Fates Hands//Closed - Kay

[Kaydence Morgan]

”Mmm nope. It’s a surprise.” Grinning to herself, Kaydence once again buried her lips into Lukas’ unkempt hair. No matter how hard she tried to brush it, it always had a natural way of messing itself up within minutes. It always drove her crazy. Though as much at it irritated her, she could never bring herself to cut it. Hated to admit it but somehow it suited Lukas. Just like Ashton’s did when his hair was longer. Strange to her how they shared that in common. She could feel his foot tapping nervously as she was sure his eyes were moving back and forth looking at the display, anxiously trying to figure out what best suited his mother. To be fair, she didn’t typically indulge in sweets in front of him. If she wasn’t sharing one of his strawberries, she never really had much of a sweet tooth. Kaydence enjoyed dessert but was usually content with whatever she was served at one of Noah’s fancy dinners. ”She looks like a rocky road girl to me, what do you think?” Her head moved slightly with Lukas’ as Ashton spoke up. Eyes narrowing, though this time a little softer than usual, at his assumption. The chocolate she was fine with. Though not so much a fan of nuts as she had an allergy to pecans and made the rest unappealing to her. Marshmallows were alright but wasn’t always a fan of the texture. ”Little Stracciatella? Coconut? Doesn’t have the good taste for Strawberry maybe?” As much as she tried, Kaydence’s memories always seemed to drift back to that raspberry episode at her apartment when Ashton had his little temper tantrum. She had really been looking forward to those freshly picked berries.

Lifted her head up just enough as Lukas moved underneath her. Met his gaze with one of love as his hands moved atop her. ”No she’s sweet. Needs cherries too!” Merlin he was such a sweet little boy. Sometimes Kaydence had no idea how he came from her. With all the pent-up anger that coursed through her veins at any given moment, it seemed unfathomable that she had birthed someone so innocent, pure and loving. Made her feel good knowing that despite how shaky things had been in the beginning that she was doing alright by him. It put her at such ease not having him upset with her anymore. Perhaps the only reason she was grateful for his father being gone for so long was being able to get back in his good graces from the loneliness he probably felt. ”So it is. Cherries, coconut and Stracciatella.” She had no clue what Stracciatella was but she knew Ashton remembered that anything coconut flavor tended to be a guilty pleasure. Pressing another kiss onto Lukas’ dirty blond hair, the smile that resulted afterwards wasn’t necessarily completely for her son. The two of them stayed like that for the next few minutes, watching as the lady behind the counter prepared the treats for the three. Doubted Mikkhal and the crew would get anything. Despite Noah being close with all of them, they had been trained not to interfere with family time when the three were on an outing. This time was likely no different despite Ashton assuming the temporary role of Noah.

Once the lady finished scooping up their treats, Kaydence straightened herself back up but made sure to keep her grip around Lukas’ shoulders. Wasn’t quite ready to have him let go of her hands just yet. She also wasn’t surprised when Ashton moved to pay for the ice cream. She certainly didn’t have any coins in her possession. Hadn’t needed them since she planned on being home all day. Not to mention, she was missing the clutch that held her own money. Could have sworn she had taken it out with her at the dinner where she had last seen Noah but a call to the restaurant proved that wasn’t the case. She hadn’t been planning on paying for anything anyway. Her fiancé never let her whenever he was able to convince her to go out. Wasn’t the gentleman’y’ thing to do as he liked to insist. “You better enjoy this treat,” she warned to Lukas as they moved closed to the register. “We’re gonna talk about your punishment when we get home.” Kaydence made sure to keep a stern expression on her face as Lukas looked up. “Don’t even try it,” she warned. Her gaze returned to the counter, this time falling on the woman who was hanging Ashton his change. Had a weird smile on her face as she pulled her hand back. ”Such a cute family.” An oblivious statement but one that really hurt nonetheless. One that certainly took Ashton aback as well as he froze mid-air. ”Not a family, but thanks.” His response shouldn’t have stung, but it did. Sliding her upper lip behind her bottom, she prayed Mikkhal hadn’t heard that. Any of that. Offering a polite nod as she pulled one hand to accept her ice cream while Lukas did the same, Kaydence found herself completely speechless as the pair turned around to finally face Mikkhal and his merry band of goons.

”Mom, can we go walk outside? I don’t want to be inside anymore.” Even more words to really take a stab at her heart. Guilt at the thought of how poor Lukas was forced to be inside ever since they had been in Austria. Kaydence had only felt safe taking him out once or twice when they arrived, but nowhere past the boundaries of the small yard they had. Squeezing the top of his shoulder with her free hand, she moved it towards his back and rubbed at the base of his neck. “Of course,” she said quietly. As she released him, Lukas took no time in running back to Ashton. Could hear the excitement in his voice as he gabbed away about whatever it was. Probably talking about how great his ice cream was and if Ashton’s was the same. Remained quiet as she took the first bite of her own. Savored the sweet, creamy texture of the ice cream with the chunks of coconut and cherry sporadically placed in the chunk. Moments like this made her grateful she had never been the type of girl who cried into a pint of the cold goodness after a bad breakup when she was younger. As the group left the shop, Kaydence made sure to keep her distance behind Ashton and Lukas. Didn’t need to rouse any more of whatever suspicions Mikkhal was having about the two of them. While they walked, she couldn’t help but to stare at the two of them. Was beginning to notice how similar some of their mannerisms were. Chewed thoughtfully on her ice cream as the interacted. Couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that was growing in the back of her mind. ”How long do you plan on being out here Miss. Nash?” Scoffing, she hadn’t even noticed Noah’s assistant was walking next to her again. “Obviously until he finishes his ice cream Mikkhal. If I heard correctly, you’ve kept mentioning how “cool” the beach is. Might as well let him enjoy it for a bit longer before we’re locked away again waiting for Noah’s return.” Mikkhal chuckled again. ”And if you heard correctly, I informed him it was a misunderstanding. I’ve simple been telling the boy how excited he should be for his new home.” Kaydence took another bite of her ice cream as she nodded. “I did. Which you conveniently said in front of a stranger. Something Mr. Eklund would have really appreciated you doing I’m sure.” Silence. ”Perhaps not. But I assume he also would have really appreciated knowing that the same stranger wasn’t in fact a stranger at all, was he?”

Kaydence stopped in her tracks. Could have taken that last comment as implying that Ashton had someone become a friend to Noah but she knew better. Mikkhal knew something. He had moreorless confirmed it. ”You should probably catch up with your son Miss. Nash before Mr. Wentworth takes your place.” The man’s arm outstretched with a smile. Yet she didn’t move. Not for a moment as she stared at him with a look of confusion. He was making her feel incredibly unsettled. Really didn’t want to be around him anymore. Turning her head, she quickly walked away from him and joined Lukas on the side not occupied by Ashton. ”Hi mom. This ice cream is great. Is yours good? It has to be.”

