How Tidingly Doth the Season Go (Monica)

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

As she had the time, Monica looked for her fur baby protector. Paca ha stayed with her mother during their time away and had come back spoiled to no end. Her mother had coddled and catered to the tiny lion and now he almost expected her to. Samuel he knew would have none of it but her he tried to guilt with his crying and occasional dramatics. He also seemed on the fence about the two newest pride members, he had sniffed them appreciatively while she and Samuel had watched.

Rubbing along each of them once and then nothing, he had padded off. Since then if she was too long getting to them when they cried he came to fetch her or proceeded her into their room and sat at the door to make sure she stopped their noises. He was still protective of them all and brave for a cat with a lion shifter owner but he was still occasionally a pain. So to be sure he felt loved as he had been here first and hers first, she called out to him with a bag of treats and cat toy in hand" come on paca I've got yummy yum"

feeling entirely foolish and glad she was alone save sleeping babies who couldn't rat her out. As she shook the bag she heard him bound down the stairs and race toward her. Giving him a smile and sitting on the floor for playtime while she contemplated how to tell bash she was on maternity leave and not just vacation. Either way, she would probably be put on desk duty for the time being which was fine as long as she could work from home.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Samuel slipped into the house quiet as well as quiet as a cat. Having gained the time due Abel’s actions he’d taken the opportunity to shop for a meal for Monica and him. He even managed to secure a fresh pate’ for Paka.

Sliding through the house he deposited the groceries away. And made his way upstairs to find Monica and Paka sitting in the kitchen. He chuckled as Paka had looked towards him but kept on eating. Happily soaking in Monica’s attention.

“I see you two are enjoying the quietude of Van and Emme resting. I was thinking grilled Salmon...” he’d been cooking more almost exclusively since the twins. They were not yet ready to dine out with them or have anyone save Abel watch them just yet. The plans were in place and they had a net of security around them yet they had to remain at distance as he didn’t want Monica troubled by them. Her eye was superlative as such distance was the only way to keep them in place and not have them counteracted against. Monica was as paranoid as he and Abel when it came to the twins. Her training and skills making any attempt to sneak up on her impossible for anyone with ulterior motives.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

Feeling him at the last moment she smirked and looked up at him" hey my lion, yes he's been a bit moody so I figured why not? Salmon sounds great I'm so glad to be able to have fish again you don't even know"

stretching" sooo got a call from Matt he wanted my advice on some stuff and seemed surprised i was home during the day since he woke me up.. I didn't mention the twins knowing he asks to many questions but it's going to be hard to keep putting him off I just managed to hang up before the babies woke for lunch so it was a bit tense for a sec"

Standing gingerly she still had places not quite healed as she was still fairly human. What she wouldn't have done for a bit of his healing right then. She looked at him a thought crossing her mind, they already had their miracle babies maybe she should.. he would never agree to it but it crossed her mind more often to be his Regina in truth. That sould simplify some things and complicate others but there were now two marshals she knew of that had lycanthropy that still had their job. So wasn't an immediate need to leave the service.

Even if it had been she wouldn't quite care totally because money wasn't an issue and she could go into the private sector with her skill. She still didn't want to have to but yeah shed need to bring the idea up again since before he had emphatically declined. Going to kiss him trying not to over think things.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

He raised a brow at the mention of her former partner. The man was tenacious. He was not a danger because he lived in the moment and even with Monica told him of his penchant to bloodhound the truth due some vampiric eugenics program he was not a direct danger. Samuel didn’t trust anyone completely aside form Monica and Abel. So, her assurances kept the man alive and unmolested but just barely. He was poking the hornets’ nest of at least the second or third most insane and potentially second or third most violent masters on the East Coast. No matter what precautions he was taking calling Monica was potentially placing them all at risk.



They’d had the conversation ad nauseum in their way. Van and Emme were now in the picture and as such they may need to revisit it. He kept from betraying himself and closing off. It was an effort. Smirking he moved to her a sigh of pleasure and other thoughts taking away the weight of his thoughts.



" We may need to adapt some of our plans…" He said kissing her deeply but gingerly enough to not cause her more pain. They’d talked and would again but he was very well beginning to think it might be time to cross several of their bridges. He had no intention of allowing harm to befall her or their children. That might very well mean they were well pass the point where they could not consider the more extreme choices they had discussed.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

His kisses were a balm but dangerous she still needed time to heal and couldn't go getting amorous. It was almost worse for her than him she thought because she loved their love life.As he sunk the warm that was lion into her frame she sighed, nodding" yeah plans change and we need to go over that and maybe...some options we had put off before"

She looked up at him and then bit her lip" I also need to tell bash I need maternity leave and hes going to put me on desk duty so I'll try to get it from the laptop in the office so I can be home"

Watching paca who was now done eating pad up to Samuel and rub against him in greeting before padding back away to do whatever it was he did most of the day. She continued to hold him until she got a tingle and pulled back fast just as her shirt sprouted to large wet circles over her chest and less than a minute after there was a whimper and a cry" wow that two hours flew by.. Ill go get them to let you cook and bring them down to see you ok ?"

