Aftermath

[Hayden]

"She offers because it's not a chore here for her. Kids don't like doing what they are told, but they like to be helpful." Hayden put Marta to work cutting up some cheese and vegetables. Nox looked like he needed something a little bit sooner rather than later. He could munch on those (as could the others) while he prepared food. He wasn't a great cook, but it was one of his charms. Hayden would much rather have had Nox cooking but the man needed to rest he still looked pale and like shit.

Chicken, root vegetables in a white wine sauce that had a few of his secret ingredients, not that it was really a secret but Hayden tried to keep it that way. Feeding an army wasn't something Hayden signed up for but it wasn't difficult if you had enough help. Unlike Marta Liam didn't ask, he just started helping. His first note of business was making Nox a cup of coffee. Hayden didn't offer the man a drink, he already knew his limits, two at most and even then it was sparingly done. And in his current state of no emotions drinking might not go so well -- except for that time honored tradition of not being his father. But Nox drank coffee like water. Hayden supposed with Nox's nightmares he might too. They had a lot to talk about at some point, but now wasn't the time.

Hayden knew as much as he could about Nox, but their new friend he knew nothing about other than that he was too much like Nox in every way and Atharim too, the tattoo slipped into view a few times as the man moved and pushed the sleeves of the robe around.

"So Ricky what brought you to Moscow from the dens of Mexico?"

[Nox]

Liam dotted on him and not because of the crush, though it was part of it. Nox knew the kid was just a general caretaker, his entire life he'd spent helping take care of those foster kids with Ashton and Liv. And now he was using those skills on him. Liam didn't seem the seductive type and wondered if it had been difficult for him. Or maybe he was just turning over a new leaf. Whatever the reason Nox let the younger man take care of him, he might not be of age yet, but he was damn fucking close and had seen more than any one person should have had to.

Hayden moved around his kitchen like he owned the place, he probably used it more than Nox had since he'd been here, but that wouldn't remain that way long.

Marta helped. And Hayden included her guardian into the conversation. Nox wondered where his brother had gotten to when a bunch of hands and arms circled his body from various positions as the younger kids all came up and gave him a tight hug and nearly toppled them all to the floor. "I'm fine. Liv healed me."

Jackson thumped Nox on the head with his index finger. "You can't be stupid and reckless. Who's gonna take care of us? The state?" There was an audible groan from the foster kids who had been through the system too many times before landing in the Blackthorn's home -- not that it had been great but it had been a home. And Nox understood the found family.

Nox nodded. "I'll try to be more careful." Nox promised. It seemed enough for Jackson, and the others all started their normal routines of helping around the house. Setting the table that was new. Plates and silverware and glass glasses. It was starting to look like a home.

[Enrique]

Marta got up and started following Hayden’s instructions. At his first comment he saw Marta lean against him. ”Be nice. Ricky was teasing. He never tells me to do anything - always asks.” her voice was light and teasing with humor. She really was a good kid.

Marta began to work with a practiced ease. She actually enjoyed cooking and Ricky had taught her what he knew. Hayden’s next question wasn’t surprising, but it was always one that was hard to answer. It wasn’t regret. Ricky didn’t regret his decision to come to Moscow, but the decision hadn’t been made for him. Usually he answered this question with a simple ‘he needed a change.’ It wasn’t really a lie, but it certainly wasn’t the whole truth either. He had needed a change, but Marta had needed that more.

Ricky knew Hayden knew Marta’s backstory, and Ricky had told Nox himself in Mexico, but he wasn’t sure if Nox remembered. Ricky felt no reason to hide the truth from these two, but the actual story made people think him a hero. Ricky really wasn’t one. He had just done what he thought best, but he wouldn’t tell it without permission. He also knew that sometimes she felt guilty about that. He looked at Marta who met his gaze. An unspoken conversation passed between them, and Marta gave him a nod.

”There were too many ghosts for her there,” Ricky said finally. ”But we both needed the change.” Marta gave him a smile. Her guilt on that front was gone.

[Marta]

Marta began cutting and gave the first few slices of cheese to Nox with a look that said that he needed to eat them right away. The man looked so pale and weak. Liam began to help too, and that didn’t surprise Marta. He had always done so. She teased Hayden a bit for her slight admonishing of Ricky. Ricky wasn’t perfect, but did his best and generally gave her the space she needed.

As if to accentuate that, Ricky looked to her before answering Hayden’s question. Marta had to admit that felt good. She knew she was the big reason why Ricky left Mexico, and she often felt guilty about that. But that was no longer the case. They had talked about it earlier and she didn’t feel guilt. Ricky had made a choice and the fact that it was because it had been better for her only made him more of a hero. Even if he would deny it. Marta nodded, giving him permission. Ricky could say as much or as little as he wanted.

The Blackthorn gang came up the stairs and ambushed Nox and Marta couldn’t help but shake her head in mock exasperation. Jackson was there, and for a moment her gaze went to him and she gave him a smile. They had decided to be friends, but her crush was still there. The group went to work with a practiced ease, preparing for dinner.

When Ricky finished she interjected. ”I’m glad we moved before I changed. I might not have made it if we hadn’t. I had a lot of uncontrollable anger back then - from the brothel…” Marta stopped chopping for a moment. She was okay, but took a moment to center herself. ”Im still angry about it…even if I am in control now.” Marta hadn’t felt the wolf rise up like it would have in the past. It still surprised her. She continued to work on the cheese and vegetables, her posture showing she was okay.