[Ashton Wentworth]

If Noah were here - they all would have been under an inquisition. He was certain of it. Or worse. The man was so private all of the time with his family life. Ashton could only assume that when he learns about this little outing, that he was just going to assume Ashton had set this up on purpose. It didn’t matter that it was an actual accident. Things that just kept happening to shove himself and Kaydence together. Ashton was certain that it was going to throw a huge wrench into everything. Even more, given that they were now at a second location. Trust or no alleged trust, there were limits to everything. Watching as the kid accepted his ice cream and passed the other to his mother - Ashton was left silent. He couldn’t even begin to touch on what had just been said to him by the person behind the counter. They were just making small talk. Commenting on what looked like a perfectly normal little family outing. It was just not the way that it looked. Ashton had no way of knowing if this ever would have been a reality if she had stayed. He had always wanted kids. Mostly because he had never had a family, so naturally he wanted to make one for himself. Didn’t matter if he was going to, or was or wasn’t a decent father. That had little to do with anything. If they ever would have progressed that far? Nobody would ever know. It didn’t matter now. That much was fact.

Wasn’t expecting for that creepy bastard to be standing so fucking close to them when it was that Ashton turned around. Could feel him fucking breathing. Ashton tried to remember a face that he had ever wanted to punch more, and was coming up short. Even Tristan, on his best shithead days, had never irritated him in the singular way that Mikkhal did. ”Mom, can we go walk outside? I don’t want to be inside anymore.” No doubt the kid had been locked up in that penthouse prison for weeks now. However long it was that they had been here. How had she justified that to her handlers? He understood. He could only imagine how stressful it must have been, being a Morgan and being back here. Though, none of those with them knew that - even poor little Lukas had no idea the family of evil sadists that he had been born into. With some luck, perhaps he never would. Ashton was still in acceptance that they would leave. At least it would give the kid a fighting chance. “Of course,” Ashton could do nothing but follow the silent grouping as Lukas bounded about a foot in front of them, backing himself out of the door and chomping down on that ice cream like his teeth had no feeling. Ashton caught up to him, because it was easier than staying with the others. Listening as Lukas spoke around a mouth full of ice cream and munching strawberries happily. Nearly skipping because everything that he saw was just ‘so cool’ and different. It took, absolutely everything within Ashton’s self-control not to ask prying questions about his life. Fully oblivious to the conversation happening behind him, or the suspicions being raised.

Ashton slowed the pair of them as Kaydence joined them. This whole thing was making his stomach twist uncomfortably. What a scene they made. ”Hi mom. This ice cream is great. Is yours good? It has to be.” Ashton held back a comment about how for the price, it had better be great. No doubt Lukas had zero concept of money or anything to do with it. Something that Ashton didn’t feel the need to be the bad guy on. Besides, he was playing the part of a fairly wealthy man himself here so that was another thing he wasn’t supposed to say. He hated walking this line. He hated being in the middle of any of this. Fuck he wanted to go home. Should have grabbed that disgusting bottle of amaretto that they had for ice cream purposes and chugged the fucking thing. Was making his skin itch. Ashton wasn’t sure of what conversations to broach or where to guide their discussion, so he just let Lukas go on talking about how strawberries were so much better than cherries because at least strawberries had the decency to have their seeds on the outside.

”So why aren’t you in prison?” If Lukas had made some sort of logical jump to that point in the conversation - it had totally missed Ashton’s grasp. Ashton’s attention lazer focused on the small body with a look of bewilderment. If he had just come out and blurted such a thing out he couldn’t be totally surprised. Was the way of children. Who knew what was going on in that head of his cooped up all of the time. Ashton couldn’t even think of an answer, spoon half into his mouth and using it as a distraction. A short flick of his gaze to Kaydence and then back down to Lukas. “Why aren’t you?” Ashton attempted to pass it. Lukas laughed like it was the most insane thing that Ashton could have suggested, but it seemed to do the trick. ”Why would I go to prison! Look birds!” And in that moment - Lukas tore off from their grouping. Racing full tilt down the strip, leaving Ashton no choice but to go chasing right after him.

[Kaydence Morgan]

Kaydence wished she had been able to stay back and give Lukas his space. Nothing made her happier than seeing that little boy so excited. Lukas had the ability to make the best out of his situation. Had a wild imagination that could keep him held up in his playroom for hours. Sometimes even snapped at her when she tried to pull him from a particularly wild land of make believe for supper. Didn’t hold a flame to the way he was acting now. She swore he was even more over the moon now than when Noah and her had taken him vacation on the past. Felt satisfied knowing how much he seemed to love the beach. She knew he would. He simply had to. He was her child after all. Besides the impeccable sense of fashion, Kaydence was more than happy that he shared her love of the water. He was going to be ecstatic being able to wake up to this every day. Would have to continue having security round the clock to keep an eye on him when he woke up and wanted to sprint to the shore immediately. Granted, she and Noah would likely be awake before him but seeing as how he apparently had no problem finding his own way to the ocean, they were going to have to be extra careful with him whenever they got to where they were supposed to go. Could only imagine the pestering that was going to result after this little adventure. She would have absolutely no idea when to tell him they were leaving. Couldn’t even tell him when his own father was coming back for Merlin’s sake.

Had almost forgotten Lukas had asked her a question as she had gotten lost in her thoughts. Releasing a satisfied sound from the back of her throat, Kaydence looked down at her son and winked. “Only better because you added the cherries darling. Simply wouldn’t have been the same if Mr. Wentworth had made the call.” Smirking, she turned her eyes forward and brought her plastic spoon to her mouth. Continued to chew quietly as the trio walked further on down the Boardwalk. Didn’t want to interrupt any moment of Lukas’ enthusiasm of his new environment. Everything, she had seen before but she dare wouldn’t say anything about it. Wouldn’t even roll her eyes as he slowly began acting like an expert weatherman. ”It’s getting really cloudy you guys. Rain is coming soon and we gotta make sure we get indoors because the water is gonna come from those waves and its gonna cause a monsoon.” Kaydence had no earthly idea how he even knew what a monsoon was. He was so fucking smart for an eight-year-old she swore. He was right though. Clouds inching closer and closer and making those waves angrier as they lashed at the shore. She could still see the group of teenagers from earlier off into the distance though. Carrying on without a single care in the world. One of them would probably be stupid enough to try and go swimming. Served them right if they got carried off into the sea. Merlin she sounded like such an old woman.

