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It had been at busy night, but such was the work of a Host. The nightly moon was still high in the sky when Dream exited the building, almost subconsciously flipping his cellphone to check for any texts. As usual, his inbox was full, and as usual he deleted them all. What had started out as a way to get in contact with cuties ended up as a channel for a stream of bitching from one of his co-workers. ‘You stole my blah blah blah’ ‘ate my blah blah blah.’ Ugh, it was enough to make him want to toss the damn thing down a storm drain.

“Aww, are you leaving, Dream?”

He turned his head to see a few girls, one of which was a regular, walking away from the front entrance to greet him. In an instant his face was aglow with a bright smile, his back a little straighter in the dark pin stripe suit he work and his tails perkier than ever. “Forgive me, Sunshine, my shift’s over, but I hope you’ll come back tomorrow night. I missed seeing you.”

The regular giggled and looked back at her friends, then started blabbing away once again, barely noticing the way he kept stepping away, trying to just go home.


The moon was shining down perfectly, giving Quinn ample opportunity to see the surroundings without any issue. He was situated off to a side, looking all sorts of harmless. Nothing about him screamed dangerous. Not when he was wearing comfortable jeans, and a bright yellow shirt that clashed pretty badly with his natural colorings. Not that Quinn minded, it was all part of the ruse he was putting on. The big, bumbling idiot as it were.

He got to his feet, taking a few slow steps and half staggering. He'd spilled a drink on himself earlier so he'd have the noticeable scent of alcohol wafting around him, and had swished some in his mouth and spat it out with a grimace of disgust. How he hated alcohol. That done he went moving towards the group of girls, plowing into one and sending them moving, and loped up to Dream and gave a slight leer. "Hey baby..." not original he knew, but he needed to get the girls to leave, and to get the guys attention. This would work well enough for his purposes.

Well, he’d begged for an intervention, but this was NOT what he’d asked for. Dream couldn’t hide his sneer of disgust as the drunken oaf crowded up to him, practically reeking of alcohol to his sensitive nose. Dream took a step back, noticing the stains on the large man’s obnoxious shirt. Perfect; today just kept getting better. “Woah, back up sir,” He stressed the last word. “Ladies, why don’t you go on inside and enjoy your evening while I call a cab for our…friend here.”

They hesitated and looked at him, almost like they were afraid to leave him alone, but Dream wasn’t was small man. The girls nodded to one another, and went inside.

As soon as they were gone he dropped his smile and gave Quinn a hard glare. “Get the ******** away from me.”

Even as large as Dream was, when Quinn leaned over onto him his knees nearly buckled. His fur stood on end with the feel of this drunken assholes arm on his shoulder, but that wasn’t even the worst part. “I am way beyond anything you can afford, and if you don’t get your fat a** arm off me-“ He reached up to attempt to wrench Quinn’s arm away from him, and side step away.

He was no prostitute, and he’d be damned if he was treated like one! If this guy wanted to keep pushing his luck, let him, oh just let him.


Quinn's hand while in his pocket was pulling loose his cuffs which he was holding so they wouldn't clink together. The hand coming up to his arm was met with a broad grin, and a "Yeah? That so?" and click...there went one cuff, the other dangling a moment even as Quinn reached for it...at the same moment Dream stepped away. s**t.

Still Quinn moved, deceptively quick to close that gap fingers reaching for the swinging cuff to get the guy subdued. "Don't make me play rough handsome, though so long as I bring you in, I get my pay." he suddenly looked less drunk than he'd been pretending to be, eyes sharp and wide open, no longer glassy and half closed. "You have a bounty out on you Dream and I aim to bring you in to collect."

When he was pissed, Dream’s mind often didn’t click as well as it should have. For a moment all he could do was move his mouth like a Magikarp and sputter, his rage building up inside of him alongside his panic. He’d just walked right into a cuffing! Or a half one.

Dream’s sanguine eyes went from charming ruby to a boiling fire in less time than it took for him to spit at Quinn’s face. It wasn’t manly at all, but damn it, he was pissed! “Can you even read, or did you purposefully get my name mixed up with someone else? What the hell have I done to get a bounty on my head?”

He held his free hand away from his body…biding his time to see if he could talk his way out, or if he really needed to get physical.

Quinn wasn't about to get into anything there in front of the club. So he did the next best thing...and cuffed the free side...to himself, well his jeans really but still short of tearing the denim he wasn't going anywhere just now. So Quinn started to walk away.

"We'll talk over here away from the door to your workplace. Be glad I didn't come in and get you while you were working. I decided to wait and save you that embarrassment. As for what you did, not entirely sure. I just know one was put onto you by...well the clients name is on my paper work I'd have to look that over again. I've had other things on my mind."

Such as following this one for the last few days to learn movements and habits and all. The best place to perform this take down. This had seemed the best bet in the end. "My truck is over here. I'll get you in, and we'll go from there." in, cuffed to the bars he had in there for such reasons. Quinn loved his truck, it was big. It was loud. It had a sweet stereo system...

Dream pulled against the handcuffs, wrapping his hand around the connecting chain, until his pride got in the way. The jerk was right. Whatever he had to do to get out of this mess needed to happen away from the door, so that his clients and co-workers wouldn’t see him, let alone management.

And that included NOT getting into his truck! Bounty hunter? Uh huh, yeah right! For all he knew this guy could be…could be some kind of slave trader or something! A Team Rocket, but with people. He planted his feet on the ground, jerked as hard as he could on the chain, snapping through the hold on Quinn’s jeans and took on running.

"I hate when they run." Quinn swore lightly and took off after the fox but not before grabbing a bag with gear in it from the bed of his truck. A hand reached into the bag and fished around a moment. He knew the layout of his bag and out came a new pair of cuffs which he kept in hand, and then there was a small little tranq gun.

He'd set it up earlier, the little concoction meant for this one loaded into the gun and a few more on hand in case he missed. Quinn wasn't above knocking someone on their a** if it meant bringing them in, so he used specially formulated sedatives that he paid a doctor to make up for him based on the species type of the bounty he was going after. Though he had a surplus that he kept on hand. Never knew when it was needed.

"Don't make me shoot your a**." shoot, sedate...whatever really. Quinn lumbered after him quickly, a growl coming from him as he stuffed the cuffs in his pocket realizing he needed a hand free. "Water Pulse!" his hand extended and water came shooting out in an attempt to douse the fire fox. And likely piss him off.

Dream knew these streets better than he’d like, but now it was all that kept him from totally giving into panic. His toned legs ran full steam without hesitation around building turns, running alongside the building for a moment when the curve came too sharp.

He was fast, but not fast enough to avoid the lower half of his tails to be doused. Dream gave into a surprised yelp that quickly became an angered growl. Running in this damn suit was harder than he thought it would be! “Stop chasing me, and you won’t to!” He shot off. In a hurried flourish he turned just enough to attack. “Flame Thrower!” Normally it wouldn’t do much against water, but Dream was experienced. Before he’d “changed” he’d been an elite showman, and his moves, while limited, were honed.

Quinn was not as familiar with the streets of the city having just recently moved to the area...but he was quick at following. He also didn't have cumbersome clothes slowing him down.

"Stop running and I wouldn't have to chase you!" the words were bellowed out as he kept running, watching the other turn. There was a hiss of frustration as the fire move was launched too quickly for him to do much to dodge or block and he felt the flames lick over him, and his alcohol soaked shirt. He didn't stop running, instead blasting himself with his own water move to put out the flames.

Steam and smoke curled off his body and he wiped the water from his eyes as they narrowed. "So that's how you want to play? Okay then..." A wicked smile crossed his lips as he made use of surf, a move he didn't use often...but did seem appropriate for the moment. Make it so the ninetails couldn't keep running easily...while he made his way almost leisurely.

Dream huffed, and jumped over a bike rack instead of taking the five seconds he would have needed to side step it. In theory, it was a sound plan, but when one of his droopy tails got caught on a bike chain he dropped on his a**. Despite the pain, he moved forward as fast as he could to try and dislodge the damn thing, all the while looking up sporadically to keep an eye on Quinn. He couldn’t help, but to grin. Bet that hurt, you little s**t.

No matter what he did he couldn’t rip out enough fur from the chain lock to get his tail free, and when he looked up Quinn was close enough for Dream to see just how screwed he was. Was he…”Seriously?!” Surfing in the city? He couldn’t outrun him, not at this distance, so he opted for a Will-O-Wisp instead.

Quinn looked up just in time to see Dream land on his a** and he smirked thinking 'gotchya!' even as he saw the grin on the others face for the reaction to him being hit by that attack.

Of course Quinn was going to use surf regardless of surroundings he didn't care at this point and it was late enough no one else was about. No one except his quarry anyhow! Much as Dream was too close to out run Quinn, Quinn was too close to dodge that damn move.

Which meant it connected and caused him to cry out in pain when it connected with him. Another blast of water to himself, before he was focused on Dream. The little tranq gun he still held was lifted, aimed and fired at the same time he let loose with blizzard. It would make the area cold as hell he knew, and hopefully slow the fire type down!


Dream didn’t have time to gloat about his success. He saw the gun rising, and tried to duck, but the dart hit him in the shoulder all the same. At first it didn’t register with him why there wasn’t exploding pain in his shoulder, but a nick instead. That is, until he reached up, to yank out the dart and was hit with a friggin’ blizzard.

He couldn’t help it; he screamed. When it was over he was left shivering, hunkered over next to the bike rack as everything started to blur. His growl hadn’t even begun to dim in his throat. “I-I…I-I’ll maa-make you…p-p-p-pay for this…” His eyes closed and opened, then slipped closed again before he fell over.


Quinn shook his head and shoved everything back into the bag before he made his way to Dream the cuffs once more pulled out....and this time both being hooked on. Looking at the caught tail he frowned not wanting to tug and rip out any fur. A bit of fiddling and tugs later and Dream was free with minimal damage...and being hefted up into his arms.

"Alright...lets get you to the truck...and back to be secured...and read over this paperwork again." Quinn was talking to himself quietly. The guy was seemingly a pain in the a** but...'a thief, a liar, a conman' some of the words entered his mind. Smooth maybe, recalling his behavior with the women...fiesty for sure! He glanced down at his ruined clothes with a rueful smile as he lumbered back to the truck and almost tenderly got the other set into the cab...and chained to the bar he had there before buckling him in.

Next stop, his private office and the little holding cell, which is where he put Dream, and uncuffed him before locking the bars on it, and moving to his desk to look at the folder once again.

Butterfree danced in open fields in front of him, sprinkling money left and right for Dream’s open pockets. As he galloped through the field all he could see was the bright sunshine before him, and yet, as he started to wake up the sun changed to fluorescent lighting. Dream rolled over on the cot, swinging his legs over the side with a groan. Why did his head feel so fuzzy? And why were his feet so heavy?

And my God, what had happened to his shoes?

He made a noise akin to a groan, but tempered with an aggrieved sigh. He’d seen the handcuffs, knew why they were there, which meant his nightmare was far from over.


Quinn was pleased to see Dream waking up when he was, having been monitoring the time since he went under to gauge a wake up time. Pushing away from the desk he walked over to the cell, and crossed his arms.

"You don't look like a thief, or conman or a vast majority of the other things listed in the information I have on you. You also don't look like the type who would have stolen a large sum of money from a..." Quinn peered back at the file. "Zevian...also states several articles of clothing and jewelry were stolen..."

Dream coughed into his hand, rolled his shoulders and leaned back against the wall, legs crossed at the ankles. His hands relaxed loosely on his lap, slipping around his damaged cuffs. “Looks can be deceiving, but, you’re right; despite appearances, I don’t have a friggin’ rap sheet.”

He waited, and as he waited he listened to what Quinn had to say about his charges, about the name…to which he instantly shot to his feet with a curse. “That little rat! How dare he even THINK that he can by with his.” Dream paced in the cage. “Take a few of the b***h’s patrons and this is how he acts?” He murmured, talking to himself under his breath before whipping on Quinn. “Clothing? Jewelry? He honestly believed that I would even THINK of touching his gaudy things?” He snorted.

"There's water on the floor there if you want it." a sealed bottle sat there, cold and waiting. Though as agitated as he was he doubted it would be noticed or wanted at this point.

It was always interesting to observe the people he caught while waiting to collect on his bounty. He had to admit, he'd not been terribly impressed with the Mawile who seemed overly dramatic and all. Still a client, was a client...and he'd done as the client asked. he was a decent judge of character having seen a wide variety of slime thanks to his job.

In a snap decision he crossed over to the bars and unlocked the cell. "Give me your wrists." he held the keys in his hand as he waited. "I'm pretty far outside town, and it's late. I'll give you a ride to where ever you were going, then call my client."

Butterfree danced in open fields in front of him, sprinkling money left and right for Dream’s open pockets. As he galloped through the field all he could see was the bright sunshine before him, and yet, as he started to wake up the sun changed to fluorescent lighting. Dream rolled over on the cot, swinging his legs over the side with a groan. Why did his head feel so fuzzy? And why were his feet so heavy?

And my God, what had happened to his shoes?

He made a noise akin to a groan, but tempered with an aggrieved sigh. He’d seen the handcuffs, knew why they were there, which meant his nightmare was far from over.

Quinn was pleased to see Dream waking up when he was, having been monitoring the time since he went under to gauge a wake up time. Pushing away from the desk he walked over to the cell, and crossed his arms.

"You don't look like a thief, or conman or a vast majority of the other things listed in the information I have on you. You also don't look like the type who would have stolen a large sum of money from a..." Quinn peered back at the file. "Zevian...also states several articles of clothing and jewelry were stolen..."

At this point if he would have touched the bottle the plastic would melt and the water would boil. Not only was he beyond paranoid, he was nervous as hell at being cooped up like this, and livid. Why would Zevian do this? Dream didn’t even know the guy all that well, and if the patrons wouldn’t to spend time in the club with him instead of watching that cretin do…whatever it is he attempted to do then whose fault was that?

Dream stood at one end of the cell, cocking his head as he gave Quinn a dry look. “Uh-huh. Yeah right. I’m not going anywhere near you. If you hadn’t noticed-“ He lifted his wrists in the air and gave them a tug. “-last time didn’t work out so well.” This guy was seriously stupid if he thought Dream would fall for the same tricks twice.

"Last time you were also sort of sedated and knocked out so I was able to do that to you. But fine." and there he went tossing the keys into the cell and letting them slide across the cement floor.

"My instincts tell me you've gotten the s**t end of the stick here, and that this Zevian guy is a sleaze ball. He felt off when he came in and just this whole situation reeks of something bad. So I'm turning you loose. Unless you like being handcuffed and locked up?" a dry smile as he simply walked away and sat back down at the desk.

"Phone's there if you want to call someone for a ride, or a cab or whatever." a shoulder lifted in a shrug as he flipped the file shut and pushed it aside. He couldn't explain exactly why he was letting this Dream guy go but it really did feel like the right thing to him.

“Your instincts are pretty shitty if you didn’t come to that conclusion right off the bat.” Dream remarked snidely, bending down to grab the keys. He stayed hunched, looking at Quinn out of the corner of his eye until he’d unlocked the handcuffs. Dream tossed both offending items onto the cot.