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

" Even without our two bundles of joy you would have a deal…" He said as she bounced away purposefully to remedy their children’s need of sustenance and touch. He was filled with a feeling he could not put into words but would die if it was missing.



Once Monica was out of sight he took a moment to steady his ship. It was not easier he stepped down stairs to bring up the groceries form their cooler. Paka raced past him on a mission of the utmost importance. It took a few minutes but dinner was going at a full blaze. He’d managed the molasses glaze with little in the way of hiccups and a fair amount of panache’. The salad however was another matter entirely. In his opinion it didn’t have enough lemon -pepper. It was passable though as always, he aimed for perfection.



The risotto however was far and away above the first few times he’d attempted it. The Garlic bread was nearly done thanks to the shortcut he’d found. The Garlic spread he hid near the back of the fridge worked wonders. The slow caramelization of the edges made it a dish all on its own.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

Fresh shirt and swaddle seats each holding one baby freshly changed fed and burped she decended down to the heavenly smells in the kitchen. Groaning in appreciation she smiled.

The man was organized to a fault so she sat at the center island putting the babies in view on it. They were still smaller at just about 2 months come new years.

Van watched his papa with open curiosity trying to track him with his eyes and head. Emme was to busy eating her fists to give him much mind going back and forth between like she couldn't choose which was more delicous.

Monica watched them and him smirking. " so do I tell matt the truth or wait till there is no other option..like he calls they cry?"

Snagging a bit of veggie that hadn't been added to the dish and munching."by the way I got a text from a namir in chicago? Asking what colors we liked for the twins..she makes coture clothes. The dress heiro's little girl was in during the shower was her design "

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Focused on the task at hand. he merely met her eyes as she settled at the island with the twins in tow. No one who didn't have the gainsay of multiplicities would ever know how magical Monica was. Even with his help she managed to she-lion like take the brunt of the heavy lifting when it came to their children. She did the unthinkable and managed their schedules. As alike as they were there was a not so small difference in their schedules. Emme would be nearing the end of her feeding as Van ramped up. Or Van would be completed his lavatories and Emme would just be mid stream. It was a battle of inches that would never be truly aligned and yet they were so similar in timing as from the outside to be viewed as the same.


Completing the vinaigrette he washed his hands after placing it aside to rest. Kissing Emme's cheek as he ever so softly chin checked Van and then repeating the maneuver as he kissed Van. It was a ritual designed to have them both bathe in touch.


"I think we arrange an accident for him." He said honestly yet hiding a bit behind mirth. Gregory loved Monica so his loyalty while not for sale was a liability. He for all his planning was a touchable. It made each and every time he reached out he was displaying how much Monica mattered which meant she was an exploitable weakness.  Especially as he was tweaking the nose of one so dangerous.


"Gold and Black or Dark Blue and Black." He said without thinking overly long on it. Both of their children held the near perfect balance of their complexions which made both dazzling colors on them. Barring a full conversation the timer in his head went off, He brought the meal together plating quickly and efficiently sparing a last dervish of artistry as he sat her plate near at hand and his to her left placing her at his right and the twins before them.

Pouring two faux Martinis from the mixing cup as he sat he smirked. Waiting on her actions to dig in. nothing escaped her and he would love to see which would take precedence his near outright declaration of the ending of her former partner or his remembering her favorite color.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

She paused salmon near her mouth and raised a well-arched brow. Giving her self a beat then putting the food into her mouth before she groaned at its deliciousness then sighed"let's leave that option for the last possible scenario please my lion and should we have to take the nuclear option I want no warning of it or to even know its going on because it would mess with me to know"

Having said her piece on that she took another bite of food this time tasting the risotto, then thinking on the next thing and nodding" how about a combo of the three dark blue and gold accent and black with a gold accent?"

Sipping some of the drink she almost purred in pleasure. Monica missed having a drink every once and again but the two babies on the centre island made it all worth it. Watching Van give them both a good looking over and some arm waving. Emme was still working hard on her fists not like they could be hungry tho they had just eaten.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

He met her eyes a devilish grin dancing on his lips as he took her in. She was gorgeous and far too kind at times. But they both knew that she could make the hard decisions when needed.



"Considered it saved and never to be spoken of again. Though…," Taking a sip of his cocktail before going on. “Your sartorial palate seems to be the perfect ticket. A perfect blend. I think that will work just about perfectly.” This last said as he took in the twins their differing personalities apparent. The thought dancing just beyond his gaze speaking volumes. From their past, his and Monica’s the idea of the two miracle babies was just that a miracle. Their safe keeping and continued prosperity were foremost in his mind. Taking a bite, he looked to Monica a thing weighing heavy. It had to be touched on.