”So why aren’t you in prison?” Hadn’t at all been paying attention to their conversation but found herself more alert at the mention of prison. Had Ashton crossed a line and mentioned something about her time in Azkaban? Those few most miserable days of her life ever? Trying even harder to get on her son’s good side? Eyes darting towards Lukas, Kaydence was slightly relieved to see that he wasn’t looking at her. He was, however, looking very intently at Ashton which caused her to do the same. Prison? What the hell was he talking about? As if reading her thoughts, Ashton quickly glanced at her before looking back down to Lukas. ”Why aren’t you?” Naturally he would deflect. So damn good at it that she was convinced it was his super power. How did Lukas know something about Ashton that would have resulted in him potentially going to prison? She had zoned out but surely not long enough to miss a conversation of such importance. Highly doubted he would have mentioned anything like that to the boy when he found him at the beach. Probably would have scared Lukas off immediately if he talked about almost going to jail. Though seeing how enamored her son was of him he probably would have asked him if he was in a gang or something. Then it hit her. Had it been on that wizarding card she attempted to throw away so long ago? Kaydence silently cursed herself. Had been so in shock to see that scowl on his face and the instant reminder of times past that she felt she had no choice but to get rid of it. Obviously, Lukas had kept it though. Did he still have it? When they got home, she would have to see if she did. Suddenly there was a desperate need to know exactly what was on the back of card. She had to know what he had been up to in her absence.

Fortunately for the both of them, his answer had been enough for Lukas. ”Why would I go to prison? Look birds!” Couldn’t bring herself to run after him. Ashton had evidently chosen to take the lead for both of them. Kaydence froze as she watched him take off after her son without protest. That nagging feeling was back. Combined with the confusion as to the potential revelation of trouble Ashton had gotten into while she was gone, she really felt the need to sit down. Quickly moving over towards a bench, she took a seat and leaned back. Eyes not leaving the pair as she saw him shake his head at Lukas and her son not taking whatever it was seriously enough and laughing. Felt like the air had left her lungs again as she watched the two of them together. Ashton hadn’t even thought twice about running after her son. Why? Was he still playing a role? Or was he really interested in him after learning he was her son? Did he feel a need to watch over him? She was there. Mikkhal was there. The security was still there. Any one of them could have ran after Lukas but Ashton had beat them all to it. Was remarkable how both of their side profiles were so similar to each other. Kaydence had to have just been seeing things though. Lukas looked like her. Same blue eyes, same square face. He was tall, just like her and Noah. Why was she thinking about this? Swore her chest was starting to feel a little heavy. Head a little light-headed as well. ”Not going to run after them Miss. Nash?” Closing her eyes, dealing with Mikkhal was not something she needed right now. “FUCK off Mikkhal,” she said loudly, though knowing Ashton and Lukas were still a good distance away. “Last I checked,” she started, opening her eyes. “Noah is paying YOU four, not me to keep an eye on our son. You don’t think he’d like knowing he’s wasting his money for the lot of you to stand off in the background looking like a bunch of fucking idiots when we’re out and about, do you? Or did I not get the memo and Mr. Wentworth has that responsibility now?”

When he said nothing, Kaydence continued. “I don’t know what your problem is today. Not sure why you find it necessary to be hovering over me like a jealous ex-girlfriend but enough’s enough. If you’ve got something to say then just fucking say it otherwise don’t say another damn word to me for the rest of the time we’re out.” As if on cue, thunder sounded from off in the distance. Giving one final glare to Mikkhal, she looked over in Ashton and Lukas’ direction, noticing that the former was also looking at her. Had he seen their exchange? Pushing herself from the bench with a sigh, she finished the remnants of her ice cream and walked over to the nearest trash can to throw it away. “Lukas!” she called. “We need to get going before the storm gets here.” Oblivious to the fact that nobody in that party would be able to avoid the metaphorical one that was rapidly approaching.

[Ashton Wentworth]

Ashton hadn’t thought twice about it. Ashton wasn’t aware that what he had done would have been considered strange to anybody else. It didn’t matter that there were very unlikely to have cars anywhere near here. Didn’t matter to him the setting - a child ran off, and it was just instinct. Had been forced to chase down either of his twins dozens of times. Though, they were far more in the ‘little shit’ category than he felt like Lukas ever would be. Had bigger assholes for parents than Lukas did no doubt. That little body went pedaling at full speed toward the birds which of course flew off the moment that he moved too close to them. Most kids would have been crestfallen. Not Lukas - looking upward like somehow he could just transform into one of them and fly away too. Just how cooped up was he? Ashton was sorely tempted to smack that ice cream right out of his hands and scold him for running off - but he had to remind himself that it wasn’t his place. Not only that he couldn’t afford to look at this from the perspective of a parent, but from an unattached third party. Which was proving rather difficult to do. ”DID YOU SEE THEM! They fly in shapes you know. Formations.” He had no idea that what he had just done was dangerous. Probably heavily due to the fact that no matter where he went or what he ever did there was a whole platoon of security wizards right there at his constant beck and call.

As soon as he was within reach of Lukas, Ashton moved to kneel in front of the boy. “The hell kid?!” Disapproval was clear on his features from the way that he was looking at Ashton like he couldn’t understand at all why he would be cross with him. ”What?” What indeed. Had to check himself. Had to remind himself that this was in no world at all his business and he couldn’t touch it. He couldn’t comment on it. Ashton’s face scrunched. Wanting to tell him that it was insane to just take off running. That he should have more regard for his mother and her stress than that. Kaydence was one small event from an ulcer at any given moment. At least he assumed that was something that was still the same for her. Pressing his lips together firmly until he had swallowed back most of his temper and the urge to yeet Lukas’ ice cream off of the ledge entirely was lessened could he speak again. His own was going to be soup in his cup at any given moment. Placing it on the railing he shook his head. “You just run off like that often?” He said it - and he already knew the answer. Of course he did, otherwise he wouldn’t have managed to get away past all of those guards in the first place. ”I just wanted to see the birds.” He sounded - heartbroken from something so simple as Ashton’s question and he felt for him. He did. Bars didn’t suit anybody. Invisible or otherwise. “I mean - just drag your Ma along or something kid.” It was useless, but he didn’t know where else to try to go with that. The hell had nobody else come running after him for? For half a moment Ashton almost felt embarrassed for his reaction. Was just knee jerk habit for him. He probably should have just left it for them. Half a glance back toward that grouping standing next to Kaydence - they were watching him and Lukas pretty intently. Which, Ashton couldn’t allow himself to think about in any real sort of way. Too easy to second guess the whole thing.