Dream pulled down the knot of his tie as he walked out of the cell. His cuffs were already loose, his shirt halfway tucked, and the suit itself was ruined. Not that it mattered. He hated restrictive clothing, but he’d need to buy another before tomorrow’s shift, which was annoying. “…I don’t really have anyone to call, so I’ll take you up on that ride, if you’re still offering.” It wasn’t like he had a choice. He couldn’t call home, Wendy would never let him hear the end of it, and Solange…he couldn’t call her for a while.

"No he came across as a sleazy a** when he came in, but I've dealt with sleazier...and the people I've gone after been sleazier yet, so sometimes I need to see with my own two eyes, even when I get a bad feeling about a client." he couldn't afford to turn down scum, since sometimes they paid pretty well. To have him net worse scum.

Quinn eased to his feet, the ruined alcohol stained shirt removed and he wearing a clean black one. He'd taken the time to change into clean jeans as well and generally cleaned himself up while this one was unconscious. "The sedatives shouldn't leave any lasting effect on you. No worse than taking a nap for an hour anyhow." he headed for the door, and held it open. "After you."

“Your instincts are pretty shitty if you didn’t come to that conclusion right off the bat.” Dream remarked snidely, bending down to grab the keys. He stayed hunched, looking at Quinn out of the corner of his eye until he’d unlocked the handcuffs. Dream tossed both offending items onto the cot.

Dream pulled down the knot of his tie as he walked out of the cell. His cuffs were already loose, his shirt halfway tucked, and the suit itself was ruined. Not that it mattered. He hated restrictive clothing, but he’d need to buy another before tomorrow’s shift, which was annoying. “…I don’t really have anyone to call, so I’ll take you up on that ride, if you’re still offering.” It wasn’t like he had a choice. He couldn’t call home, Wendy would never let him hear the end of it, and Solange…he couldn’t call her for a while.

"No he came across as a sleazy a** when he came in, but I've dealt with sleazier...and the people I've gone after been sleazier yet, so sometimes I need to see with my own two eyes, even when I get a bad feeling about a client." he couldn't afford to turn down scum, since sometimes they paid pretty well. To have him net worse scum.

Quinn eased to his feet, the ruined alcohol stained shirt removed and he wearing a clean black one. He'd taken the time to change into clean jeans as well and generally cleaned himself up while this one was unconscious. "The sedatives shouldn't leave any lasting effect on you. No worse than taking a nap for an hour anyhow." he headed for the door, and held it open. "After you."

He hated to admit, but the big guy cleaned up nice. Maybe it was the fact that he actually looked like he gave a damn about his appearance now, as opposed to the alcohol stains, though. Dream shook his head, snorting at the explanation. Anything he said at this point would be hypocritical, since most of his clients were sleazy as well, just in their own, special ways.

“I hope you got your money up front, and charged him out the a**.” Dream walked around Quinn and out the door, his loafers clacking under his feet. “So…you’re really letting me go? This isn’t a trick?”


Quinn ignored the glance he was given by the other, he wasn't the first to be surprised by a sudden change in his appearance. It was amazing what putting on stained and dirty clothes, and messing his hair up could do to make him look like an unthreatening slob. The shirt was trashed and his pants...well they'd just be recycled for the next disguise, burns and all. It would work out well. That shirt was history though.

He ran a hand through his freshly combed hair and gave a chuckle as he stepped out the boots he'd swapped for the ratty sneakers giving a light click as he stepped and nodded. "I am yes, and no. No trick. As for the pay, I'm losing out on money. He was only paying once I had you locked up. That's alright I'll get some satisfaction watching his eyes bug out, and he act like an entitled princess."

Locking the office he moved down a short hall and out a door. "So, where to?" the truck was unlocked for the other and he went around to his side and got behind the wheel waiting on directions. "Also, sorry about ruining your clothes."

“Let me know when you meet up with him. I can’t wait to see him puff up before I deck him.” Dream cracked his knuckles with a grin. “I guess I should be relieved Zevian hired a Bounty Hunter and not an Assassin, though. Can’t really get a ride if I don’t have a head.”

He opened the door, and unconsciously swept his tails into his arm before sliding into the seat. It took him a bit to get them situation so that they weren’t in the way. Dream shook his head, and sighed. “It’s alright, just annoying. I’m more annoyed at having to go shopping tomorrow than anything.” He leaned forward in the seat and pointed in a general direction. “Just head downtown until you hit Rancor.” Anyone else he would have had drop him off at the club, but what did he care if this guy saw the shitty apartment Solange had let him move into when she moved out? He’d only see the outside anyway, and that would be enough to scare him off.

"Also might want to check your tails. One of them was pretty stuck in a bike chain and it took some work to get it loose. Fortunately I didn't have to resort to cutting you free. Would have been a shame really." the words were murmured lightly as the truck rumbled to life.

"Rancor, alright." he gave a nod and drove in the pointed direction keeping a close eye on the streets though he did chuckle at one point. "He's likely going to cause you a world of trouble. Looked like the jealous sort. What really happen? You still his love interest or something and now he's being catty?" it seemed fitting from what he'd seen of the Mawile!

As soon as Quinn brought it up Dream hurriedly started to check his tails. It wasn't hard to find the damanged one. With a dramatic groan he stroked the frayed fur, and felt around the damaged bone. Nothing felt broken, but the whole thing was sore. "It's fine, nothing tlc won't fix." And for that, he was grateful.
"Oh, let him try." Dream puffed up in the seat, and turned to Quinn. "About a month ago, when I first started working at the club I was talking to a couple guys outside. They said that they were regulars, to the other areas of the building, and I told them to stop by, you know, schmoozing, doing my job. Turns out they were patrons of Zevian, loyal, big spenders, and he didn't take it too well. I haven't heard the end of it sense."
Dream couldn't help, but to give into a laugh. "I mean, I thought he might steal some of my customers in spite, but this? Oh, I'm going to burn his a** so bad he won't be able to sit. EVER."

Solange/Dream:
The twilight of the day heralded the passageway for the group. Dream led the way, his head held high as he walked with a torch that almost resembled a staff itself. Mankey howls scattered themselves through the trees, blending in with the tropical environment like the wind itself. He was dressed as casually as he was ever likely to get; a pair of loose swimming trunks and an open zip up short sleeved hoodie. Devoid of shoes, he walked easily over the smooth stones of the path, and across the little swinging bridge that covered the cove below.

He’d heard the hotel staff talking about it earlier in whispers, hoping to keep it secret from the tourists. Luckily for them it wasn’t as run down as the staff had made it seem! Just a little nook out in on its own, with a smooth current, and plenty of handmade benches to sit around a fire pit. It was easily the most beautiful thing he’d seen the entire trip, ranking right next to the ceremony itself.

Solange walked behind him, coming around to stare at the water as the moon glinted off the waves. When she turned Dream already had the wood prepped for the fire, and with a well aimed breath Solange had the fire started. She’d had enough sense to wear a swimsuit under her t-shirt and shorts, but there was no way she was getting in that water.

“Good call, Dream. This place is awesome.”

“Yeah, well, I have skills.” He grinned.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn had been filled in somewhat on what was on the agenda for the evening, and he was fine with it. A nice way to spend a calm, enjoyable evening and getting to know everyone better, it was not a bad thing in the slightest. Urban for his part had grinned and vanished for a short time with Cameron, the pair coming back with a variety of alcoholic drinks for their enjoyment that evening.

Jayme had tried to avoid going, but Urban was having none of it and insisted the teen throw on a bathing suit, and join them. So he had, and was now somewhat clutching a towel to himself. He was wearing so little, it was embarrassing to him! He was used to being far more covered! Cam took in the surroundings as they walked, listening to the sounds around them, and relaxed. He was enjoying the vacation here relaxing fully for the first time since his accident. He plodded along with the group wearing a pair of old frayed jean shorts, a towel looped around his neck showing off the variety of tattoos and piercings he had on his body…and the muscles from his years of martial arts. He was almost as intimidating as Urban in that respect, though the Aggron was of course much bigger. Quinn brought up the rear, carrying a few extra things for everyone, and coming into the area just as Solange lit the fire up. “Nice. Looks like a good place to kick back and enjoy.” “Good, now who wants a drink?” Urban piped up as he set things down in easy reach and snagged one holding it to Solange.


Solange/Dream:
Solange popped the tab with her fangs and spat it near the fire so she’d remember to pick it up later. After getting herself a hearty drink, she settled herself on one of the benches, crossing her legs underneath herself. “This is sooo good. I don’t think I’ve had any of it before. Want a taste, Dream?”

“I’ll pass. It looks like piss to me, and smells even worse.” He dug his toes into the sand and wiggled them. This was his kind of winter! No snow, no cold nights; just sun, sun, and more sun! Well, not now, but the sand was still warm from earlier, and with the fire burning beside him he was able to relax in its glow.

“Come on, I triple dog dare you to try it.” Solange scooted closer to him, holding the bottle out before him, despite the look on his face. “One drink.”

“Fine.” Dream took the bottle, then smirked like a Chesire. “If I have to drink this s**t, you’re going for a swim – nude!” And to seal the deal, he gave the beer bottle a swirl like one would a Champagne flute and tossed it back.

Upon which he started to immediately gag and choke. So much for dignity.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Urban grabbed another bottle for himself and popped the cap tossing it along with Solange’s and grinned at Jayme. “Hey kiddo, try a sip.” Jayme was currently watching Dream choke on his and looked up at Urban with wide eyes, trying to figure out just how to turn him down. “It’s that or you join in on the nude swim thing.” Urban teased, watching Jayme look like a Deerling in headlights as he took the bottle and took a tentative drink, and coughed a little, but took a slightly better pull the second time, handing it back with a look on his face. “That’s…ew. How do you drink that?”

Urban grabbed another and tossed it to Cam who he knew normally didn’t drink, but had apparently opted to do so and watched as he pocketed the cap and settled on a bench to drink while Quinn patted Dream on the back. “You alright there?” a soft concerned note from him. “Beer, Quinn?” the hybrid teen shrugged and snagged the bottle from Dream and took a sip while Urban handed Solange a new one. “So, you’re going into the water naked huh babe?” oh look at him grin at his wife.


Solange/Dream:
Solange grinned, watching as both her brother and best friend had similar reactions over one of her new favorite drinks. Come to think of it, she’d never seen either one drink, so while she felt a little bad about pressuring them, it was still amusing as hell. “Ya don’t savor it, ya just drink it.” Leading by example, she took the bottle new bottle from her husband, popped it open, and knocked it back before sitting the empty bottle in the sand.

“No, that stuff is…” Dream shuddered, and curled his nose up. What kind of poison had he just put in his body?! “I can still taste that junk.” His ears stood straight on end, with the fur of his tails copying the action.

“I’m not going alone.” Solange retorted, and before anything could be said, she added, “I can’t swim, so someone’s gonna have to strip and come with.”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Jayme was dismayed when Urban had him keep the bottle, and merely got his own and followed suit, and downed a good portion of his with little issue, grinning. “C’mon Cam, you going to strip and join us in the water.” The Zebstrika teen had finished most his bottle by that point and shrugged. Why not? “Yeah in a bit, you two try not to get too friendly in there huh?” a smirk given then.

Quinn couldn’t help a low chuckle at Dream and drank his own. Not his first time having beer though he didn’t have it very often. Still he handed it better than Jayme and Dream, though not as gracefully as the other three. “Skinny dipping, could be fun eh?” he winked at the Ninetails, then to Jayme. “What about you? Going to strip down and join us too?” there was a low chuckle at the near horrified squeak from Jayme at the question. “S’okay kid, you’re wearing less than usual. Keep the suit on and go hop in the water.” Jayme did so, the unwanted drink taken with and he sipped at it again tentatively wrinkling his nose as he got into the water. “Alright babe, lets get the strip show on the road.” Urban laughed and set the empty bottle down, and tugged off his shirt before grabbing another bottle.


Solange/Dream:
“No promises. It is our honeymoon, remember?” Solange grinned, shirking out of her t-shirt. Seeing Jayme panic got her to laugh while she slipped out of her shorts. “That’s right, Jayme’s stripped down enough as it is already! I can actually see a little thigh.” She winked. With a little hesitation and a deep breath, Solange unclasped the top of her bikini and tossed it on the sand, only to have her bottoms follow suit. A stray wind made her shiver, and the feel of her braid on her bare a** was odd. “Nut up or shut up, babe.” She stepped out into the surf, waiting for Urban before going any further. Water so wasn’t her thing! And being naked…it was…weird. She wasn’t embarrassed, much, but it was odd.

“You wanna give it a go?” Dream grabbed a different kind of drink, something in a flask and tried a bit of it, hoping it wouldn’t suck as much as the beer had. Except with this one, a long drink shouldn’t have been taken, as the burning in his gut was worse. He tried to hold it together better on this round, though. He nudged Quinn, and stood, shirking out of his shorts and top at the speed of light. “This is soooo much better!”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Jayme was a nice shade of pink at Sol’s teasing comments, but glancing down it was really weird to see his legs exposed like this! He was covered sure what with the bathing suit he had on, and a festive little island sarong around his waist that did indeed show off a thigh. He pulled that off and set it down with his towel another drink…and face made…before the bottle was set down and he started for the water, settling in the shallow area.

Quinn watched in amusement as Dream grabbed a flask…whiskey or similar he was guessing. Though Dream suddenly ditching his shorts made him grin. Things were getting interesting! He took the flask and took a drink of it with a nod of approval and recapped it before his own shorts were off and he waded into the water with ease. Cam followed suit, pants tossed on the bench as he waded in, and out past the love bird. For being an electric type, he quite enjoyed the water. He gave a cursory glance of Urban, his body was no surprise. Dream also got a nice, long look and a smile before he glanced to Quinn. Such a size difference between that pair. . As he passed Sol, he couldn’t help an appreciative grin at her and Urban before ducking under to swim.


Solange/Dream:
If Jayme hadn’t been gay then that blind date so long ago may have turned out very differently. As it stood, Sol couldn’t help noticing how adorable he was, regardless of how nervous he was. If he thought he’d be looking long for someone to call his own, he was sorely mistaken!
Dream couldn’t take his eyes off Quinn for a moment, taking in the moment for what it was and followed him out in to the water. He saw the look from Cam, and returned it in like, giving him an appreciative smile. Being a fire type he had a natural adversion to water, but it wasn’t for the same reason as Solange. He could swim well enough, but once his tails were wet they weighed him down, as they were starting too now once he’d made it out to his hips.

Sol just watched for a moment as her own little flood of men descended upon the shore, until she noticed Cam, to which she became stunned and confused. She opened her mouth, closed it, and then looked at Urban. “What…what just happened?”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Jayme was content to sit in the shallow water letting the warm waves wash over his feet and legs, staring hard at the water at all the others wading in utterly naked. Nope, this was not something he could to. A part of Quinn felt he ought to be jealous of Cam eying Dream but he wasn’t, seeing it wasn’t anything more than a quick, curious, but appreciative look…and that Sol got similar. It was actually a bit amusing to him at this point.

Quinn was floating all too easily in the water looking at home there naked in the water and he grinned at Dream. “Having issues there darlin’?” he could see him going in slowly. Urban turned to Sol and grinned. “Cam checked you out. What’s so weird about that?”


Solange/Dream:
Dream didn’t give a damn if everyone admired his jewels, all the better really, since that got all the questions out of the way. It wasn’t as if he cared, and when he got out to a spot where he could swim he gave a good shove off, closing in on Quinn as best he could, all the while trying to steer with his now submerged tails. “Nothing a little push can’t fix,” he laughed.

