Macaroni

Garret's eyes widened at Maggie's enthusiastic greeting. He'd forgotten how she'd been the first time he'd been here, but was quickly reminded as he was embraced in a most friendly hug. It sent a strange little warmth to his heart that somehow...he enjoyed. Maybe after all his fighting to get people to trust him, having Maggie's blind innocence was a relief. All he could do was give her a rather awkward half-hug in return with his free hand, though a slight smile did come to his lips. "Hey, Mags."

As he was released and Nate approached, he straightened, his smile fading quickly. He shifted restlessly, not even really sure himself why he’d come here or if he wanted to stay. “Um…” Glancing over his shoulder, he noted the light rain had started. “Guess coming in would be better than walking around in wet britches.” Only after saying it did he realize how ungrateful it sounded, and his expression changed. “I am a bit hungry,” he admitted. “I’ve just…been walking all day.”

Welcomed into the house, Garret felt as if he’d just been wrapped in a warm blanket. What caused it, he didn’t know. It was almost unsettling. Yet it was…nice.

Back at the table, Laura tried to get Brian to eat a little more, although he was much more interested in playing with his spoon than actually eating. At the same time, she made sure Maggie got what she wanted. Macaroni and cheese was a staple around here, so that’s what accompanied their baked chicken and broccoli. For some reason, Laura had fixed more than normal. It wasn’t like her to misjudge that much, but it seemed tonight it was a good thing they had extra.

Seeing Nate return with Garret, Laura knew without asking that Nate had invited him to stay and eat. It did make her a little leery, but as long as Nate was close, she was fine. She stood to go get another plate. “Garret, you can sit in the empty chair next to Nate.”

It was also next to Maggie. After setting his backpack in the corner, he took Laura’s cue to sit, but only after she’d returned and sat as well. He might not be at a fancy dress ball, but his training still ruled his actions. How often he’d been whacked upside the head for not being polite enough while learning to be a gentleman. His hat automatically came off and he hung it on the back of his chair before finally seating himself. So…this is what a family meal looked like? His eyes shifted to the side and he gave Maggie a wink, knowing full well she’d like it that he was sitting there.


As Beth came down the steps to join him, Justin couldn’t bring himself to look up at her. His emotions were threatening to spill over, and that was one thing he didn’t want to happen. Not now. Not when he was supposed to be strong. Not when Beth needed him. 

Standing to meet her embrace, he sighed deeply and held her tight. It was over. Her sister was gone. She had no more family. And it didn’t matter how many times she told him it wasn’t his fault – he wasn’t sure that the feeling of guilt would ever leave his heart. 

“The Agency is full of cruel, cruel people,” he responded quietly. “They live to torture. And I got involved. I got involved through the Elite. Otherwise…this wouldn’t have happened.” He swallowed hard. “I’m not giving up what I love. What I love is you…and I can’t stand to see you hurt any more.” 

He drew back, finally looking her in the eye. “I didn’t realize that I’d walked into the frontlines of the war. It was my mistake. And I won’t make it again.” 


Mick nodded, then motioned towards the house as he started to walk. “Yeah, we’re as set up as much as we can be. We’ve been left alone for so long that we don’t have a regular setup, but Con’s got a handle on things. It’s not looking good for Travis, but we figured out he’s not too far from here, so as soon as you get together on his plan of attack, I’m pretty sure he wants to go in without wasting any more time.” Stepping up on the porch, he opened the door for Xander and let him go inside first.

Con looked up from the table, hoping this was their contact, but remained standing over a map at the table, drawing out the route he wanted to take.

Mick caught sight of Rosetta nearby, and waved her over. “Hey…look who the cat dragged in.”