Clearly, Kay was pissed about something from the way she had just finished glaring at MIkkhal. He wondered if the man pissed her off as much as he pissed Ashton off. He had to. Knowing her clear tolerance for his company Ashton was glad he was as far away as he was. Thunder cracked somewhere off in the distance - and as if suddenly inspired, Lukas started rambling off the types of clouds that had to form in order to allow the echo of thunder and what exact sort of weather patterns that might be. As far as Ashton was concerned - it just meant to get the hell inside. “Lukas!” Apparently, somebody else was having the exact same idea. “We need to get going before the storm gets here.” Ashton nodded, moving to stand. Grabbing his trash and crumpling it into the nearest bin as Lukas walked slowly beside him as if by dragging his feet he could savor just a tiny bit more of his freedom. Outside time. Ashton attempted to reason with himself on the subject. It was just outside time. With a weak smile to Kaydence and ignoring Mikkhal’s existence at all, Ashton’s hand once again moved to ruffle that mess of hair on the top of Lukas’ head in something near fondness. Shifting as Lukas moved slowly, will of drama and sorrow to release that ice cream cup one single finger at a time into the bin. Ashton’s hand lifted to his own too short hair - scrubbing up and down the back of his head until that weird feeling in his stomach started to settle. Unaware of the small body off to the side of him that had moved to copy that movement followed with a yawn. ”When the storms over - we can skip rocks again, right Mr. Wentworth?” Sleepy words that were pretending so desperately not to be. “We’ll have to see, huh kid.”

[Kaydence Morgan]

The events that had transpired within the past hour or so had not at all turned out the way Kaydence would have expected when she woke up this morning. Had gotten up normal time. Had her normal cup of coffee. Had breakfast with Lukas and then spent a good portion of the morning reorganizing her and Noah’s bedroom for the third time in three weeks. Couldn’t say that she was in completely great spirits but certainly had been in a better state of mind then she been for days. That should have been an indicator for her from the get-go that things were going to somehow go astray. Honestly, the only time things didn’t were when her and her family were back in Sweden. Free from the stressors of everything that Austria always tended to bring. Kaydence would never be able to understand why things just couldn’t be normal here. Like they were back when she was in school. So many truly awful things had happened to her in this forsaken country. Yet every time she tried to escape fate kept bringing her back. Why? She had thought a lot about that recently. Never was one to believe in things happening for a reason. Yet it was hard to overlook the same situations that were happening or the same people that kept reappearing. She had thought about it to a point where some very unsettling thoughts had threatened to have a very powerful impact on her well-being and Kaydence had been forced to turn those off as quickly as they had flowed in. To put it simply, Lukas and her needed Noah to come home immediately, finish whatever deal this was with Ashton he had and get the fuck out of town. It was the only way for them to stop.

Another gust of breeze and she was regretting her choice in casualwear. The V cut of her dress was too deep and the hem of her skirt was low but loose. Took nothing for the wind to cause it to flow all over the place. Kaydence already didn’t have shoes on. Didn’t need to be giving the rest of the boardwalk a show despite the lessening number of tourists as the weather turned bad. Her eyes didn’t leave the pair as Ashton and Lukas came closer into sight. Frowning, she could already see the look of disappointment on his face. Could see the shuffling of his steps as if somehow walking slower would make her reconsider. They had already been out here long enough. Even with Ashton, Mikkhal and the security, they had all risked too much exposure. Ashton had to have known that as well. Being around the lot of them didn’t make him any safer at this point if somehow rogue Ministry eyes were observing the going-ons of the odd little group. Kaydence found herself briefly glancing around as if expecting to see someone evidently trying to spy on them. Naturally she didn’t see anything but it did nothing to ease the anxiety shaking her to her very core. Turned her eyes back to Ashton just in time for him to approach her and their security with a small smile. Found herself doing the same once his hand returned back to her son’s head. It was still hard for her to comprehend that he had met her son. Even more insane that he wasn’t trying at all to force the boy away from him. It seemed far-fetched but with his body language, he wasn’t giving any sort of negative vibes off that Kaydence felt she needed to be worried about. He pitied Lukas, that she could tell because he looked just the way she felt. That little boy didn’t deserve to be locked away like a prisoner.

She was happy to see he had at least finished his ice cream as he moved to throw it away. Watched him closely as he instantly returned back to Ashton and mimicked the same motion he had with his hand in his hair. Merlin it was adorable. Seeing the two of them together, it was uncanny how similar their features were. What was she thinking? ”When the storms over – we can skip rocks again, right Mr. Wentworth?” How was it that everything he said could only increase the guilt she felt? ”We’ll have to see, huh kid?” Moving towards Lukas, Kaydence grabbed his free hand. “Come here Lukas,” she said softly. As he accepted it, she looked to all four men. “Just a minute gentlemen.” Turning on her heel, she tugged gingerly at her son’s arm. Taking her cue, he followed suit. “Before we go,” she started, as they began to walk. “Even though what you did was completely unacceptable, and you know your father is going to have to hear about this, we should at least get you a souvenir before we go huh?” She looked down to the boy, smiling as those beautiful eyes of his lit up again. ”What kind of souvenir mom?” She looked off into the distance, bringing her left index finger up and bouncing it off of her chin as if in thought. “Something really good,” she responded. “We don’t want to get food because you’ll spoil your dinner. Plus, that just goes away. Don’t want to get you a toy because you already have so many of those. What can we get you from the beach that’s gonna be a really good keepsake for your first trip?” Kaydence arched her brow as she looked down at Lukas. Couldn’t fight the smile as the look on his face told her he was thinking just as hard as she pretended to be. ”A bird?” Stopping the two, a look of utter disgust crossed her features. “No, they’re disgusting. Something much smaller and absolutely not alive.” He pursed his lips and shrugged. ”I don’t know Mom. What?”