Solange padded out to her calves, more wary of the water than the guys themselves. “I thought he was into guys,” she whispered. “Not like it matters much, but s**t, he’s got more secrets than James Bond.”
Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn looped an arm around Dream's waist and pulled him close, brushing hair from the others face. "A push? A ride? This is nothing for me after all, so you don't have to worry. Just hang on tight."

Urban laughed softly, watching Cam swimming some distance off and shook his head. "He swings both ways babe. Like me, like you. Like your brothers boy there if I went by the appraising looks he was giving you as well. Not nearly as lengthy as the ones Dream got, but enough to know he appreciates what you have." and here he laughed. "The only one of this groups I can say for certain likes guys is the kid. I don't even know if your brother is strictly into guys honestly. He charms women far too well though..."


Solange/Dream:
“Got’cha, big guy!” Dream saluted, wrapping his around Quinn’s neck, clinging to him like his tails were clinging to their legs. It was almost like seaweed, now that he thought about it. Some part of his brain would have panicked over the amount of seawater on them, but that part was kinda fuzzy right now.

Solange huffed a piece of hair away from her face, and rolled her eyes with a grin. “Yeah right. Dream I know likes guys. He charms girls, yeah, because he wants what they can give him.” Watching Cam swim with so much ease was odd. At times he wanted to do it too, but then again, she’d have to give into the water, and that just wasn’t happening. “So really, this is a bi-partison party?” Sol elbowed Urban, waggling her eyebrows.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn grinned at Dream then, and of all things pressed a light kiss to his lips holding the other close to himself enjoying the feel of nothing more than the water between them. “Now don’t let go…” and there he went, easily moving through the water even with one arm wrapped and holding the other close. The Lapras side of him showing now.

“Well I think he’s more interested in what Quinn may be able to give him.” An amused smirk from the Aggron was directed at the couple before he turned back to Sol, one hand copping a feel of her beneath the water. “Pretty much it is, which is more amusing than it ought to be.” He turned and saw Jayme settling back in the water his bottle in hand and making another face as he drank. “Can’t say the kids’ not willing to try new things…” and here he turned to Sol and grinned deviously. “I can think of a few new things. Too bad we have so many people watching.”


Solange/Dream:
Dream held Quinn’s face in a hand, and relished the kiss, even as random as it was. It wasn’t what he’d had planned for the evening, but it was definitely a nice change! And with a quieter yelp, he held onto Quinn, not used to this sort of fluidity in the water. It was…wonderful.

Solange elbowed him for real this time, aiming a little lower than usual, though not so low as she would damage anything. She might need those things for later! “That’s something I never thought I’d see…Jayme in a bathing suit AND drinking. I’m really rather touched.” Faking a sigh, she placed her hand upon her chest, then realized she was still naked, which made his comment all the more appropriate. “We could sneak off for a bit, I don’t think they’d mind. It is OUR honeymoon, so it’s not like it’d be rude.”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
The yelp brought an amused chuckle from Quinn as he moved through the water like one would walking on the street. With absolutely no issues. He was content to keep Dream held close and secure, fingers curling lightly over a bared hip bringing a smile to his face. “You look like you’re having fun.” It was nice to see!

“Kids’ loosened up a bit since going to that new club. Still shy and jumpy, but he’s branching out trying new things. I have hope for him.” Urban laughed as he was elbowed bending with a low ‘oof!’ as he straightened, the hand that was hidden under the water pinching her a** with a smirk. “I see a cropping of rocks over there. I bet we can find some sort of privacy there if we’re quiet.” And here he laughed. Quiet. Right.

Cam looked like he was moving back toward the beach, nearer to Jayme and settled in a way to keep hidden, but giving the other teen some company so he wasn’t all alone. It didn’t take long for Cam to convince Jayme to venture a little further into the water even if he looked nervous about it.


Solange/Dream:
“This is so cool! I can’t believe you can do this, Quinn.” Dream reached a hand down to trail on the water as the passed, pleased with the ripples it created. He moved his hand to slip it underneath the hand that rested on his hip, sliding against Quinn’s skin to rest on his lower back. “You know what? I bet you could swim forever and then we’ll just keep swimming forever like a sea of swimming.” Oh yeah, now that whiskey was kicking in.

Solange tried to give him a sharp look, but it melted. She couldn’t stay annoyed with him for long, not when he looked so damn good actin so mischievous. “Yeah, so, I guess that’s out of the picture.” She laughed. Seeing Jayme and Cam coming closer, she moved over to them, reaching out a hand for Jayme. “If it really bothers you, I can walk you back, but I am glad you came.”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
“That’s the Lapras in me Dream.” Quinn chuckled softly as he realized the whiskey was certainly kicking in on him, and nuzzled at his cheek softly. “I can swim a good long time though yes. We’ll swim for a bit, and head back to dry up and all….” The few sips he’d had wouldn’t hit him near as hard as they were Dream, and he thanked his size for that!

Urban grinned at her sweetly, pleased to have averted her wrath, such as it was, and had been leaning in to kiss her when she moved away towards Jayme, and he turned as well. “It’s not so bad here…not fond of the drink options, but trying wasn’t so bad. I don’t want to make you have to go so soon though. Cam said he’d come out here with me. I’m not going much deeper. “ not one step deeper! This was far enough! He took her hand and squeezed it softly, smiling at her warmly.


Solange/Dream:
Dream might have purred, if he'd been a feline of any kind. As it stood he snugged up to Quinn, dipping his fingers in the water like a child poking jello. "I wish I could swim like you." His words had a little slur to them. "All I do is sink and float. Like one of those fishing ball things." Oh man, it felt like he was on clouds!
Solange laughed as she side stepped Urban, ever so aware of what he'd been trying to get at. Maybe later, her eyes promised, but everything in her stance said the ride was closed. "I don't plan on going out much further, either. Fire types-" She started, then remembered the happy go lucky fox in the water right at that moment "-well, I don't mix with water. How about we go back to the fire instead for a drink and warm up?"


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
"I could always teach you to swim you know. Wouldn't be hard to do once we're both up to the lessons. For now though I certainly don't mind keeping you close to me as I do all the work." he gave a low chuckle at how Dream was behaving, and knew the cause. Oh sure he'd had more to drink but there was more mass to himself. "Sexiest fishing lure I've ever seen..." and here he grinned.

Urban pressed a kiss to Sol's lips with a wink and slipped off into the water with Cam who had left Jayme's side so he could talk to Solange. Jayme gave her a relieved smile and nodded. "That sounds better. Though this isn't so bad." he looped his arm with his friends, a silly smile on his face. Proof that even if the taste was funny to him, it was helping him to relax!


Solange/Dream:
Dream guffawed and gave Quinn a playful, if not sloppy, punch to the shoulder. "I'm bringin' sexy fish, yeah!" He chortled, and shook his head. "I used ta be able ta swim, when I was a kid but then the tails got bigger and they weigh me doooowwwwwnnnnn."
Solange rolled her eyes at Urban with an amused smiled, looped her arm with Jayme's and walked him back to the warmth of the fire. The look on his face was absolutely priceless! If only she had a camera...but then, would she take it, knowing how embarrassed he'd be later? Nah, but it was fun to think about. "You sure I can't get you another one? Or something to chase it with?" She grinned.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
There was an amused smile from Quinn at the punch to his shoulder and he pressed a kiss to the top of the others head as he swam a little deeper, moved a little faster and kept Dream held securely. "Well don't worry Darlin' not about to let you sink while I'm around."

"Oh why not. There's nothing else to drink and I'm thirsty." he grabbed his towel and sat down by the fire slowly drying off, and he grinned a little. "So...you know how I went camping on my own awhile back? The time I got hurt I mean?" he combed his fingers through his hair thoughtfully. "I met someone..." and here he smiled a little brighter, blushing some. "He was so...so....dreamy...once I got over being scared of him." there was a soft sigh from Jayme and a quiet laugh. "He was afraid of me too amazingly.."


Solange/Dream:
Dream wasn't just content with that little kiss. He grasped hold of Quinn's face and planted a good one on him, holding him close as if he really were walking on air. "You should just stop swimming for a while and enjoy me. The water. Enjoy the water, but mostly me."
Solange dug around for two more bottles, and passed one off to Jayme before grabbing up her clothes. She dressed slowly, slipping back into the clothes themselves without any undergarments. What was the point in putting the swimsuit back on if she wasn't going to use it? "Oh? You didn't tell me about that." She settled down next to him and opened her bottle, sitting on the edge of her seat. "Wait, was he the one that hurt you, or did he help you?"


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn rumbled in delight at the kiss from Dream and he held him as close as he dared, as tight as he dared and kissed him back almost feverishly. "The hell with the water. You're so much more enjoyable than it is." the words were husky against the others lips as he broke the kiss to speak....only to dive right back into it. This...this was very nice.

Jayme took it and got it open carefully with part of his towel and had just raised it to his mouth to drink when Sol asked if Endy had been the one to hurt him. Which caused it to go down wrong, and he to choke a moment. "Hurt me? No, he didn't hurt me. He helped me set up the tent, and all. Endy is so nice honestly. He's a Scyther." Jayme actually had a dreamy note to his voice.


Solange/Dream:
Dream held onto Quinn as tight as he possibly could have, and not because he was afraid of drowning. The taste, the scent - he couldn't get enough of him! And the whiskey tossed his inhibitions out the door. "Mmhmm." Yeah, yeah, whatever with words, this was kissin' time.
"Woah, kid, breathe!" Solange reached out to pat his back, on her feet at his side in an instant. When she saw back down it was closer so tha she could still rub it and help him out. "Oooh, well, that's a different story, huh? And a Scyther too. What's he look like? Is he the serious type, the sweetie - come on now, details."


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn could have stayed like this all night, but he figured before long Dream would get sick of the water so even while still kissing, claiming the others mouth with his tongue he was swimming backwards, ignoring all sounds of Urban and Cam horsing around and splashing one another and just generally enjoying each others company.

Jayme was glad for the pat on his back and he got back to breathing just fine and he turned a nice shade of pink. "Well...he was taller than me....and he wore these really cool boots...I'd never seen boots like that...and he was strong..." and he set out to describe Endymion as much as he could. Before he lost his train of thought. "No one hurt me that night though you know...I had a nightmare and ran and I fell and got hurt. Someone else helped me back to my camp site. I don't know who I never saw them in the dark."


Solange/Dream:
Dream barely noticed that there were other people in the water, let alone people he might have wished never to see him acting the way he was. As it stood, he was clearly close to committing a very tantalizing act in the water at that moment, if Quinn would just stop moving around so much.
Solange smiled and took another drink. "It's always nice to have someone taller than you, huh?" Her eyes drifted out to the water at her husband and his tomfoolery. She listened to his description, feeling more and more like she really wanted to meet the guy who had left such an impression on Jayme. "Well, so long as you're okay and whole that's what matters most to me. Maybe I should call Endy up, see what kind of man he is, just to make sure he's good enough to even be talking to you."


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn could feel an almost desperate edge to Dream, and he didn't want anything more than what was happening now, to happen like this. Dream was drunk and Quinn did not want him forgetting...or worse yet regretting. "Lets go somewhere a little less watery...put us on some even footing." it was a start.

"It is though I'm not very tall anyhow." which didn't bother him any. Though there was a wry smile and shake of his head. "Endy will be hard to contact. Even for me. I told him I wanted to keep in touch and all, but he doesn't like crowds, or people....so I don't know if I'll ever see him again honestly." and there a despondent sigh as he took another drink. "But it's okay. It's nice to know there's someone out there I can like. Even if I probably won't ever see him again."


Solange/Dream:
Sounds good to me." Dream laughed. He nipped at Quinn's lower lip, and nuzzled his cheek with his own. The sooner the got on the land the sooner he could do whatever it was that his body wanted him to do.
Solange frowned, and shook her head. "Don't say that like it won't ever happen. If you want to see him again, it'll happen, whether he wants it to or not." She teased, hoping to lighten up the mood a bit. "And who knows? Maybe he's trying to find you right now and you're stuck on the beach with a bunch of nudists."


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn continued to walk backwards keeping Dream held close, hand stroking down over bare skin with a content sigh from him. "Want to head back to our room?" it would give Dream a little time to sober up if they did.

"I hope you're right. I'd like to see him again..." and he blushed again. "I kissed him...well on the cheek..." he took another hasty drink. He was still surprised he'd done that honestly! Though he couldn't help a laugh. "I have seen more bare skin tonight...than I have ever seen before." he blushed again some. "I wish I wasn't so shy sometimes."


Solange/Dream:
"Yep, that's what I want. Just you and me." The closer they came to land, the more his tails began to surface and even in water he normally would have been able to walk in he couldn't even began to move. Not only was the weight of wet tails dragging on him, but the whiskey as well.
"Woo hoo, Jayme!" Solange cried, wrapping her arm around his with a huge grin. "That's a huge step! He'll have to come back for more after that." Oh yeah, embarrassing friend moment was a go! "Hey, it's okay to be shy. I was the first time I was around any naked person, but I'm just really desensitized to it now. It just means you haven't had as much experience with it, which is so totally not a bad thing."


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
"Then just you and me it'll be Darlin. But we'll have to get our shorts back on. Can't go back totally naked." he laughed softly and stepped up onto dry land, feeling the air on damp skin, noticing the sluggishness of the others movements. "Want me to carry you?" it wasn't a life or death situation after all. He couldn't help a sudden laugh at the "Hey Dream, nice a**!" from the water and the deep chuckle from Urban. It was so him.

Jayme blushed deeper but laughed. "It was just a sudden thing...but it felt nice. Different." but very nice. "You get used to being around naked people? How did you get used to it?" he glanced towards the water and blushed furiously at Dream and Quinn standing there naked and kissing and quickly looked away. He'd been trying to look out at the water, not them! "With Urban? Or?"


Solange/Dream:
Dream actually frowned, and made an 'awww' noise, while he tried to pick up his feet. "I gots it, see?" He stumbled, but he was walking, all nine tails dragging the sand behind him. It took him a full moment to register where it came from, and Dream turned around to Urban, "Thank you!" he waved an arm and almost fell over. "Okay, so where's the shorts? And where's Urbans? I wanna make sure a Mankey gets them and runs off with em."
"I work in a strip club, so I'm surrounded by it all the time." Even if she did serve drinks, it was hard to miss the gyrating naked bodies she was surrounded with day after day. She turned to notice the scene as well, and gave a wolf whistle before returning back to the conversation. "Urban helped, though." She grinned, a little flush to her cheeks as well.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
He was too damned adorable behaving as he was and it brought a laugh from Quinn even as his arm wrapped around Dream as he nearly toppled. "His are over by the fire. Good luck getting them away from Sol." he snickered and found his and Dream's and held the others out. "Here you go Darlin' in you go."

"Oh well this does make sense..." he hadn't seen that portion of the clubs yet and had no desire to either. Jayme giggled some at Sol's reaction. "I bet he did...I bet he did." he wiggled his eyebrows a moment and snickered before setting down his drink. He was feeling very fuzzy now.


Solange/Dream:
“I’ll get ‘em, just watch me.” His words were very slurred now, as were his movements, but his determination was clear. Steal Urban’s pants and burn them! Wait, when did the plan change? “In I got like vertigooo.” Dream slipped into his shorts as best he could, stumbling over the left pants leg when he couldn’t find the right hole to put his foot in.

