"See… That’s a start." Thomas managed a smile as Nick let out a groan.

"It’s not that easy."

"Course it is dad. All you have to do is say those three little words again." Thomas chuckled at Nick’s face. "Dad… They’ll accept it… They’ll love you... Hell, they already do... Jasmine and Lucas hover all over you!"

"I… can’t take them away from Stuart."

"You’re not taking them away from Stuart Babcock. He’ll just have to learn to share." Thomas laughed as Nick let out another sigh. "What?"

"For a moment you sounded like Lucy."

"Thank god... Because someone needs to talk some sense into you before all hellfire and chaos breaks loose."

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