Squeezing his hand, Kaydence beckoned him to start moving again. Didn’t say anything until they had reached flight of stairs they had originally come from. “To me darling, it seems like the most logical keepsake from the beach would be something that was once part of something alive. A seashell.” Lukas grinned. ”A seashell?! I’ve never had one of those before! I was too busy looking for rocks. I saw some, I think, but the rocks were more important because Mr. Wentworth said they were fun.” She chuckled as she led the two down the stairs. “I’m sure he did. Come on, let’s find a spot close enough but not too close to the waves. Those are where the best ones are.” She could see lightning coming from the darkest clouds over the horizon. They couldn’t be down here for very long but they didn’t need to. All Lukas needed to do was find one that really stood out. Once they had gotten to a sandhill that led down towards the ocean’s edge, she stopped them. “Okay, we’ve gotta be quick but I’ll find one and you find one. Once we do, we really have to go okay?” Her son nodded. ”Alright Mom.” Keeping her grip on his hand, she carefully moved the pair along a trail of shells that had gotten washed up. “When you find the right one, you’ll know. It needs to be different then the other ones. One that makes you smile when you see it.” Lukas nodded again. Another minute or two passed before he stopped them. ”I think I found one Mom.” Kaydence released her grip as he bent down and picked up one that was medium sized and a translucent blue. ”You don’t need to find one Mom. I think this one is the best for you.” Accepting the shell from his hand, she smiled so deeply it felt like her heart was going to explode. “Thank you my darling.” Lukas moved a few inches away before bending down again. ”This one is for me.” Giving it to her, she that it was a small silver conch with glistening metallic specks. He really had such good taste.

“Alright, ready?” He shook his head. ”Just another second Mom.” Kaydence looked at him confused. “Come on Lukas, it’s going to start raining any minute.” He ignored her as he moved away from her again. Kept his eyes peeled on the ground until he found something else. Bent over to pick it up and seeing a satisfied look on his face, came running back over to her. ”And one for Mr. Wentworth Mom.” That pit in her stomach feeling came back again as she forced a small smile on her face. It was unbelievable how he was so attached to Ashton already. Didn’t make any sense. Extending his arm to her, his latest treasure came into view. ”He might not like it because it’s a girly color but it’s got brown in it too so maybe he’ll be alright with it.” Her jaw dropped as he placed a breathtaking, how she wasn’t sure because of the color scheme, brown, white and purple metallic clamshell into her palm. The significance not at all lost to her as she took in the fossil. ”What do you think mom? Do you think it’ll be too girly for him?”

[Ashton Wentworth]

“Come here Lukas,” Ashton took the moment that Kaydence started to move to glance over to Mikkhal who was staring at him strangely. Returning the glance with a puzzled one of his own, sure it was strange to see him here he was certain. That would have to be explained. Naturally. Only here was neither the time nor the place. He didn’t understand the look. Then again he wasn’t really sure that he was ever going to come to understand half of the things that strange man did. “Just a minute gentlemen.” Ashton should have taken that opportunity to leave. Should have excused himself, having the same thought for the hundredth time since he had arrived here and seen Kaydence again in the first place. Should have left a lot of times until now. It wasn't like he couldn’t have come up with some sort of reason or another. It wasn’t even like they were having a real conversation. Lukas and his mother moved further away until he could no longer hear what was being said. Which, awkwardly, left him alone with the security team. Which might have been fine - except Mikkhal was staring at him like that. The goon lifted his sausage arms and folded them in front of his person, that quizzical look never once leaving his face. As if he was expecting for Ashton to just up and blurt out some sort of explanation. Well, shit for him, Ashton wasn’t the type to crack under pressure easily. Quirking a brow Ashton moved for his pocket, producing his cigarette again and lighting the end. Casual as he liked, Ashton moved to lean against the nearest building and stared right back at him. The two men, locked in an awkward stare off.

Had finished a good half of his cigarette before the pair had decided to come back to the strip where the team was waiting. What a sight they must have looked. He couldn’t have been more thankful for the fact that those that normally would have been frequenting the streets and shops here were all tucked away indoors for the oncoming storm. He could feel the pressure in the air changing as those thunder cracks were starting to become more and more frequent. Thankful, whenever Mikkhal finally broke their little staring contest to look upward to the sky. Which, allowed Ashton the same freedom to do the same. He was stubborn to the teeth. Always had been. Even over something so stupid as this.

Lukas came bounding up to them with his hands clutched carefully in a makeshift basket over some prize that was held inside. Beaming - he was practically vibrating with energy as he bounced to a stop just a half foot away from Ashton. With a self satisfied smirk and half a triumphant glance to Mikkhal, Ashton squatted back down in front of Lukas. “What’s that then, huh kid?” ”Guess.” “Well hell, I’m not real good at guessing you’ll just have to show me.” And then those small hands opened to reveal a tiny little shell. All flecked with colors and were impossible for him to know that Ashton liked. Brown, like that whiskey that comprised most of his blood now. White for the shell proper and purple just like Kaydence. For half a blink Ashton glanced back up at Kaydence. Wondering if somehow she had put him up to this. Emotion threatened to break over the facade that he was holding to so carefully. “Well.” Ashton swallowed. It was a nice little gift. Something to be a world that might have been. “That’s really something you found there.” Nondescript because Ashton wouldn’t know how to give a real compliment if his life had depended on it. “You find one for yourself then too? Just in case and all.”

[Kaydence Morgan]

Purple was her favorite color. Always had been. Always would be. Was convinced there wasn’t another color that made her stand out as much at that did. Certainly, fancied white as well. Wore the color every so often but tended to like it for design purposes more. Her old condo had been furnished almost entirely in it until Ashton had come into her life and muddied the place up significantly with colors that were completely out of place. Brown was the color of whiskey. A constant demon in the man on the Boardwalk’s life as she had bore witness to time and time again. Had the ability to bring out a monster in him but also a sexual deviant that Kaydence could rarely get enough of. To someone such as Lukas, the three colors were just that, colors. Yet to her, they were a bone-chilling reminder of times past that truly had smacked her in the face and made her blood run cold. ”Mom? What do you think? Is it too girly? I could look for another one…if you’ll let me.” She was frozen. The unwanted flood of memories spilling over their barriers and drowning her. How strange something so little could bring so much emotion. How even more strange that her son, out of all the seashells half-buried in the sand, had somehow picked THAT one out. She was speechless. Looking at him, another threat of tears welled up in her eyes. Could do absolutely nothing except force yet another smile and a small head shake. Taking his hand, Lukas didn’t have to wait for her to tug at him before he began to walk.

”I’m sorry Mom.” He said after a few minutes, the stairs only a few feet away at this point. ”I didn’t mean to run off. I’m sorry if I scared you. I just really like being outside. I wish I got to more you know.” Kaydence had to coerce herself to breathe. The discovery of the shell. The overwhelming amount of guilt from keeping her son locked up, safe from the dangers of the world. It was all too much. Felt just like she did when she left Ashton at the Boardwalk the prior month. Felt like her heart was ripped from its chest and a hollow hole was in its place. She needed to say something as not to worry the little boy holding on tightly to her hand but it was proving far too difficult. Afraid to say anything as the tears could come the minute she did. “We’ll talk about it at home Lukas.” All she could manage. Could feel Lukas’ eyes on her as they reached the bottom step of the flight of stairs and began the incline. Couldn’t look down at him though. Kaydence couldn’t have him think as if he had done something else to intentional upset her. That shell in her hand was pure coincidence. Why had he gravitated towards it though? Sure, it was unique. It had been quite a bit away from them though. He couldn’t have just seen it gleaming, beckoning him to come pick it up. Something else had brought him to it. ”Mom, can I have Mr. Wentworth’s shell so I can give it to him? So he knows I found it?” Wasn’t able to fight how easily her hand released it into his. Couldn’t bring herself to quicken her pace as he had once Ashton and the security team had come into sight. She wasn’t ready to see that interaction with Lukas gave him the shell.