Solange nearly choked on her own drink, and had to give a hearty laugh. She was so not expecting that one! “Jayme, you cad.” She couldn’t stop laughing, and it was just kept up when she saw Dream bumbling about. She made the mistake of making eye contact, and tried to look away, but he got to her first.

“Where are they?” Dream put his hands on either side of her on the bench. “Where’z the shorts?”

Solange looked up at Quinn, mouthing ‘what the ********?’ before turning to Dream. “Whose shorts?”

“Urban’s. Gotta burn ‘em. Real big. In fire. Poooof!”

“How about I let you do that later, and you go back to your room with Quinn now instead? He looks so lonely right now without you smooching on him. Don’t you think you should fix that?”


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
'I'm sure you will Darlin..." he was careful to hold Dream up even as he nearly stumbled, getting that stubborn foot into the leg hole, and then he was into his own pants then, watching as Dream went stumbling off to Sol and Jayme.

He watched Dream with surprise, never having expected to see him of all people behaving like this! Then again he didn't realize he was behaving in ways he didn't usually, either.

Quinn for his part just raised his hands up with a shrug in a 'Got me' sort of way. He wasn't sure what Dream's issue with Urban was suddenly but he could hear Sol's words and he came up behind Dream and kissed at the back of his neck, nibbling at an ear. "C'mon Darlin...lets go back to our room...finish what we started hm?" okay maybe not something Sol wanted to hear about her brother.


Solange/Dream:
That was soooo not something Solange needed to hear. Her ears flipped back on her head and she curled her lip. It wasn’t like she expected the guys to be chaste, after what she’d seen on the beach and knowing they had a room, but come on! This was her brother they were talking about and now she had a mental image to go with it!

Dream just added to the moment by giving into a little moan, his damp tails swaying about Quinn’s legs. He leaned into the larger teen, a loopy smile on his face. “If you think we can make it, we should make it.” He snorted and laughed, lolling his head to the side. His feet were slipping into the sand, and with some manner of getting his feet to work he managed to stand up again. “And then we’ll swim in the shower, but not really swimming, right? I don’t wanna swim anymore, I want to-“

“Stop! Cease! Halt!” Solange waved her hands, her dark cheeks already the color of the night sky. She couldn’t make eye contact with either male. “Take that s**t to the room, Quinn.” Solange chanced an amused grin, but she just couldn’t look at the pair without laughing again.


Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
The pair in the water were close enough to hear the teasing going on, just sitting there chatting amiably in the moonlight, and Jayme was staring resolutely at his hands, a deep red on his cheeks. This...was not something he was used to. Oh sure he'd finally figured out what Zev and Ghede got up to, especially since they had their own place....but to hear it so blatantly...so see it so clearly...it was shocking to him!

Quinn whispered something against Dream's ear at the moan hands circling his waist and pulling him close. "We'll head back to the room and strip and I'll help you wash all the sand from your tails before anything else....then yes we'll....." and here he grinned at Sol and winked. "Have some fun."

Fingers found Dream's chin and tilted his face to him, kissing him again. "C'mon my sexy, drunk fox...lets go back to the hotel." and sober you up a smidge was his silent thought! "G'night you two, was a pleasure." his arm curled around Dream again and pulled him close with a promising smile on his face.


Solange/Dream:
“I like it when you talk clean to me.” Solange snorted, even as Dream gave into another of Quinn’s kisses. She couldn’t help, but think that her brother was getting more action out of tonight than she was. However, he needed it to loosen up and she’d gladly give him all the booty luck.

Dream couldn’t think of anything better than a warm shower, conditioner in his fur and whatever Quinn had planned. He was practically already melted jelly infront of him right now! “G’night,” Dream slurred, clinging onto Quinn with an eager look, all to eager to make his way away from the group and back to the hotel.

When they were a safe distance away Solange leaned back with a sigh and ran a hand through her hair. “I’m going to need something really stiff to forget all of that. Something really…” She’d already begun to dig around the alcohol, “…really,” ah-ha! The Whiskey that Dream hadn’t barely scratched, “…stiff.” And without a thought, she uncapped the flask and downed a good chunk.

Urban/Cam/Jayme/Quinn:
Quinn raised his hand in farewell to Cam and Urban and took off walking keeping Dream close to his side, fingers playing lightly over the skin on the others back and he couldn't help but think once again just how lucky he was the other loved him back. It made his heart skip a beat when he thought about it honestly!

Jayme looked up once they walked away only to blush as Urban sidled up to Sol still naked and grinned. "I can give you something stiff babe." he bent and grabbed his shorts then and took his time getting them on as Cam pulled his own on with a yawn. "I'm heading back to the hotel and hope I don't run into those two making out...or worse...against a tree or something." Jayme stood up then too. "Mind if I walk back with you? I'm sort of tired too." "Not at all. Night you two." he winked at Urban then and he and Jayme set off as Urban sat and snagged the whiskey from his wife. "Looks like it's just us now babe." oh the s**t eating grin then.

Quinn
Things hadn't gone the way he'd planned in...awhile. Ever since Fayth's egg had come into their lives things had been anything but calm and normal, but Quinn was rising to the occassion, he'd had no issues with the diapers, the feedings, or anything else. Where as the times he'd left Dream home alone with Fayth to run errands there had been a frantic call or text about him coming home. Errands began happening with their daughter in tow. He knew his fiance was overwhelmed and he couldn't blame him really, it was all so new. Still, he did wish the Ninetails was adjusting a little better to fatherhood than he was.

Quinn was honestly tired at this point. He'd not slept through the night since Fayth had hatched from her egg, waking up with her, and letting Dream sleep. He was hoping Dream would be able to find a new modeling gig, and so he knew the other looking his best was important. He'd already talked to Urban and Wendy about helping out as a babysitter once Dream got back to work, and he along with him as his bodyguard.

But Quinn's temper was starting to run a little thin, he wanted nothing more than a half an hour nap to get rid of the slight headache he had. He'd been up since two with a fussy child, and really, a little nap was all he wanted. So, he'd left Fayth with Dream, and kissed his fiance...and went to hide in their room for a short time. An hour if he were truly lucky.


Dream
Fayth hadn’t stopped fussing since Dream had taken her from Quinn. Every little thing he did for her was wrong, and he had no idea how to make her calm down. The adjustment to fatherhood was anything, but smooth. Where as he had settled on the idea when the egg had arrived, he had been hoping that once he saw his child that it would magically kick in. The parenting drive never showed up; he loved her, would do anything for her, but some days he sat furniture on fire just to get a release.

What sleep Quinn might have thought Dream was getting was non existent. Every time Fayth started to cry he would shoot up and no matter how far he buried his head under the blankets he could still hear it. He wanted to go to her, but what was he supposed to do?! Even now Dream was doing little more than pacing the floor in a desperate attempt to get his daughter to take the nap he knew she needed.

He tried to do it on his own when he had her, but Quinn had a way with Fayth that made Dream envious. Oh, she would nod off completely if he picked her up. When she finally started to quiet he took a chance; Dream walked over to set Fayth down in her crib and the moment he let go of her she squalled. He snatched her back up as quickly as he could, and hung his head back to stare at the ceiling as he patted the girls back.


Quinn
Of course every little squall and whimper had Quinn's fingers clutching the blankets. He was exhausted and yet he couldn't sleep because their daughter was carrying on. Why couldn't Dream get her to settle down? It wasn't that hard, honestly. Pick her up, cradle her and walk around...she dropped off so quicky. What was he doing out there, filing his nails?

His temper didn't come out to play often, but it was right on the edge today. He suspected he might have been coming down with a cold, he knew there was some bugs going around and so little sleep wore a guy down after awhile. That or he was so damned tired, he couldn't find the patience he usually had, it was non existent at this point, and hearing Fayth carrying on, wasn't helping him any at all.

Finally, at the half hour mark he threw the blankets back and rolled out of bed with a tired sigh. Running a hand through his hair he ignored the look of his blood shot eyes and almost stormed out to the living room and over to where Dream and Fayth were. "Oh give her here already." his words were harsher than normal as he carefully picked their daughter up and held her close. "Shhh, time for little princesses to go to sleep now Fayth." what irritattion he'd had when speaking to Dream, vanished when speaking to Fayth. He couldn't be mad at her, she was a baby after all. But his fiance....well he was irked with him currently. Thirty minutes. That's all he'd asked for!


Dream
Dream almost didn’t give Fayth over at first. As soon as Quinn came back into the picture his ears folded back against his head, and the mans snappy attitude didn’t help. “I had it.” What, was he so incapable of taking care of his kid that Quinn couldn’t even sleep for fear that something would happen to her?!

Of course Fayth fought for a little while longer, but she went out like a light within minutes. The sight caused Dream to roll his eyes and throw up his hands in exasperation. Did she just hate him, or something?

He ran his hands down his face, allowing his nails to grind on his skin. Was this what fatherhood was supposed to be like? Non stop hell? How could something so sweet be such a pain?


Quinn
Once Fayth had finally settled down, Quinn carefully tucked her into her crib, a hand brushing over her hair. "Sleep now little one." he stepped from her room quietly, door pulled shut behind him, and he went back to where Dream was, trying to keep the irritation from his voice...and not managing. "A half hour...that's all I've asked for since Fayth came into our lives. A simple half hour to get a nap...and you can't even get her to calm down and sleep...really?" he was so frustrated it wasn't even funny.

He was pacing slightly, picking up toys and what not as he went, and tossing them back to the containers he had sat around for them all. "Honestly Dream, I've not had a moment to myself since Fayth came to be a part of our lives. I've not asked for it, thinking you'd step up, and start pulling your weight with her." that had come out faster than he meant it, but it was there. It was out. He didn't feel like Dream was pulling his weight with their daughter.


Dream
“I was trying to get her to sleep, but she wasn’t having it. It’s not as easy as you make it look.” The edgier Quinn got, the more defensive and bitter Dream became. It really rubbed him raw that Quinn thought he wasn’t even trying.

Dream leaned up against a wall, arms crossed over his chest as he watched Quinn. “Pulling my weight? What the ******** do you think I’ve been trying to do? Every time I so much as touch her she starts screaming and I can’t stand it!” He snarled and reached up to pull at his ears. The Ninetales was shaking. “Ever since Fayth hatched she hasn’t stopped.”

Taking a deep breath, he let go of his ears. Quinn wasn’t the only one showing signs of wear. Ever since the egg had shown up Dream had been losing weight; morning sickness? Talk about everyday sickness. His nerves had kept him ill for a while, and now that it had finally stopped so had his appetite.


Quinn
"It's not as hard as you make it look either! I mean honestly Dream, I have to do all my errands with her, because if I don't within an hour...and that's being generous....I get a call or text from you begging me to come home. You can even handle an hour with her on your own!" Quinn rubbed an exhausted hand over his face as he spoke.

"The house is a mess unless I clean it, Fayth doesn't sleep unless I get her to sleep. and forget a shower. When she does finally fall asleep I dash in long enough to wash my hair and body forget warming the water up and I rush to get redressed before she wakes up, because Arceus forbid you have to deal with her for longer than ten seconds! I can't keep doing this Dream, I feel like I've got two kids to raise now. I'm exhausted."

Dream wasn't the only one to have lost weight, Quinn had lost more than he'd ever managed in the time they were apart due to work, because he hadn't finished a full meal since Fayth hatched. He was too tired to think about food on top of it. A few bites in and he was falling asleep over his meal, or doing a dozen other things while trying to get food in himself. His bags, had bags, and he swore he had a bald spot forming where hair had started to fall out from the stress. "Something's gotta change Dream. This can't keep happening."


Dream
There wasn’t much Dream had to say to that. It was all true, it wasn’t as if he could rebuff it, but hearing it all out loud burned far worse than any fire he could make. “Two kids, huh?” He shook his head and kicked off from the wall. “Sorry that I’m just not coping with this like you think I should!” His voice was raising, as were his tails. The temperature around him was slowly rising as well. “I’m a shitty dad, is that what you want me to say? Do you want me to ******** say how absolutely shitty I am?!”

He had hit his breaking point. Dream wrenched the ring from his hand and threw it at Quinn. “******** this s**t. I’ve had enough!” By now he was fully aflame and raging. “I can’t just jump into this, Quinn, I CAN’T.” Dream gripped his hands into fishes so tight that it brought blood. From her room Fayth had begun to stir. She quieted quickly, but it was enough of an incentive for Dream too quiet.

Dream dropped to his knees and put his head into his hands, still fully a flame. The fire alarms had to be triggered before sleep to actually come on, so there was no risk for the sprinklers to kick on. “Don’t you think I want this to change, too? I don’t like feeling this way and I don’t like seeing you look at me like that.” He had never wanted to be a dad; there, he acknowledged it. Fayth was the first baby he had even been around for more than twenty minutes and it was driving him insane. “I don’t know how to make this better.”


Quinn
"Yeah two kids. Fayth, and you." it sure felt that way! He had to rush into Dream's rescue time and again when it came to their daughter, every. single. ********. time. He couldn't keep doing it, it was going to end up killing him in exhaustion he was sure!

He could see Dream getting pissed, but he hadn't expected the ring he'd picked out for Dream to suddenly be chucked at him, and it fell to the floor with a soft thump, the larger teen caught off guard by the simple violent action. He was looking down at the ring and he bent to pick it up after a moment, holding it close in his hand as he looked up at Dream, the fire in him having been put out as quickly as it had flamed up. No, he'd been doused in ice water at this point.

"I'm sorry I lost my temper Dream. I'm just tired. Maybe we should ask Wendy to watch Fayth for a day, so we can decompress or something." a babysitter wasn't such a bad thing was it? He took a few steps towards Dream, and held his hand out to help the other to his feet. "I think we'll both do better with a little sleep in us yeah? Look, you go lay down and rest for awhile, I'll catch a cat nap on the couch, then Fayth and I we can head out to the store, we need a few things anyhow, I noticed earlier you're about out of conditioner. I'll pick up some more." his tone was back to it's usual calm, gentle tone when speaking with the love of his life, and though he was beyond exhausted, he gave him a soft smile. The hand he held out, was the one he was holding the ring with, it still on his palm. A silent offering.


Dream
The fire burned for a long time before slowly ebbing away. Dream took a deep breath and looked up at Quinn. “Don’t be. You were just telling the truth.” He hesitated before taking the offered hand, but grasped it all the same. When he stood he had the ring in his own palm, staring up at him, and he didn’t immediately put it back on.

“Take your nap first. I’ll call Wendy while you’re asleep and get something set up.” The sudden shift back to Quinn’s usual self bothered Dream. He wasn’t addressing the issue anymore; it was being covered up and Dream felt more unease now than he had in the beginning. He reached up to cup Quinn’s face in the hand that didn’t hold the ring, and he wiped at the bags under Quinn’s eyes with the pad of his thumb. “Get some rest; you deserve it. If Fayth wakes up then we’ll work something out.” He smiled, but it was hollow, as if something had snapped that couldn’t be fixed. “And when you two leave, I’ll clean up and catch a nap.”


Quinn
He was relieved when his hand was grasped finally, his own curling tightly around the others wrist, and holding tight, a soft smile given to the other. "Maybe, but I didn't have to be an a** about it either. I suspect I'm more tired than I realized and that's why my patience finally gave out." it had taken awhile for him to lose control of his temper really.