"Have I told you a theory that Mouse, uh Hieronymous and I talked about. In regard to those who are able to survive. Infection, that is. "



It was a working theory that Hiero had all but proven true. He had canvassed and talked to those who’d been infected. And while the pool of interviewees was small and decidedly bent towards lions it was a surprising fact that the vast majority of those who’d been infected through violence and fighting to live survived at a far higher rate. Which was a niggling bit in his mind.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

Eating as he acquiesced for the moment she was smart enough to know he wasn't fully agreeing and would still what he thought best if it had to be done. So, for now, she would be happily ignorant of his true intentions. Smiling at his approval of her idea for the babies she nodded and kisses him quick on the lips. Pulling back to fork more of the delicious meal into her mouth.

At his mention of his brother she head tilted and shook her head no" no I don't think you've ever told me that what it is about?"

As he enlightened her on the theory her face went through a few stages, one of thoughtfulness, then a bit of shock a little worry but finally her default strength and resolve" I see. So if it is to easy, the resulting shifter is weak? no matter the strength of the person infecting them?"

she figured that was part of the reason he had originally told her no because despite every other thing they had been through he had never intentionally hurt her in any discernable way maybe outside of bedroom antics.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

He never lied. Especially to her. Not even by omission. She knew that he would do as he felt was needed and had even given him an out while expressing herself. As such he would have a care if it came to it. It wouldn’t be out of malice or with vengeance in his heart but Detective Gregory was a potential threat to his family and domestic tranquility. As such he would put e matter on to boil so to speak.



Taking another sip he waited a beat. Watching as the twins yawned after their fashion first Van who seemed to be following along and the Emme who seemed to be tuning them out in an effort to get Van’s attention. " Yes. But not just completely in the way you’re thinking. They often rise meteorically. And sadly, just as quick burn out. They fight the wrong enemies and often times are prone to self-destruction. It’s as if by having a relatively easy birth into this thing that we are they have a harder life. The battle is often internal. And one they can’t turn away from."



Sparing a smile for them both he turned so that he could meet her eyes more thoroughly " For instance, if I were. If we were to consider taking one of the more drastic steps. There are ways but none of them would suit. As there must be real and true threat of death. There must be real and true fight. And even then as it is very rare to contract… my strain which seems to pass better via blood might require more attempts."

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

Nodding she listened and turned the twins so they could see each other which seemed to be what Emme wanted. Then refocusing on him. " you know me better than anyone I've ever met and here we sit with two perfect little babies when the books say its impossible..maybe im made to buck the odds? You are strong and so am I and I know you would never let me do some of those things. doesn't that account for anything?"

She wasn't panicked strident or desperate in her tone, this was asked with composure and thought. everything he was saying meant no but she knew for them no was actually very dangerously doable. As for the need to fight and have it be near death dangerous, she was sure they could figure that out. " what if id lost blood and you were the only thing that could save me? Would we risk it then? or you mix a little into my meals and over time maybe?"

she was a detective and that mindset meant she was going to put the clues that no one else saw together to figure things out. He had to know this was coming and that his cautions were only a mild deterrent at best.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Taking a beat to place the perfect bite into his mouth. Fork perfectly balanced with both Salmon and salad. He chewed musing her expressed thoughts. He forced himself to look at the crux that really held him back. He never lied and so the kernel buried deep in his statements that Monica avoided as she could very well be as purposeful as he needed presenting.



" All of that is true. Including the fact that our blood types are compatible. Yet there is the fear I would rather avoid. No one can fight for their lives and not hold that fear. And I would much rather have you very successful both opportunity of infection as well as life after. As it would be a lifechanging event."



Just as controlled in delivery but vey much not controlled enough under the surface. Se was the only person that had gotten so deep. She was the mother of children he never expected or hoped to be reality’s and yet. She was also the only person that opinion could give him pause. The only persons opinion that could bring him to a close. Even Abel was not that close.

[Monica Davis-banks walker]

Frowning at him which wasn't a typical thing for her, his words finally gelled for her, he thought that she would fear him either during or after the needed steps to infect her. She didn't think she could fear him and that was irritating to her that he would think she could tho maybe that was his point he would either not scare her enough for it to work or scare her to well and mess up their dynamic. Deeply sighing she nodded not pushing him further then.

She would sort it somehow and it wasn't over per say but maybe they needed to figure out something else, a kernel of thought was in her mind somewhere and she almost grasped it but it was nebulous at best. He held such a tight rein on himself almost always the only time he even got close to letting go was during lovemaking. Then it hit her, and she swallowed her next fork full a little too quickly choking for a second. sipping her drink to work the food down. Just like he did what he thought was best even if she didn't want to know she would do the same in her own way. " so what other important choices need to be talked about right now since we are back burning the other two?"