Kaydence could feel herself stop breathing at Lukas stopped in front of Ashton. Had to tear her eyes down to the planks on the Boardwalk as she heard his voice respond to her son. Convinced she could feel his eyes on her, even if only for the briefest of seconds. He and Lukas continued to talk for a minute before she heard the boy call out to her. ”Mom! Bring mine to show Mr. Wentworth!” A polite demand at that. Had no choice but to go. Mikkhal and his loyal band of goons were staring at her as well. Didn’t need to look to see that either. Rolling her upper lip across her bottom, she silently closed the distance between herself and the men. Avoiding any sort of eye contact with Ashton, Kaydence brought her arm to Lukas. “Here.” Oblivious, Lukas took the shell. ”Mine sorta matches yours! It doesn’t have the girl colors but its got this cool shine and yours does too so that way you can remember me when I’m not around.” They needed to go. She needed to go. Everything about this felt wrong. Some looming secret that she couldn’t bear to be around anymore. “Lukas, time to go,” she said sternly, forcing her gaze back towards the ocean where a grey mist had appeared over the water. Rain would be on top of them shortly. ”Mom, can Mr. Wentworth come back for dinner?” Eyes widening, she had no choice but to turn back to her son. “No.” The same crestfallen look on his face earlier came back. ”Why?” Forcing her lips into a tight line, she remained firm. “We’ve already taken enough of Mr. Wentworth’s time. We need to go home. No more shortcuts. It’s about to rain. Say goodbye. Thank him for showing you how to skip rocks until I found you and let’s go.” Nothing about the confused look his features responded with could have caused her to budge. ”But Mom. We didn’t even ask…” Kaydence shook her head. “No, Lukas. Now.”

”But perhaps Miss. Nash, Mr. Wentworth would like to join us for dinner? The house-elves seem incapable of making food for just the three of us. They always seem to think Mr. Eklund will be taking his usual spot at the table. Surely, you, and obviously Lukas, wouldn’t mind if he waited out the storm with us until the weather was better for him to travel?” Mikkhal, that son of a bitch knew exactly what he had just done. Taking Lukas’ side on an invitation that was not one she welcomed. The risk that came with such a scenario happening. Nothing good could come from Ashton returning with them to the condo. “If the lot of you would just say your farewells so we could go home, Mr. Wentworth wouldn’t run the risk of apparating in bad weather. I’ll threaten the house-elves if they waste any extra food. Problem solved. I’m not discussing this any further.”

[Ashton Wentworth]

The oxygen around Ashton seemed to be getting thinner. It didn’t make a lick of sense. Why his chest was struggling to keep moving like it was. The storm had to be to blame. He couldn’t place that anywhere else. He was so confused. It was a shell. It was just something so simple and yet he was so taken aback by it. Almost like Kaydence had set him up to be the victim of a cruel joke on her behalf. One glance at her was enough to know that wasn’t the case. ”Mine sorta matches yours! It doesn’t have the girl colors but it's got this cool shine and yours does too so that way you can remember me when I’m not around.” Minus the girl colors he said. Wanted to laugh at him. Wanted to push up the leg of his pants and display that tattoo on his leg that was very much girl colors and very much themed in purple, but he didn’t. Would have been too telling. Would have been too much when he was already in such a vulnerable position that he didn’t need to allow to continue happening for much longer. “I’m not gunna forget you kid.” Which, he wasn’t. Couldn’t forget about him any more than he would have been capable of forgetting about Kaydence. More things that just couldn’t happen no matter how much they should happen. “Lukas, time to go,” Lukas’ face seemed to crumple in front of Ashton’s very eyes. The rain was already starting to drip down sporadically from the sky. ”Mom, can Mr. Wentworth come back for dinner?” Clever little kid. Absolutely not. Even if Kaydence said no, Ashton was going to have to. He was already in enough jeopardy of exposure just having been out here this long. Didn’t need doormen or other residents seeing him. Was too much of a risk that they might recognize him. Also wanted to question just why it was that Lukas was so okay with an alleged felon coming into his house like it was nothing. More questions about the life that little Miss ‘Emmeline’ was leading.

“No.” ”Why?” “We’ve already taken enough of Mr. Wentworth’s time. We need to go home. No more shortcuts. It’s about to rain. Say goodbye. Thank him for showing you how to skip rocks until I found you and let’s go.” Ashton lifted back up to his full height, finishing the last of his cigarette and tossing it into the middle of the road. Resulting in a tongue click of disapproval from one of the security guards. Could have just as easily have put it out on their forehead, but he didn’t. Prick. ”But perhaps Miss. Nash, Mr. Wentworth would like to join us for dinner? The house-elves seem incapable of making food for just the three of us. They always seem to think Mr. Eklund will be taking his usual spot at the table. Surely, you, and obviously Lukas, wouldn’t mind if he waited out the storm with us until the weather was better for him to travel?” Ashton’s whole body turned to look at Mikkhal accusingly. The fuck was he playing at here? There was no doubt that was exactly what Ashton was thinking as he glared at the other man. Larger than him in frame but certainly not in height. Ashton’s gaze scanned over the other man with scrutiny. Didn’t appreciate the way that this was all going. In front of the child no less. Something was off and he wasn’t sure that he much cared for it. Didn’t want to go to that condo. Didn’t want to go anywhere near it. Was no good memories there. “If the lot of you would just say your farewells so we could go home, Mr. Wentworth wouldn’t run the risk of apparating in bad weather. I’ll threaten the house-elves if they waste any extra food. Problem solved. I’m not discussing this any further.” Ashton nodded, his arms folding in an intimidating gesture across his chest as he nodded. Just so. She wasn’t fucking stupid. This was either a set up or a trap and everybody but little Lukas was aware of it. “Ms. Emmeline is correct.” His lip practically curled before his entire stance shifted to turn to address Lukas. “Not that I don’t appreciate the invitation kid, I do, but some other time.” hated to see that disappointed look. Pained him more than he was comfortable admitting to. Formally, almost overly so he turned to Kaydence with a nod. “Glad he got home safe.”