The fingers on his face made him smile and his hand came up to cup Dream's hand in his own, a squeeze given as he held that hand to his face longer. "Alright. I'll go try getting a nap in before she wakes up. Don't worry if she starts crying, she likes walks, so that'll put her back into a good mood once we step out." he dipped down and pressed a soft kiss to Dream's lips. "Love you Dream." that hadn't changed despite everything else that had recently. He still loved the Ninetails deeply. "Could always come and lay down with me for a little bit till Fayth gets up?" he did attempt to entice the other to join him, it would do them both some good to have a moment alone together he was sure. He was finally letting go of Dream's hand however, so he could head into their room, to get some sleep with or without the additional company.


Dream
Dream squeezed Quinn’s hand in return and leaned into the kiss like it was his last. “Love you too, Quinn.” He meant it, truly. With all of his heart he loved the man and that wasn’t likely to change, no matter what may come. “Walks. Got it. I think she takes after you more than me. She used to like my heat when she was in her egg, but I think I burn her up.” He chuckled weakly. “She does pretty well when I put a damp cloth on her back, though, so we’re working on it.” Like everything with Fayth, it was a work in progress.

He hesitated, and it showed. Dream looked down at the ring still laying in his palm as the other walked back into the bedroom. As tempting as the offer was he couldn’t make his legs move. “As nice as that sounds,” he called out softly, “I’ve got some phone calls to make.” And by the looks of the house, some chores to work on. How had he really been checked out for so long? The place was a wreck.

When he was certain that Quinn was asleep he called Wendy to set up some babysitting days. Of course he’d had to explain the situation and she hadn’t been happy with him, which wasn’t a surprise. Then he had talked to Ysolde, all the while cleaning. Dream could be surprisingly domestic when he wanted to; by the time he was done the kitchen and living room even sparkled!

And every few moments or so he would peek his head in to check up on Fayth. He padded back into the kitchen to fix a few sandwiches for Quinn when he woke and grabbed a few raisins for himself before going into Fayth’s nursery. Dream sat in the rocking chair given to them by Wendy for the longest time, just watching her before he too nodded off.


Quinn
Quinn sank onto the bed, a yawn almost unhinging his jaw as he curled up, not even bothering to cover up or anything. No, he was out as quick as could be he was so exhausted and he slept like a rock, though as little as he'd been sleeping at one time, it wasn't long before he was getting back up, surprised to see he'd managed a little over an hour. At least his head wasn't throbbing nearly as badly as it'd been before his nap.

Stepping from their room he looked around the living room and saw how clean it was and he couldn't help but smile. Dream had busted his tails off while he'd taken a nap by the look of things. Listening hard he heard silence from Fayth's room, and so he went into the kitchen to find a quick snack a surprised note at the sandwiches sitting there and he took the time to eat them both, and happily. Quickly he washed up the plate, not wanting to mess up the kitchen that Dream had also obviously cleaned, before he was headed to Fayth's room.

Looking in he saw Dream in the rocking chair and gave a soft smile seeing him passed out there, and lifted the quilt off the bottom of the crib, before he was carefully covering the other up, brushing a hand over Dream's hair. Working quickly he set up a diaper bag and set it under the stroller he had sitting open and waiting for the walks he took with their daughter, before he was leaning over the crib to pick their little sleeper up. He'd step out before Dream woke, let him get a good nap in while they were at the store.

Pausing in the doorway he gave the other a long look, a tender smile on his face. "Get some rest love." his words soft before he was stopping in their room long enough to grab his wallet and boots, and then he took off on his errands, feeling more chipper than he had such a short time before. "I think some flowers...I was a real d**k....and I'll get that one cut of meat he really likes and make it for dinner... maybe I'll call Urban while we're out...and see if he'll meet me at the store, take Fayth for the evening...have a nice dinner with Dream tonight. Yeah I'll do that...."


Dream
It was a good hour before Dream woke up. He yawned and rubbed at his eyes, feeling the crick in his back from sleeping in the rocking chair almost immediately. Grumbling, he made to stand up and felt the quilt slid off his legs. When he stooped to pick it up he had a goofy little smile on his face that was gone almost as soon as it had come. Could he really do this…? Dream folded the quilt and put it back into place.

He moved out to find his phone and texted the all clear to Ysolde. Dream checked the clock, noting that Quinn couldn’t have been gone for very long at all. The whole thing made him feel numb. He didn’t want to leave, but he knew that if he didn’t they would just continue to fight until the point where it started to mess with Fayth. He’d already screwed up enough with her as it was.

It didn’t take long for his assistant to show up with a moving company. Under his direction they went through the apartment, taking only the things that were solely Dreams; his massive collection of cleansing products, brushes, clothing, etc. All in all it took less time than he thought it would, and for a minute he wanted to tell them to bring it all back. Just do it. He’ll hate you for it, but he’ll be better off. Someday Quinn would move on with someone who could stand beside him to support him like he needed.

Dream slid into his loafers and grabbed up the keys to his car. As he shut off the lights he left folded note on the intable and atop it was the ring Quinn had given him. The note read as such;


Quinn;

You deserve so much more than I can give you. It’s like you said; it shouldn’t fall to you to take care of two children. There should be someone to have your back, and it’s pretty clear that it isn’t me. I’m sorry for leaving while you’re gone, but I wouldn’t be able to do it with you here. Things would only get worse, you have to know that. I’m too much of a vain jackass to give in, right?

I’ll help you with Fayth as much as I can. Ysolde will get in contact with you over custody. Don’t worry; I’m not taking her from you, I just want to see my baby girl. Maybe after some space I can be the dad she needs. I’ve also asked Ysolde to hire a nanny for you to help out. You should be getting reference calls within the next few days. Wendy is still coming over tomorrow evening; I couldn’t talk her out of it, but maybe you’ll want her there. If not, just ask her to leave.

I’m changing my number so don’t bother calling. It would only complicate things. I love you, but I don’t like what we’ve become. It’s killing you. I’M killing you. So I’m breaking it off.

Find someone to be what I can’t.

Dream


Quinn
He'd called Urban who had met him at the store, and he handed over Fayth to her uncle, glad when she went with ease. It probably helped he'd brought Casey along with, so she had a cousin to torment and be entertained with. He'd thanked the other for agreeing to watch Fayth for the next few hours, promising to do the same for them soon when it came to the twins, and kissed his daughter on the forehead telling her to behave her her aunt and uncle and be nice with her cousins.

That done, he'd proceeded to do some much needed grocery shopping, making sure he found the best cut of meat to cook up that night, the freshest roses for the table. He even got a few new candles for the table. An evening all to themselves, so they could eat, and talk like adults, maybe discuss their earlier fight now that they'd both napped and calmed down a little.

Once he was done he walked home whistling under his breath, planning how the night would go. If Dream was still sleeping he'd start the steaks cooking on a low heat and go to wake him up with a few kisses. Maybe he should wait...the food might burn if they got carried away and he was hoping they would. A round of sex, even angry sex would help them out right? He figured it would. The roses would be placed on the table...

Juggling the bags he unlocked the door and let himself in quietly, lights kept low as he headed to the kitchen. "Oh wow. Dream even cleaned the fridge out...nice." he had ample room to put things away as he set the roses on the table and moved to go wake up Dream. Only to find him not in the nursery. Maybe he'd gone to their room then. He stepped in, and blinked a moment. Their room was sort of empty.

"Dream?" Quinn called out for the other as he began to flip on the lights, a feeling of dread filling his stomach as he looked around, and finally his eyes spotted the note that he'd breezed right past on his way in. The ring sitting on it caught his eye first and he picked it up and stared at it before he began to read the letter slowly, trying to make sense of it.

It was during the second read through that his legs gave out on him and he crashed to his knees, clutching the letter. He couldn't have been gone long right? He fumbled for his phone, it dropping to the ground and he snatched it up, punching the number one on speed dial and he held it to his hand with trembling fingers.

We're sorry but the number you are trying to reach has been disconnected, or is no longer in service. If you think you've reached this message in error, please hang up and retry your call.

He listened to the recorded voice mutely, before he closed his phone. It was already done? He'd already changed his number? So soon? His fingers curled around the ring, while he stared down at the others note to him and he felt a sharp pain in his chest a tearing sob coming from him, a whisper from him. "....Dream...."

Quinn wasn't sure how long he knelt there, but his phone began to ring, and he answered it hopefully, that hope dashed as he heard Urban's voice asking him when he should bring Fayth over. It took him a few moments, before an almost dead reply of "Bring her when you want...Dream isn't here anymore....he left us..." came from him. He hung up without realizing what he was doing and sat heavily on the couch.

All he had now....was Fayth... their daughter. There was a fresh round of sobs from him as he hugged himself tightly waiting for Urban or Solange to show up with Fayth.


Solange
Solange didn’t know how long it had been since Wendy and Cordelia had shown up to watch the babies. She didn’t even know long long it had taken them to get across town to the apartment, other than it had been too damn long! What the ******** was going on?! Dream, I am going to slaughter you when I find you. If she wasn’t so keen on getting to Quinn she would have run all over the city looking for the slimy b*****d.

She made her way to the door and used her key to get in, leaving it open for Urban to come in. In truth, she didn’t even need to see Quinn to feel the heart break in the place. She could smell his tears mixing with his distress, and it brought a whine out from her. Solange shrugged out of her leather jacket and let it fall to the floor along with her boots. The Houndoom looked to her husband, then back to her - well, he wasn’t her brother in law anymore, was he? - friend. She motioned to Urban to take up point on comforting while she padded off to the kitchen to get Quinn a glass of water and some tissues.


Quinn & Urban
Quinn heard the footsteps on the porch, but he could tell it wasn't Dream, one, too many sets of them. And two, both were heavier than the other teen's had been, and so he hadn't gotten up. He knew there was a key they had and they could let themselves in.

With red eyes he looked up expecting to see his babygirl, and instead found Urban standing there empty handed, and his arms held open. It took Quinn a moment or two, before he was on his feet, wobbling a bit as he did and clinging to Urban and letting out another choked sob of despair as he felt the Aggron's arms curl around him and just hug him tightly. "Fayth?" "Wendy and Cordelia are watching her and the twins right now. We're here because we didn't think you should be alone right now." Quinn sniffled at those words, feeling his heart breaking more. One hand was still curled tightly around the ring Dream had left. "Not alone...I have Fayth." the irony hit him, and he dissolved into another sob as Urban tugged him to sit on the couch again.

Urban hugged Quinn close, and he looked towards where Solange had vanished off to, his eyes wide. This was out of his comfort zone, but he was doing the best he could for the teen that had been there for him when he'd lost his s**t.


Solange
Solange wasn’t gone long. When she returned she was balancing a glass of water, a box of tissues and a damp washcloth in her arms. The woman looked over Quinn’s sobbing figure to Urban, her ears flicking back in discomfort. Her husband looked as lost as she felt, but as she had a little more experience in comforting Solange came in to help him out.

After setting the glass and the tissues down on the coffee table, Solange leaned on the couch with her knee. She rubbed soothing circles onto the teens back and applied the cloth onto his face, trying to coax him away from Urban over to her. “Did he say where he was going?” If she could just get a location, then Solange could grab her bike and find him in an instant. Unfortunately, she also had a suspicion that if he had left a location Quinn would have already gone himself.

“Would you drink something for me?” She picked up the glass of water from the table. If the teen needed to cry then let him, but she didn’t want him to make himself sick ontop of it.


Quinn & Urban
Urban was relieved when Quinn shifted to Solange, tears running down his cheeks as he held out the note from Dream. "He didn't say where he was going no. We had a fight earlier...and I was an a** and it's all my fault he left me." his shoulders slumped as he took the water from her and took a few sips, hiccuping as he did, and almost choking.

A firm hand on his back from Urban helping him not choke was appreciated and he took another slow sip before he set the cup of water down and looked at them with a miserable expression on his face. "I didn't mean to piss him off and make him go. I was just so tired...but it's not an excuse. All my fault he left." he couldn't find the tears anymore just then, not as the full weight of all this hit him. If he'd helpd his temper...Dream wouldn't have left. It was his fault. All his fault.

Urban frowned some his hand tightening on the others shoulder. "Hey, don't go talking like that Quinn. That fixes nothing." well it was true! He was well aware of what blaming ones self could do in the end!


Solange
Solange read over the note a few times, before pulling her lips back over her fangs on exasperated snort. What was he thinking? Even if he thought leaving was the better option, had he even bothered working through things with Quinn before packing his s**t up?

She sat the note on the table and pulled Quinn to her. “He’s right, you know. You guys had a fight and yeah, you might have said things you regret now, but I’m sure he said a lot of things right back.” Knowing dream it had all been piss and vinegar, too. “Relationships are two way streets, Quinn. You can’t blame yourself for this when it takes two to tango.” She rubbed his back and rocked a little, moving her knee so that she was now situated on the couch at a higher position than the bigger guy. Like this she could hold him the way he needed. “You’re one hell of a guy Quinn, and one of the best dads I know. If Dream can’t see that….” She let it hang but it was obvious what she meant; maybe he was better off without him.


Quinn & Urban
"Knowing Dream, I'd be surprised if he took any sort of a fight without coming back with a few sharp words of his own." Urban picked up the note and read it over, shaking his head. He got to his feet and stepped into the kitchen. The steak he found he threw in the freezer, and instead he made Quinn up a plate of left overs he'd found. The guy needed to eat, to keep his strength up for Fayth. Even if she wasn't here just then.

He hugged Solange tightly, glad for the comfort, a faint smile on his face. "I thought...when I met him...that I had found my soulmate Solange.... I love Dream so much it hurts. I guess...wishing we had a family...was the wrong thing. It was after that....Fayth's egg showed up...and everything went to s**t. But I wouldn't give her up for anything. At least...I have her." a symbol of the love he'd shared with Dream. A painful reminder maybe, but one he'd cherish to the end of his days.

"I just wish I'd never yelled at him. But I guess that would have just left all the problems boiling...and a worse fight would have happened." he stared at the plate of food he had held out to him, and he took it with a sigh. "You need to eat, so when Fayth gets home, you have the strength and energy to take care of her. She needs you still Quinn, don't you check out on her too." "I know. I won't. Thank you guys." he took a few slow bites as he sat back on the couch sniffling lightly. Life was not going to be the same anymore, he knew.


Solange
She squeezed him tight, and brushed pieces of his two-toned hair our of his face. Quinn looked exactly like the hell he was going through. The sight broke her heart along with his. “I know sweetheart, we all did. I don’t think I was as happy when he introduced me to you. Arceus knows what you’ve been through to keep him for this long.” Solange moved back to sit on the arm of the chair while he ate.

Even if Dream did come crawling back now he had done his damage. But Solange was still so confused. Her brother had seemed genuinely happy. Ecstatic even! Surely Fayth couldn’t have pushed him this far over the edge...could she? And if she did then he was a bigger douche than she already thought.

“Wishing for a family is never a bad thing. You love him and that isn’t wrong.” She looked at Urban. He was being so helpful now, but there had been a time where she had thought her own family wouldn’t work out. “You have a beautiful baby girl and whatever happens, I know that Dream loves her. I don’t know what the ******** is going on with him, but he won’t check out on her.” She ran a hand through her hair, mussing with her braid. THAT she would make sure of. “Do you want to come stay with us for a while? Or we can keep Fayth if you need the time.”


Quinn & Urban
Urban knew he'd caused his own fair share of problems in everyone's lives after Solange had been jumped and beaten so badly he'd been sure he'd lose her. Quinn had stepped in to help, but Urban had cracked and sent the kids out to the world, but he'd been unable to do more than sit at the hospital with Solange, then at the house while she got better. It'd been a hell of a time for his sanity.

"Always knew it was too good to be true.....him loving me. I mean hell...look at me compared to him...he's gorgeous..he could have anyone he wants....I was just convenient and here." why yes, he was willing to believe Dream had finally dumped him, because things weren't easy and convenient anymore. He was sure he'd have someone new in days. Someone better looking, someone more socially acceptable for his perfect ******** image. Not...someone like him. Who even after hard work and exercise and a strict diet, was a walking barge. He wondered time and again what Dream had seen in him, and he had always come up wanting for an explanation. He still didn't have one...nor did he have the other now either.

"I do love him...but never could quite figure out what he saw in me." his words were soft and he set the plate down on the table after a few more bites. He couldn't stomach anymore, it'd come up if he ate another bite. "I'd never keep her from him. She deserves to know him...even if he doesn't....want to know me...anymore..." his words broke and he sniffled softly. "I think...having Fayth brought here would be best. She should keep to as much normalacy as I can manage for her right now while I look for a job to support us and all." though he knew that would be hard juggling work and a baby all on his own. But he'd make it work. He had to. Fayth was counting on him!


Solange
Solange reached out to put a hand on his shoulder. “Quinn, you know that isn’t true.” At least, Solange wanted to believe it wasn’t, but at the moment everything she knew about her brother was being thrown into question. For Quinn, though, she was resolute. “He saw a strong, buff guy with a heart of gold that's what. And a big a** truck.” She gave a small smile. “So you’re not Urban. Not everyone needs a six pack. Urban’s only good for punching the s**t out of people, but he’ll tire out before you do, I can guarantee it. You’ve got muscle meant for moving ******** mountains; literally.”

It must have been a sight to see this guy truly angry. Solange honestly hoped she never would. “I started back to work a little while ago, but I’m on part time until the twins get big enough. It’s night shift, so if you’re working and need someone to watch Fayth bring her by. And if I’m not there, go for the big guy here. Or hell, if he’s not there, call Wendy or Cordy. I had to stop Wendy from coming over here with us, so she’ll be at your side no matter the time; day or night. We all will be.”


Quinn & Urban
Urban pulled a face at his wife for the slam on his strength and all but he let it go, he knew Quinn needed the build up probably as much as his ego needed the hit. "When we first met, I looked like a homeless drunk...." Quinn gave a low laugh as he recalled that little meeting. There was nothing in that moment to tell Dream anything good about him really. So that things had happened as they had, well he'd been thankful, really.

"Thanks Solange, I appreciate it. I really do. I'm going to be honest...part of me wants to be childish...and refuse the help...and forge ahead on my own...because obviously he thinks I can do it all...so why not prove him right....but I know...I truly do know...I can't do it all on my own. Not and be a good dad to Fayth." he sighed deeply as he said that. It was hard to admit he was going to need to rely on their help, but he did promise himself he'd take as little of it as he could possibly manage. He had to do this on his own as much as possible. He was refusing to put himself out there again. Especially not with Fayth in his life. She didn't need him dating a string of men after all. No...dating was not anywhere in his immediate future.


Solange
Solange couldn’t help but to raise a brow at Urban as if to challenge him to say something. When he didn’t she turned her attention back to Quinn. “You would only run yourself down if you tried to do that. It isn’t just Fayth we’re concerned about here.” She brought her knees up to her chest on the couch and propped her elbows on them.

“You know what? ******** him. Yeah you could do it all on your own, but isn’t that why you snapped the first time? It isn’t supposed to be like; not when you have people who care about you.” It was going to be like pulling teeth for a while to get him to actually rely on them, she could feel it, but Solange could make this work.


Quinn & Dream
"Don't make us give Wendy a copy of the house key so she can come and go to keep an eye on you and make sure you're taking care of yourself. Though maybe she can help you pick out a decent nanny when they come calling." he didn't know if Quinn was up for such decisions just then really, and thought Wendy's help with that would be best.

"Alright, if you think she'd help with that I don't mind." he was too exhausted and numb to mind at this point, honestly. "It is...I haven't slept through the night since she hatched...she cries whenever he holds her and tries to get her to sleep or anything....all my errands I had to run with her otherwise I got frantic calls and texts from him needing me to come home to her..." he looked around the spotless living room. "At least...he left me a clean house...and some memories." his eyes had landed on a picture of the two of them and he looked away with a pained look.

Seeing that, Urban made a mental note to put those up, and he excused himself to use the bathroom, where he in reality detoured to their bedroom, and found some photos there, that he tucked away in a now empty drawer. He did that in as many rooms as he could before he stepped back into the living room, using the opportunity of Quinn being in the kitchen to throw out the food on his plate, to remove the photos that were there, and slide them into a cabinet under a table. "That might help...a little I hope." Urban's voice was soft. "Call Wendy, see if she'll bring Fayth over. I think it might help him to have her here. Something to focus on and all."


Solange
Solange sat back with a frown. “He had mentioned some of that. Kept asking me for advice, but the twins never gave me that problem. I did notice that Fayth got fussy when I held her today. I just assumed it was because she wanted to go home or something. Maybe she just isn’t a fan of fire types.” The girl seemed to be constantly warm, always tugging at her clothes until she was stripped down to the diaper. What if…?

“Thank you,” she murmured. She had been trying to keep up small talk with Quinn so he wouldn’t notice Urban’s activities. “That’s a good idea. I’ll call her up; keep an eye on him.” Solange got up to call the woman, stepping as far away from the men as she could to keep the call as quiet as possible.

Granted, it would have been a lot easier had Wendy not been near screaming on her end. “Solange? Did he come back? Is he there? Is Quinn okay? He isn’t hurt, is he? Is-?”

Solange brought the phone back to her ear after having held it out to avoid the barrage on her sensitive ears. “Yes, No, No, Yes, and No. Look, would you come over with Fayth? We’ve got an extra car seat in the-”

Wendy snorted. “Honey, I’ve got three in my car ready to roll. Grandma comes prepared.” She could hear some rustling in the background, presumably Cordelia asking questions and the tell tale signs of Hawke chewing on their coffee table. She knew that grinding anywhere. “I’m coming! Bye!”

It took less time for Wendy to make it to the house than it took for Solange to use the restroom. Solange met her at the door, and took Fayth’s diaper bag while Wendy totted in the baby carrier. Fayth surveyed the room with wide eyes, chewing on her coat sleeve. “Urban, honey, get Fayth out would you?” She handed the babe over to the man and went over to Quinn. She wasted no time in wrapping the man up in her arms. It was almost comical how hard she squeezed despite her size. Her eyes were full of tears and worry made the aged lines on her face stand out. “Honey, I am so sorry. Oh baby…”


Quinn & Urban
"That's silly though isn't it? I mean look who her dad is, he's a Ninetails." it didn't make any sense she wouldn't like fire types, being part one herself after all! Still it did make him frown in consideration.

"Can do babe." he waited for Quinn to come back and smiled at him. "Sol is calling Wendy to have her bring Fayth back over for you." "Oh good." that brought a smile to Quinn's face and he relaxed a little knowing his daughter would be back soon. "Urban...thanks...for coming over and everything." "Hey, you helped me out when I was in a bad space, it's the least I can do. You're still family." "No...I'm not. Dream giving back his ring makes that clear...but Fayth is." he was still wearing his own ring, he couldn't bear to take it off, though he supposed he ought to. It made Dream's leaving feel final though.

Urban crossed over to Fayth and unhooked her from her carrier with a smile, tickling the girl under her chin, as he got her out of her little coat since she was inside. Quinn was surprised by how strongly Wendy was hugging him, but he hugged her back tightly, sniffling as he did. "I just want him to be happy...you know? And...if he's not happy here with me...with us then...well he needs to find what makes him happy. He'll have an easier time finding work without me around anyhow." he was trying to put on a happy face, but honestly, it was killing him inside to know Dream had walked out on them. "Thank you...for helping out with everything...do you....would you....when the people come for the nanny position....help with interviewing them?" he found it hard to help, but Urban smiled hearing him ask Wendy for the help. Good. He wasn't trying to do that alone.


Solange
It would have taken an act of Arceus to pry Wendy from Quinn. This was her boy! He may not have been her son, or even her Poke’mon prior to transformation, but he might as well have been. “That boy won’t be happy until the world burns down around him.” Wendy sighed. Her little dream was getting himself into so much trouble these days. Come home, Dream boat. Your family needs you. “If he goes on to work and completely walks away from all of this with a clean slate then he isn’t the boy I raised.” His mother would be turning over in her grave! She had always valued tight knit family bonds and to know her boy had severed his...oh, how he was lucky she had passed! “You just tell me when they’re coming and I’ll be right here. Though, if you need a nanny...I could always do the job. No cost, just because I love you so.”

It didn’t make sense. Yeah, her dad was a Ninetales so that should have given Fayth immunity to fire; hell she should even LIKE it. Looking over to the girl Solange frowned. She was happy enough with Urban holding her, even giggling when he tickled her. Odd.


Quinn & Urban
"The letter said that Ysolde was going to call with the references...so you know there might not be much in the way of an interview." "Even better I guess. But if I don't like whoever is sent my way I'll call you Wendy." he wasn't sure he was trusting anyones judgement just then really. Urban, for his part was holding Fayth and tickling her neck smiling at her giggles. "I don't see how she cries when Dream holds her...or even you babe." it made no sense to him honestly as he walked around with his niece.

"If he calls you or anything...just...I don't know. I don't even know what to say. I'd say to tell him I begged him to come home. But I don't think that'll fix anything right now. Maybe he just needs time away from us...from me..." he said he wanted to see his daughter. Not him. So yeah...Dream needed away from him. He got it. He was the problem in the equation. His shoulders slumped some at that realization, and carefully pulling himself from Wendy, he lightly snagged Fayth from Urban's arms and pulled her close to him, hugging her close, and looking so much like a sad little kid hugging a stuffed animal. Save he was a teen, holding his daughter...his daughter with a man who apparently, didn't love him anymore. It was killing him to know that.

"I should get Fayth to bed...it's close to her bed time and all..." his words were soft. He was likely to tuck her in...and crash on the couch for now. The bedroom held too many memories he wasn't ready to face and the rocking chair....well Dream had just recently been there. No, he'd crash on the couch. And hope for a miracle in the form of Dream coming home. He wished he would. More than anything, he wished Dream would come home to them.


Solange
"I'll be over in the morning then, with or without a call." Wendy nodded. He may not appreciate the intrusion, but she knew more than anyone that just helping out around the house while you spent time to yourself was important. He needed to focus on himself and Fayth, anyway.

"We'll worry about that later," Solange placed a hand on her husbands arm as Quinn took his daughter. The little girl was all smiles, completely ignorant to her father's pain. "If he calls, we'll tell him." She didn't want to promise that he would call, but telling that to Quinn would just be more issues than he needed right then.

Fayth, with her bright red gaze so much like her father's, looked up to her daddy and put a hand on his cheek. She didn't understand why it felt different than usual. It was like touching her skin when she got a bath.

Before she left, Wendy came up to Quinn to give both him and the baby one more hug. "Call me if you want anything, sweetheart. I'll see you tomorrow." She turned to look at the married couple and motioned to the door. "Come on then, kids."

Anything Solange thought about saying sounded so cliche it made her sick. So she just looked at him and made a mental promise. She was going to find that nine tailed b*****d, even if it took her years to do it, and break every single of them. Following Wendy, she slipped her books back on and got her coat, waiting patiently for Urban. "We'll be outside." Maybe a guy friend could say something more? Or maybe Urban would bumble, who knew, he wasn't exactly a politician.

Still, she had to hope.


Quinn & Urban

Quinn
It had been a long day for Quinn, he'd not been sleeping well in awhile now, and he had circles under his eyes as a result. Nothing bad, just a few sleepless nights. Tonight was turning out to be the same way. He'd put Fayth to bed some time before, after a long walk with her, playing with some toys, before doing dinner, bath time, a couple of stories, and cuddling her till she dozed off. Then he'd gone around and done some house work.

Now, he was laying in bed staring at the ceiling, and waiting for sleep to find him. He was thankful that Urban had gone through and packed away all the reminders of Dream, it had helped in a way. Though he had a picture of Dream holding Fayth in her room for her. He wouldn't deny her that. But, it didn't make sleep any easier to find.

Fayth
Waking up with a growling stomach was the worst. Finding herself stuck in torn clothes that were way too tight was almost as bad. Fayth pulled and tugged, grunting until all the material was off of her before sitting up. In sleep ridden frustration she brushed back strands of longer hair away from her face until it stood up like a mane around her skull. Something was...off. Fayth just couldn't place what it was. At least, until she stood up in her crib and found herself able to lean over the railing. Her first reaction was to be afraid, since now she was so much higher, but...if she was bigger then she wouldn't have to wait for daddy to help her...so as nimbly as she could, which wasn't very, Fayth scrambled her way out of the crib and onto the floor. She slipped out of the open doorway onto wobbly legs, finally deciding to go down into a half-crawl as she meandered her way into the kitchen. Where was all the good stuff? Fayth opened a cabinet, found nothing but bowls, slammed the door and opened another, continuing the process until she found the fridge. Oh, what a find!

Quinn
He had almost found sleep, when he began to hear noises coming from the house and he stiffened, listening to rustling and rummaging. To a cabinet slamming, and he was on his feet quickly, moving to where his gun safe was. The combination was entered quickly, able to do so in the dark thanks to plenty of practice, and he withdrew a small gun before closing it back, and slowly making his way towards the sound.

The kitchen? Must be a thief after silver…not that we have that at least. he had the gun held in his hand, the safety off as he crept silently through the house, not wanting to wake Fayth. He must’ve forgotten to set the alarm or something he figured.

Fayth
Sitting infront of the opened fridge was a little naked girl, covered in a mixture of cottage cheese and yogurt. The easier containers of food to open were already picked over; corpses of half eaten packages lay scattered around her. What she really wanted was a pickle, but for the life of her Fayth couldn't seem to get the lid off this one! She grunted, trying her best to twist it like she'd seen daddy do, but between her lack of strength and slippery fingers it wasn't budging. Then a noise caught her attention and she looked up, but was unable to see thanks to the island being in her way. For the first time that night she felt afraid. Fayth clutched the pickles to her chest, and backed behind the open door to shield herself.

Quinn
Quinn was wearing just a pair of shorts, and he cursed himself for not grabbing his shell vest from the hook, but now wasn’t the time to fret over it. He needed to find and neutralize the threat before it became a danger to him, or worse his daughter. He was in hunter mode, and as he heard the noises in the kitchen quiet, he stopped moving, listening. Damn. Must’ve heard me coming…. he figured the intruder was still in the kitchen though, and swiftly, he was slamming his hand on the light switch, gun extended and pointing at…. Nothing?

There was no one he could see unless they were hiding behind the island which was possible he knew, and so keeping the gun held firmly in hand, he came around…only to pause again seeing the food all over the floor half eaten, or entirely gone. He followed the mess to the fridge, where he blinked a moment, and there went his safety back on, and the gun set onto the island for the moment.