[Kaydence Morgan]

The Boardwalk had gone silent. Looking around, Kaydence saw that the small group seemed to be the last remaining people out and about. A few stragglers remained but they quickly went their own ways to shelter. The souvenir and beach treat stalls had lowered their wooden gates, protecting all of the items within from the rain that was sure to be barreling down any minute. The gusts of wind were downright nasty. Had to keep on arm on the hem of her skirt to make sure it wouldn’t go riding up. The wind. The thought of inevitable rain. The company, with the exception of Lukas of course, Kaydence was miserable. Needed to go home, change into some comfortable sweats of Noah’s and curl up under a blanket with her son. Maybe with any luck she could convince him to snuggle up in her and his father’s bed and take a quick catnap before dinner. She wanted nothing more to do something, anything, that would break the stress of the day and put her at ease even if it were only for a little while. No more wedding planning. Couldn’t handle doing that anymore today. Really didn’t want to take care of any other possible responsibilities. Not that Kaydence had many but purely speaking on principal. She’d punish Lukas tomorrow. For now, all she wanted was to be alone with her son and take comfort in knowing that he was back home, safe and sound.

She was growing impatient. She had said her piece. Wasn’t going to change her mind. Yet nobody was fucking moving. Why wasn’t anybody fucking moving?! The skies were about to open up. Thunder crackling all around them. As Kaydence looked at the men in front of her, she would have probably laughed had it been a normal occasion. Ashton and Mikkhal looking as if they were at silent war with another, which, if she could admit, was nice seeing someone else at the end of Noah’s assistant’s glare for once. She knew that power stance of Ashton’s all too well though. Wasn’t happy in the slightest. Wanted Mikkhal to know he wasn’t intimidated by whatever the hell it was the man was trying to set up between her and him. Made her heart flutter the slightest bit. His no nonsense look was always a turn on. Especially when she had to work extra hard to seduce him into giving her money nine Christmas’ ago for that peacoat she had desperately wanted. Probably wouldn’t have been such a big deal had the price tag not been so extravagant. Also, probably should have felt like an escort or something after that exchange but was way too satisfied with herself to do so. This, of course, was by no means a normal situation. And that current look of his would in no way be softened by some dirty pillow talk or deliberately placed hands. Kaydence didn’t at all like seeing Lukas so close to it either. In the short time the group had been together, Ashton had strangely showed he wouldn’t put the boy in harms way. However, she knew him better than most. All it took was continuous button pushing and he would ultimately snap. The vicious temper of his didn’t restrain itself for anyone.

Felt her whole body freeze when he turned back to Lukas. So help her Merlin that temper of his even show even the slightest, he wouldn’t have to worry about the security team. Kaydence would curse him into oblivion so fast it might make Mikkhal’s head spin. Hell, that would probably help her case more than anything. ”Ms. Emmeline is correct.” Her muscles relaxed just a little. She was grateful he was agreeing with her though he knew how dangerous it would be if he didn’t. ”Not that I don’t appreciate the invitation kid, I do, but some other time.” A false promise. They both knew there wouldn’t be another time. Mikkhal would likely make sure of that with the way he was looking at the both of them. Hopefully this hadn’t messed up whatever deal he had going on with Noah. Unlikely given the stakes undoubtedly involved. Noah wouldn’t have been so foolish to talk business with Ashton if there hadn’t been some great financial reward for him. Stepping forward, Kaydence placed her hand on Lukas’ shoulder. ”Glad he got home safe.” So many different ways she wanted to respond to that, but with the four pairs of eyes intently watching the trio she had no choice but to go the safest route. They had already said their goodbyes the other night. “As am I. Thank you Mr. Wentworth. Noah and myself are grateful for you finding and taking care of our son. Merlin only knows the trouble he could have gotten into on his own.” She was careful to return his gaze for a brief second before forcing herself to look down at the top of Lukas’ head. Hopefully he would understand how much she meant every word. Had it not been for him, something awful could have truly happened to her little boy. She would have never forgiven herself.

”See ya later Ashton.” Kaydence watched as he extended his arm in a closed fist to bump along Ashton’s own. ”But come to dinner soon okay? We leave when Dad comes back.” Swallowing, she brought her other hand to his opposite shoulder. Didn’t want to think about the inevitable departure right now. “Come on darling. It’s starting to rain.” She had already felt a few raindrops at this point. No doubt more would be following within a few minutes. Carefully, she stepped back and forced her son to do the same with the grip she had on him. Turned their bodies to the right and released her hands from him. Didn’t look back at the security warlocks and Mikkhal as they began walking. They could get back on their own for all she cared. “We need to run,” she instructed, feeling those drops begin to pick up. Had to get back before her feet were covered in mud. Grabbing his hand, she began to run across the Boardwalk towards one of the apparition spots. Once they reached it, Kaydence stopped and pulled Lukas into her. “Hold tight.” Feeling his arms squeeze around the top of her thighs, she looked back at where they had come before closing her eyes. Saw the security team fast approaching…minus one. Mikkhal. Her brow furrowed, looking past them to see Ashton and Mikkhal’s silhouettes off in the distance. Another uneasy feeling settling in her gut. Didn’t have time to think on it thought as the rain started coming down and she needed to get Lukas and herself back to the comforts of their dry home. As the image of the condo came to the forefront of her mind, she finally shut her eyelids and held her son tight. Then, they disappeared.

[Ashton Wentworth]

“As am I. Thank you Mr. Wentworth. Noah and myself are grateful for you finding and taking care of our son. Merlin only knows the trouble he could have gotten into on his own.” Ashton hated that look in her eyes. Everything about it. Merlin knew there wasn’t anything that he could have said about it. Even if the security team hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have said any of the things that he wanted to say in front of her child. He had his moments, sure, but he wasn’t a total fucking monster. Why did his chest still hurt? Aching inside of his ribs and threatening his ability to speak. Fuck he was tired of watching her walk away from him. He had been fine, for years now, not knowing where she was or what had happened to her. He had been okay, living without her. He had gone about his day to day and it was fine. He had more than enough to keep him busy. Was setting himself up for a real nice early retirement with this job. He had a life. An actual one. He had the closest thing to friends that weren’t considered his family that he had ever really had before. Now, it was like a bandage had been yanked off. Leaving him raw and exposed, prone to infection. Those wounds he had safely tucked away with all of his feelings for her pushed so far down had been grabbed and brought to the surface. He fucking hated it. Hated how much it hurt. He was ready for this to be over. Ready for her to leave. Not because he wanted her to leave. He was just ready for the hurt to be locked back away again.