“Fayth? What are you doing out of bed?” though as he looked her over he realized she didn’t look like the same baby he’d put to bed a few hours before, and blinked a moment in surprise.

Fayth When the lights abruptly came on Fayth whimpered, and covered her eyes with her free hand. She rubbed at her crimson eyes while they adjusted and when she looked up...Fayth could only smile when she saw that the scary noise was her daddy. "I was hungry." Looking over the mess in the light the little girl's smile just grew. "Really hungry." She tried to stand up, but walking for the first time, especially with a new body, was harder than it looked! At first she used the pickle jar as a balance aid, with it on the ground in front of her, but it didn't take her long to slip and fall back down in her mess.

Quinn
He couldn’t help but laugh softly at her explaining just why she was out of her bed, and sitting in a pile of empty packages and all. He saw the death grip she’d had on the pickles, and stepped in as she fell down, scooping her up quickly. “You are a mess my darling girl. Were you trying to get a pickle?” with her in one hand, he grabbed the jar with the other, and easily popped open the jar even with holding her. He fished one out and held it out to her, looking at the mess on her and the floor. “Still hungry? Or ready for another bath?” he kicked the fridge shut with his foot, he’d clean that up once she was back to bed. Once his hand was free he took the gun off the island, and tucked it in the back of his waist band. He’d get that put up in a moment.

Fayth
Fayth squirmed around in her daddy's hold, looking around with wide eyes. It all looked so different now! Still big, but smaller, too. She squealed happily and took the whole pickle into her hands, nomming on the end in utter contentment with her little ears perked. "Can I eat my pickle in the bath?" The possibility of playing in the bath again was nice, but if she had to leave her pickle...the horror! "Daddy why I am..." Fayth struggled with the word and scrunched up her brows, chewing on her pickle in intense thought. Finally she growled in a huff and pouted, unable to think of it and too frustrated to keep trying.

Quinn
He laughed at her asking to eat the pickle in the bath, and mentally shrugged. Why not. He did detour to the bedroom long enough to return the gun to the safe and closed it back up before he headed to the bathroom. “You can have your pickle in the bath yes. Just keep it out of the water.” He was making mental note to go shopping the next day for more food for her. But first…clothes would be needed. Which meant calling Wendy. “You’re growing up baby, it happens to everyone. I just didn’t think you’d grow so much so soon. Your dad is going to be surprised when he sees you next time.”

Once the tub had a decent amount of water in it, he set Fayth into the water then pickle and all. “I think you might need a big girl bed now.” And possibly bigger meal portions….he recalled growing up and eating all the time. The Munchlax was strong in this one.

Fayth
It didn't take the girl long to make it halfway through the pickle thanks to her big, eager bites. The sour taste was always something that caused her lips to pucker, but in a good way. Not like the puckering she did when her dad was mentioned. "Gotta see me to be surprised." In truth, Fayth could barely remember the man and that was only because of the one picture that was still around. She'd looked at it enough times to still remember him even after the transition. She sank down into the water up to her head, blowing bubbles around the pickle even after being told not to put it into the water. It's not as if it stopped her from eating it. Sitting up, she bounced up to put her elbows on the tub rim. "Is it gonna be big like yours?"

Quinn
His heart ached at her words, but she was right. He’d have to see her to be surprised. Quinn got child support regularly from him, there was always money in his bank account to care for their daughter. He reached in to snag the now soaked pickle from her, rolling his eyes a moment at how well she listened. Silly child. “Not as big as mine darling no. But it’ll be bigger than your crib is, with room to grow. And no bars to climb over.” He chuckled softly, and got the washcloth he used for her bath earlier, and began to wipe the food off his daughter. “Grandma is going to be surprised to see you, I’ll have to call her in the morning so she can bring you clothes that fit. Or watch you so I can go buy them.” But he had a feeling it would be Wendy. He wouldn’t deny her the chance to shop for her granddaughter.

Fayth
Fayth made grabby hands for the pickle, and pouted when it was taken away from her completely. "Wasn't done!" She whined. Sitting back, she tried to keep up her pouting face, but there was something about water that calmed her. It didn't take her long for Fayth to start splashing and playing around, making a seemingly simple bath all the harder for a tired father. "Ya think so? Oooh oooh, maybe you don't tell her, so when she see me, she gets all surprised like you!" Fayth held out her hands and gesticulated while she talked before laughing. Her thick tail thumped on the sides of the tub.

Quinn
“Nope no more pickle. It’s in dirty water now.” Which to him made it inedible. He knew though at this point, it was more a case of eat it all, regardless of location. He’d just make sure she had large, filling meals, and plenty of snacks as needed. “I am more than certain she’ll be surprised to see you. I’ll call her in the morning to have her come over. For tonight, I’ll give you one of my shirts to sleep in.” it’s all there was for her after all. He’d make sure that larger sizes were bought, in case of a repeat down the road. He chuckled at how happy she was in the bath, these moments made him forget how tired he was, and he ran a hand over her hair gently. “You sure do love the water. I swear you’re more like me than your dad.” He mused quietly. Dream always did say Fayth didn’t like him for some reason. And for being part Vulpix, she seemed more at home in water than near hot things.

Fayth
Fayth blew more bubbles in the water, and flipped around onto her back, using her feet to push her up into a sitting position with her back to the faucet. She preened under her daddy's affection and reached her hands up to slosh around the last remnants of food into the shampoo. "He's too hot," Fayth snubbed her nose and shook her head, tossing little clumps of suds here and there. "Like sun or soup hot." She didn't like that, nope nope! Especially when she was stuffed up in itchy blankets and warm clothes. Some of the soap ran into her ears, giving her a case of the chills. "Ew ew ewewwewewew, it's in my eaaarrrr! Daddy get it out!"

Quinn
“He’s too hot? Well he is a fire type…but you partly are. I guess my genes are a little stronger than his are though if it bothers you. Your auntie has noticed the same thing, you tended to fuss a lot when you were first born, and she’d hold you.” It was definitely an eye opener though look at him laugh softly, chuckling a little and he grabbed a dry washcloth, and held it to her ear and tipped her head to the side so the water could run out. “How’s that darlin’?” he carefully rinsed her clean before the bath water was drained out, and he grabbed….well not her usual hooded towel and instead a bigger towel. “I’ll have to get you a new hooded towel baby. You’re too big for yours.”

Fayth
"Sololol?" Fayth asked. "Solololol is hot too, daddy." She squirmed a little as the suds came back out of her ear, but it DID feel nice. "Better." Reaching for the bigger towel, she pulled it over her head like a hood, "I already got one though. See?" Now that she was properly cleaned up Fayth knew it was time to get out of the tub, but she struggled with getting moving. It was tricky business, but Fayth was nothing if not determined to get it right. So when she got out of the tub on her own, even though she was holding onto her dadddy fiercely, she gasped, "I did it!"

Quimm
He chuckled at her name for her aunt, it was adorable really. He was amazed at how well she was talking already, and he knew it wouldn’t take long for her walking to steady. He felt a pang. She was growing up so fast. It was almost frightening, and he felt a brief moment of panic that he quickly fought down. He just wished Dream would spend time with her. He sighed some. He needed to get over him, and move on. But even his dates with Bethanne, and even Aatami, had just ended up feeling almost awkward though he had two great friends now as a result. He was especially pleased to reconnect with the Leafeon, and invited him over to just spend time as friends as often as the teen could manage around school and all.

There was a laugh at her pulling the towel around herself like a hood and he smiled at her, watching as she got out of the tub holding his hands. “Great job darlin’!” he cheered on her efforts before he was rubbing his hands over her towel to dry her up, ruffling it over her hair. “Lets get you one of my way too big for you shirts, and I’ll brush your hair, and get you back into your crib, and tomorrow, once you have clothes, we’ll buy you a big girl bed and you can pick out what kind of sheets you want and everything.” Why not? But first…her to bed…and his kitchen recleaned.

Fayth
As soon as she was rubbed down, Fayth dropped her 'hood' and a bush of obsidian hair flopped out. Were it not for her very Vulpix bangs one might have thought she'd been attacked by a black furball. She didn't like the drying off part nearly as much as the bath itself, so every attempt to clear her of water was met with dodging and laughter. "But...but I don't wanna! Not without you." Daddy was tired too, she could see it, and anything that needed to be done could happen tomorrow, right? That's what tomorrows were for!

Quinn
He laughed at the sudden puff of hair from under the towel, shaking his head at the mess he had created. That would take a bit to brush out. With the towel still wrapped around her, he picked her up and headed for his room, and located a shirt from his dresser and held it out. “Arms up, and we’ll get you dressed.” He’d taken a look at her room before coming to his, and he studied her crib, then her. It looked too small to easily contain her for the night. “How about tonight, and tonight only you can bring your pillow, and blanket and favorite toy, and sleep in my room. I think your crib might be too small for you.” And he didn’t want her getting stuck in the bars! He stifled a yawn, just barely. He was running on empty just then really. “I’ll be sure to set snacks up for you, if you wake up hungry again okay? Even put some pickles in an easy to open container for you.”

Fayth
Fayth obedied and held her arms up, delighting in wiggling her longer fingers. Once dressed, she smoothed her hands over his shirt before tucking her arms back through the sleeves. "Look, no hands!" Fayth wriggled away and while a little wobbly, she nodded fervently. That sounded like a great plan! She moved back into her room, popping her arms back out and retrieved as much stuff as she could. Of cousre she couldn't pick out a favorite toy; that was impossible! So she grabbed as many as she could and toddled back to his room, dropping toys in her wake before flopping her haul onto his bed. "Bed, daddy, then we can eat pickles together." Fayth burrowed her way under the blankets, taking her things with her.

Quinn
He laughed softly seeing her walking around like a little ghost, an amused smile on his face. No matter how tired he might be, she always brightened his world up, and he knew that he wasn’t in the wrong to have wished for a family with Dream. Even if the ‘with Dream’ portion hadn’t worked out. He had a small part of him in his life, in their daughter at least. He had gone to hang up the towel and grab the brush he used for her, scooping her dropped toys up along the way. Normally, he’d clean the mess up right away but he was bone weary, and figured it’d take less time to do it fresh from sleep than while exhausted. “Alright, let me try to tame your hair a little bit before we go to sleep. In the morning you and I will clean the mess up together, and have pickles tomorrow too.” The sight of her with all her toys was amusing, and he shook his head some as he handed her the rest. “You dropped these.”

Fayth
Fayth took her toys into hand and placed them in various spots around her like a little protective barrier. The softest were placed near her head so she could cuddle up to them. After all was well in her little world, Fayth reached up for her daddy's hand to pull him onto the bed with her. She yawned, but she wasn't sleepy, at least that's what she told herself. Cuddling up close to him, she tried to make it easier for him to brush out her hair, but it was obvious the little one was fighting sleep at this point.

Quinn
Quinn smiled watching everything be set ‘just so’ around her, and he made quick work of her hair, brushing out the worst of the snarls, so it would be an easier battle come morning. He set the brush on his side table, before he was climbing under the blankets with another low yawn, and brushed his hand over her hair. “Go to sleep darlin’, and I’ll see you in the morning my little love.” The clock was reading two am. No wonder he was so tired. They both should have been asleep! His fingers brushed through her hair carefully, to lull her asleep.

Fayth
Cuddling up to her daddy, Fayth let loose a wide yawn and closed her eyes, clutching a stuffed Vulpix close to her chest. It wasn't hard for her to find sleep, and soon came the dreams of a new life that she could hold onto with her own two hands.

Dream
There wasn’t time for Dream to really catch his breath. Even slumped up against Quinn as he was the teenager still felt as if he were running. His visions swam, causing the ninetales to tilt to one side with a groan. The lone arm hung limp, twitching every few moments in a pathetic attempt to grab onto something.

Thank Arceus. There was no one to stop Dream from making things right. He wouldn’t stop Quinn from moving on, but dammit if there was a chance…Dream just couldn’t let it go. The teenage clawed at the larger man –no, boy- and tried to pull himself up to look at him better. His breathing was coming out in harsh pants as if he would drop at any moment. “I’m not going back there…without you…not again…” Dream tried to fit his hold, but honestly, laying back down in the bed lifted pressure from his damaged hip. “Lock the door if you…if you have too…” He was agitated now, and rising from his bed, a corona of heat building around him.
When the first doctor showed up it was as if they knew what to expect. It was really quite sad when security flanked the medical staff in a practiced motion. Dream fumbled for Quinn’s hand.

Instead of looking to Dream, the doctor turned to Quinn. “I heard all I needed from Aatami. If you can keep him calm and in bed this time, you can stay.”


Quinn
He was concerned with Dream being up like he was, given all the tubes, and the brace on him and all. How the hell is he even moving!? it was sheer will power he was aware, an adrenaline rush that caused Dream to be able to get around like this but it still worried Quinn to have it happening. He needed to be laying down not hobbling around!

“Alright Dream, alright I’ll stay for awhile. Urban is with Fayth right now, so I don’t need to leave right away.” No, he knew the other would either take her home, or just stay put. So he was fine with that. ”Not locking the door, and risking security breaking it down and dragging me out. You probably need looked at again anyhow.” No that was just dumb.

At the doctors words, he gave a relieved smile, and helped Dream back to the bed. “Hear that? Now, you into bed, and you need to calm down.” He smiled at the doc. “Tell Aatami thank you…and I think things are settling here.” He looked to Dream again and smiled. “Maybe later he can come see you’re not going to burn him to a crisp. I promise he’s nothing more than a friend. A failed date aside.” Nope, he wasn’t hiding a thing.


Dream
Dream had to fight a snarl when the doc got a little closer. He knew the routine all too well, and wasn’t looking forward to it. While he was concentrated on turning his attention back to Quinn a few of the medical staff moved in to check on things. To his credit Dream remained still through the proceedings, mostly because of the fresh injection of painkillers pumped into his IV drip. “…So long as he stays a friend.” Dream really had no right to be jealous, but even now his voice sounded pouty past the slur.
“If he gets riled up again we’re going to have to ask you to leave. So long as things remain calm…we’ll just play this by ear.” The doctor stepped back, and frowned. The hip brace would need adjustments, though he would wait until morning to do so. “I’ll be sure to let Aatami know that his friend isn’t being mauled.” Even the stoic doctor had to grin as he made his exit.
“So you did date him.” Dream turned his head. His tails were fanned out on either side of him, acting as buffers between the battered teen and the bed railing. His hair, though, was just a mess underneath his head. AT least he hadn’t lost it in this accident. “But Fayth….how is she?”


Quinn
“Dream, behave, let the doctor help you out.” Words quietly concerned really and who could blame him! He could hear the barely restrained snarl from his ex, and he didn’t want to see him fighting the doctors on his care. “He is nothing more than a very good friend, I’d wager he’s probably my best friend to be perfectly honest.” He’d confided a lot to the smaller teen!

“I’ll do my best to keep him calm, sorry doc.” He was! He hadn’t tried to start trouble, it’d just happened. Though there was a soft smile. “I told him not to worry about me, I can handle what he dishes out to me no problems.” But it was sweet of the Leafeon to worry about him!