”See ya later Ashton.” He almost hugged the kid. Which, was a very strange impulse for him. He wasn’t a hugger. He couldn’t explain it, but he felt like he was never going to see the child again. He didn’t know why he was so upset about that. He didn’t know what the reluctance in his stomach was all about. He couldn’t explain it. Just wasn’t sitting right for him. Ashton’s hand lifting to fist bump Lukas instead as requested. ”But come to dinner soon okay? We leave when Dad comes back.” Ashton nodded. He knew that. He knew that they were leaving. Just didn’t want to dwell on it. Would have a lot of things to figure out between now and then. “Come on darling. It’s starting to rain.” She was right. Could already feel them sinking in through the fabric of his shirt every handful of minutes or so.

What was wrong with him? Watching Kaydence pull that small body back to her like it was fucking hurt. Lifting himself to his feet - fucking hurt. Something was fucking him up and he coudln’t give name to it. He must have missed something, had that nagging feeling that there was something important here that he was supposed to have done and was coming up short. Stood still for the most part as Kaydence pulled herself and Lukas away from him in the direction of the apparation area. He understood this was needed. He just didn’t like it. Those other security wizards trailing a hot path behind them. No doubt they had been fully blamed for all of this so that Mikkhal didn’t need to be. Could feel the troll mouth breathing behind him. Waiting for him to turn, which he did - when those other two were far enough away. ”Won’t you reconsider our offer, Mr. Wentworth.” Ashton’s lip curled into a sneer, barely able to wipe it from his face before he turned around to face Mikkhal. “I don’t have an overabundance of time.” Which was partially true at least. ”I’m set to receive a message from Mr. Eklund within the hour for an update, should you wish to be present to receive it.” Ashton’s brow lifted. That was not how this whole situation had been handled. Noah was the one who spoke to Mikkhal. That was the agreement. That Mikkhal was only supposed to reach out to Ashton in the event that Noah was returning. Sure, the two had been in communication over the time that Noah’s trip had been extended because deadlines were changing. Because Ashton’s arrangements had needed to shift. The fact that this was taking longer than it was supposed to, had absolutely nothing to do with him.

No, he didn’t want to be present for that phone call because it was going to send the wrong message. It was going to come across as jumping the gun, needy, nervous all things that he absolutely was not. ”I understand your reluctance, Mr. Wentworth.” Merlin he fucking hated the way this prick said his name. How the fuck did Noah stand him? They spent ungodly amounts of time together. Ashton just heard his voice and he wanted to fucking punch him. Noah, who was a decent guy from his current impressions - didn’t seem like he would have been able to tolerate it anymore than Ashton did. Yet, they were always attached at the hip. It was illogical. ”She’s got a nasty little temper, that thing does. I never understood what Mr. Eklund saw in her.” Ashton’s pupils narrowed to pinpricks. Felt that rage boiling inside of him. Thing. He had called her, a thing. Didn’t matter in the slightest that she did have a temper. Mikkhal had no reason to speak on it. It wasn’t his right. Ashton knew he was attempting to invoke his rage. Attempting to force Ashton to say something, anything at all that was going to entrap him. Something to make Ashton slip up, even just a little. Then he would go flitting back to his little master and whisper in gleeful fits of giggles right into Noah’s ears. Like a dog. He was nothing more than a dog. Ashton had never cared for animals. Wasn’t a pet guy. Could show him how he treated dogs. Would be happy to.

Only apparently, the prick wasn’t done. It was taking, nearly all of Ashton’s very precariously contained self control to keep his face calm. To negate the lines in his forehead and keep himself as plain as he could. Moving for a cigarette to keep his hands busy for nothing else. Deliberately pulling that golden lighter from his pocket to light the fucking thing. Silently, reminding Mikkhal of his place. It hadn’t been easy to get this damned thing back from the restaurant that they had ditched out on. ”I keep thinking that one day, she’s going to cross the line and one day, the security team will have to be the one to take care of her. She seems to think that she’s irreplaceable.” There was no way that this wasn’t some sort of test. Ashton wanted to bash his head into the wall. Wanted to keep slamming it into the wall until he was a bloody, pulpy mess. He wanted nothing more than to pull out his wand, and shove it so deep into his ear that it ruptured brain. Ashton wanted to remove his tongue, and he wasn’t allowed to move to do a single bit of it. He wasn’t sure what end he was trying to reach by insulting Kaydence. Didn’t see how he could think that if Noah were to hear anything about this, Ashton couldn’t imagine that he would have tolerated such a comment either. Clearly, he was being tested, the why of it was what he was missing. He kept implying that he knew something that they didn’t. Acting like he knew something that none of the rest of them did.

”The last time that I spoke with Mr. Eklund, he did wish for me to impress that he must have the Babi out of his hands when his feet touch soil. So, really it must have just been fate to run into you here. Didn’t care for the insinuation there when it was that he said fate. Didn’t know what he thought was happening, Ashton knew that Kaydence wouldn’t have fucking said anything. It didn’t suit her purposes whatsoever. It wasn’t like she was going to leave that comfy ass lifestyle that she thought that Noah was going to provide her. She had no way of knowing what was actually going to happen. Really, the only part of it that Ashton in earnest felt guilty about, was taking Lukas’ father from him. Kaydence could stand on her own. A selfish part of him wanted to see what would happen if she actually had to stand on her own two feet for awhile. However, given that she had a child he didn’t think that would ever actually happen. Ashton was so absolutely over the behavior. “Pretty sure the arrangement with Eklund was that he would reach out to me, when it is time.” Ashton took too deep a drag from his cigarette and exhaled in Mikkhal’s face. “If you’re worried about the han off, you can assure him, that my end is handled. I do believe he is the one running late on schedule. Would be a shame if I started to deduct pay from the extended deadlines that were not cleared with me, simply because you’re pissing me off.” Ashton leaned a smudge closer, even more irritated that Mikkhal was clearly not intimidated in the slightest. “But, if you feel like meddling in your boss’ affairs.” Ashton inhaled sharply. “Be my guest. I’m sure that he will be thrilled.” Mikkhal blinked once, and Ashton was pretty sure that was the absolute only part of this entire conversation that had registered with him in the slightest. “Or, be a good little guard dog - and run your neutered ass on home, to do your fucking job.”

Didn’t care what the man’s motivations might have been. Didn’t like the insinuations. Didn’t like the implications. Didn’t want anything to do with it at all. The reputation that Ashton had taken the better part of two years cultivating wasn’t one of a man who took shit lightly. Taking the opportunity to leave, Ashton started to move away. “Oh!” Ashton “You can also inform your boss, that given my distaste of your attitude - I will only be working with him directly, from here on out.”