“I did yes. Two attempted dates, both ended with me unable to stop talking about you…and us realizing it was just better to be friends.” Which was something, really! The question about Fayth though…that earned a soft smile. “She’s growing up Dream…she recently scared the hell out of me. Thought someone had been stupid and broken in. Turns out she had a growth spurt and was needing a middle of the night snack.” He pulled out his wallet and held up the picture he had of her and showed Dream. “See?”


Dream
Quinn’s best friend? A best friend who had been close enough to warrant at least one date, Dream mused grumpily. Shaking off the thought, he turned his attention to current issues. If the doctor he’d attacked was really a friend of Quinn’s he would have to apologize most likely. Probably. Maybe.
The news of Fayth’s growth spurt hit Dream like a brick to the gut. He bit his lower lip on a sharp intake of air, and looked at the offered picture. Hesitantly he took the picture from Quinn and really studied her. There was something about the child that exuded innate confidence; something that Dream would never have. It made him proud and envious at the same time. Quinn got to see this change in her and Dream… “…I missed it all.” He stroked the picture with his thumb, and couldn’t take his eyes off her. Dream loved Fayth so much it hurt, but she terrified him. Visits from Wendy toting his daughter just didn’t compare to being woken up by a snack raider.

“She’s going to be tall,” he mused, really looking her over, turning to Quinn, and back to the picture with a little smile that faded into a frown. “Quinn…I’m sorry. It’s not enough, not really but I just…Arceus, she has to hate me.”


Quinn
He could see the look of annoyance on Dream’s face but didn’t address it. Let him be annoyed, he didn’t care. They’d been walked out on, and he knew Solange and Urban had been right that he couldn’t mope about forever, and raise a child on his own. That he should try to move on, and so he had done just that. It just hadn’t worked out like they would have hoped. Still he had a good friend for it all now.

“You missed dirty diapers, and spit up…you missed her climbing out of the crib and ransacking my kitchen and fridge…and making an absolute mess of herself and the floor all in the name of food, and a pickle.” There was a fond smile on his face, he not even thinking of the way he phrased it as ‘his’ kitchen. But then, it was his place now. “But…you haven’t missed out on this next stage. You can watch her do so much more.” It was something really.

“She’s already tall. I’m glad Wendy keeps buying her clothes, else sometimes I worry she’d have to just go around naked.” He gave a wry smile as he said that. “Dream…she can’t hate someone she can barely recall…she has a photo of the two of you in her room…that’s all she has to really keep you imprinted in her mind. She needs to get to know her other father….but not if you’re going to keep self destructing like this. I won’t allow her to see you if you can’t pull yourself together.”


Dream
It may have been something, but not what Dream should have done. He quite obviously regretted walking out, though on the same hand he hadn’t. There were real concerns swamping the entire thing for the teen mentally that had yet to be addressed. At least he had been there for them financially, though his sister was quick to point out anyone could drop money into a bank account; a real father was there.

“Wendy probably kept all of the clothes she bought for the girls in storage, and having a grand-daughter…It was all she ever wanted.” Granted, she got that two fold really, and both in unconventional ways.
Tightening his hold on the picture, Dream looked up at Quinn. He opened his mouth, ready to retort and the sharp words were on the edge of his tongue. It was so visible on his expression, and yet…he exhaled. The first thought in his head was that he couldn’t be denied seeing his daughter. Dream knew just how wrong that was. Wendy had even told him that when she had spoken about a “father” around Fayth, the girl had asked if her grandmother was talking about papa or Dream. He didn’t even warrant a nickname.
“This wasn’t even supposed to happen.” Dream seethed. “Do you think I wanted to lose my ******** arm? How am I supposed to….” The sentence was open ended as he struggled with a word. Hold his daughter, cook, dress himself, work…everything was ruined. He couldn’t even look at it. “…but I did, right? I took classes you know, on cooking. I can do it now; little things, but enough for her. I went back to work at the host club, I hadn’t had a drink in so long…” Dream growled and flopped his head back against the pillow with his eyes shut.
What had made him decide on last party was a good idea? “It’s not like it matters. I wouldn’t have been able to hold her, anyway…she hates it when I touch her.”


Quinn
“Pretty sure that’s what it was. She came over with a ton of clothes when I gave her a call after Fayth’s growth spurt. She’s been a real life saver for me…for us.” It was true, Wendy had been a big help for him since Dream had left. Had answered so many questions, and all for him. She was invaluable to him.

“I will keep her from you until you pull your act together. No drinking. None. I doubt you wanted to lose your arm, and she’ll have questions, but the truth of you were in a car wreck will answer that. As she’s older she can learn just how that wreck happened. But, I’m not having you around our daughter if you possibly pose a threat to her well being and safety. I love you Dream, that hasn’t changed, but Fayth relies on me to keep her safe and I’ll do that, even if it means keeping you out of her life, and mine.”

The words had been hard to say, but he meant it. He’d promised Fayth, long before he ever saw her face, when she was still just an egg that he would always protect her, and he would. Even if it meant from the love of his life. From her own father.

His expression softened as he listened to Dream explain that he had taken cooking classes, and he gave a soft smile….though there he sighed and nodded. “Solange and I were talking about that recently actually. Fayth doesn’t like when Solange touches her either, but Urban has no issues. I don’t know what’s going on there, but I’m trying to figure it out, I am. She handles Urban just fine, and me and of course Wendy. She’s iffy on the twins, and I’m not sure why…but I wonder if it’s something to do with fire types… she loves the water. Gets over heated easily…” he trailed off quietly.

“Where do we go from here Dream? Do we try again? Or…try to move on?” he doubted he could. Or even would move on though. So if that meant being a single father for the rest of his days, so be it. It seemed like Dream still cared but…maybe it was just possession talking, jealousy…and not love. He needed to know. Desperately.


Dream
Dream knew Quinn was right, but it didn't make swallowing his failings any easier. It wasn't as if he was an alcoholic, so he wouldn't have to go to those classes...would he? Arceus, he hoped not. The whole process would be worth it just to keep Fayth in his life. "Then I'll stay sober so you can't keep her from me." He said it almost petulantly, but there was underlining fear there. Would she even want him around once she learned the truth? "I'll sign a contract if I have to. If I'm caught with one ounce of the stuff then..." Dream took a deep breath. "Then I'll stay away."

It seemed that even medicated Dream couldn't sit still. He shifted, trying to prop himself up on his good hip but that only angered the injured one. Still, Quinn's words brought out an almost insane excitement in him. "See? I told you! It's not just me..." When it all hit him he couldn't stop smiling. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and while many more remained, he could breath a little easier. "I don't know if it's fire types or not, but Quinn, we need to have her tested." If this could help settle his mind in any way, Dream had to have it.

Looking at his ex as directly as he could, Dream asked, "What do you want Quinn? I didn't give you a choice when I left, and right now you need to think about what's good for you. I love you, I really really do, but if it's just going to complicate things then I can step back....try to step back." He had to think about his earlier interactions with the doctor and it caused him to sigh. Letting go wouldn't be as easy as he thought.


Quinn
“I would like it very much if you stayed sober. I haven’t had alcohol in the house since the night you left. I had bought wine for us to have with dinner…” that bottle was long gone. He’d sent it along to Urban and Solange when the temptation to fall into it had grown too strong for comfort. “Who knows what the police are going to want you to do. They might make you go to AA meetings or something. I just don’t know.” Words soft.

“We’ll get her tested, it’s something that needs answered for everyone’s peace of mind. Especially yours.” He reached out and brushed his hand gently over Dream’s hair. “Easy now…need to stay still. Don’t even know how the hell you’re moving around so much.” It was baffling for as injured as he was! It had to have been the pain medicine.

That question had been unexpected, and his eyes closed as his hand slid down Dream’s cheek, caressing it softly. “You. I want you Dream. I love you…so much. I miss you…more than words can say. It’s been nice having your family around…and Aatami…he’s a good friend…always good to know a doctor…” he gave a soft, tired laugh. “…but they’re not you. I’ve loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you, even though I was there to haul your sorry a** in as a bounty…I fell in that moment, and I’ve never gotten past that. I don’t want you.”

Quinn swallowed hard, tears in his eyes over flowing in that instant. “Please….please Dream…” why yes....the mountain of a teen had been reduced to begging in this instant. Had laid his heart open, and bare for the other. The hand against Dream’s cheek trembled softly, his entire body shaking as he fought down a sob.


Dream
The police were a force to contend with another day. Whatever they had in store for him would seem like a cake walk compared to what he had been through...and what was to come. He relaxed under Quinn's gentle touch enough to find the bed comfortable. "I'm sure once this stuff wears off I'll be grateful just to sit up on my own." Every once in a while he would feel a little pinprick but Dream couldn't honestly say he was in "pain".

At the angle he was laying he could put his hand on Quinn's, but he could reach out to put it on his leg. "Then I'll never go again. Until the day I die I'll stand by your side, Quinn. Leaving was the hardest decision I've ever made, and definitely the worst. I've hurt you so much..." He reached up to smooth away some of Quinn's tears with the pad of his thumb before cupping his face. Just seeing his love tearing up had brought out them out in Dream as well. "I want to go home, Quinn...I just want to go home, and that home is with Fayth, with you."


Quinn
“I’m sure they’ll keep you pretty drugged up for awhile…you look like s**t honestly. Though given what you went through it’s no wonder. I’m just glad it wasn’t any worse. We can work around you missing part of your arm, I’m more worried about your hip, honestly.” Especially with all the running around he’d been doing!

Quinn leaned into touch on his cheek his hand coming up to rest against it, holding Dream’s hand there. “Soon Dream…soon you can come home…” but first the hospital stay…who knew if he would need therapy for the hip and all and if that would require a stay in another facility…and of course Dream needed to prove he could come home… needed to clean up his act. “I love you, so much.” He breathed softly, shifting his head to press a kiss to Dreams’ palm. “Later…you should meet Aatami, properly. Apologize too…not right now…but at some point. I’d like my friend, to be your friend as well.”

He couldn’t cut out Aatami. Not when the Leafeon really had helped him to keep his sanity. It wouldn’t have been right to do that honestly. For now though….for now it was good to just be here with Dream. “Rest…you’ve had a long night. I’ll stay awhile longer…but I should be there when Fayth wakes up, even if she likes Urban.”


Dream
"Thanks," Dream rolled his eyes on a weak chuckle. If he looked half as bad as he felt then Quinn was looking at a human-esque Muk. "I think they said something about a wheelchair for a while?" As if he would be caught dead in one of those. This wasn't his first bang up, so he was just going to have to work it out and bounce back, right? Denial ran strong within the Ninetales, and as drugged up as he was it was easier to put it out of his mind than to think about it. "Last benefits of a being a big shot...good healthcare." Too bad it was likely sucking out his savings just to breath in this place.

Dream nodded. "I'll try to be nice...no promises but no more fire.." He yawned, and shook his head. "It's alright, go to her. Just...come back?" Truthfully, Dream would have kept Quinn there forever, but he couldn't be that selfish. It was something he was learning. Fayth needed a father, a stable one, and waking up without him was only going to worry her.


Quinn
There was a quiet smile on Quinn’s face, he wasn’t about to sugar coat it. “A wheelchair wouldn’t surprise me, and if that’s the case, I can make sure you can get around the house when you come visit.” He knew deep in his heart Dream couldn’t just move right back in. As much as he wanted him to. “I’m sure Wendy will bring you over often though.” Because he was certain she would want Dream with her to help him out while he healed up. “We can work on fixing us, while you heal up too.” It was t he only way to go about it, really.

“Nice is good, and no more fire better. I know it’ll be hard for you, but I swear there’s nothing there but friendly feelings for him so you don’t have anything to worry about.” He leaned in, and pressed a soft kiss to Dream’s cheek. “I’ll come back later in the day I promise. I’ll get Wendy to watch her for awhile so I can. I need to let her know what happened anyhow…” words soft as he pulled away. “You stay in this bed, and rest. Heal. Listen to the doctors okay?”


Dream
Visit? A bit of Dream's calming bliss seemed to chip away. He should have known he wouldn't get to come back right away; these things didn't work like that. It wasn't as if he'd gone on a week's vacation, after all. "Oh Arceus, Wendy...." Explaining to a child why one of her daddies was hurt would be so much easier than breaking the news to a small woman in a purple apron. He couldn't even begin to think about how she was going to react.

Dream held his hand up to Quinn until the moment he began to pull away. "Okay." He was exhausted, and the lack of stronger doses of pain meds in his veins was beginning to show. As much as he was relieved to see the nurse poking back through the door, he was still saddened to see Quinn go. What if I didn't come back?


Quinn
He could see the look on Dream’s face and he curled his fingers gently. “You know you can’t come back right away. For one, the house can’t handle a wheelchair. Two, Fayth should be warned and all before you do come back. Just because it’ll be a big change. As much as I want you to come back as soon as you’re released from here, I have to be realistic…and put her before my own wants.” But oh did he ever want Dream to move back in right away. “I’ll call Wendy at a reasonable hour…probably from here honestly. So I can play buffer for you when she comes storming in. Maybe I should ask Urban if Fayth can come over for the day…” might not be so bad. He’d figure it out when he wasn’t so worn out mentally and emotionally.

“I’ll be back, I promise. If it wasn’t for Fayth…I’d stay.” He didn’t go for the cheek this time, no, this time was the lips, and he kissed softly, slowly, body trembling at that simple kiss. He’d missed that so much. Tears dripped to Dream’s face as he pulled away. “I’ll be back before lunch. Need to sleep a little..and all so I’m not exhausted.” Which would make driving dangerous.


Dream
"I know, just sucks." His voice was small, but Dream wasn't pouting. It was just a part of this entire ordeal he was going to have to deal with. "When I can take care of her on my own...that's when I want to come home." Until then he would still be a nervous wreck, and Fayth wouldn't be comfortable. They would both be miserable.

Dream couldn't have explained what it felt like to be kissed at the moment if he tried. He was shaking with a raspy sort of breathing that only make him grin. The injured teen didn't try to wipe away Quinn's tears anymore than his own.

The nurse knocked on the door frame before moving fully into the room. "I'm afraid we're going to have to limit visitors until his condition has stabled. At this time it's just a few hours, adults only." She wasn't trying to be rude, but having a child around might rile him up too much. The nurse moved to change out IV bags, and reactivated the morphine drip, obviously having been a little flustered coming in on such an intimate moment.

"Sleep and get something to eat. You're too skinny," Dream murmured. Now that the medication was really taking effect he felt his entire body relax, taking his eye lids with it. It didn't take long for it to knock him out.


Quinn
“That might not be bad idea… then we don’t have to worry about her accidentally hurting you either.” Which would have been downright terrible and not something he wanted to experience. So waiting till Dream could care for Fayth on his own was for the best.

Quinn pulled away about the time the nurse had knocked on the door, and gave a soft smile. “I hadn’t planned to bring our daughter here anyhow. Hospital’s aren’t a good place for kids.” They had to be careful and quiet after all. “I’ll be sure the people that would be coming to see him know it’s not for long periods of time.” Wendy, Solange, maybe Ysolde…and himself.

He waited till everything was swapped over, before he was sighing, another, soft kiss to Dream’s lips, but he was laughing quietly. “I’ll try. I make no promises. I’ve not had much of an appetite since you left.” He ate yes, but not as much as he should have. One could almost say he was wasting away from heartbreak. He gave Dream one last look, before he was stepping from the room, heart feeling a little lighter than it had in ages now. He felt…hopeful.