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randomplaces2011-02-22 11:18 pm
random_xtras) wrote in randomplaces2011-02-22 11:18 pm
Entry tags:
Breaker 'verse 6
Alvin blew a gum bubble and sucked it in, then looked up from his laptop to check on Ettiene, who was sprawled on the other bench dead to the world.
He frowned at the pained expression on his friend's face, then exchanged a glance with Dove, who was hunkered watchfully next to the injured man.
Wish I had somethin' stronger than ibuprofen in the first-aid kit, he thought as he went back to the article about teaching reading to the visually impaired, one hand going out to rock Star's baby seat as the tiny boy squeaked and wriggled in his sleep. He slapped a mosquito and checked the time at the bottom corner of the screen. Darn near three o'clock. Ettiene's slept all day. He's gotta be hurt worse 'n he admits... Father, please keep an eye on him 'n help him heal...
A beep alerted him to the IM icon on the task bar, and he clicked it curiously.
'Hey, Al, how's fatherhood?' asked 'Do Declare'.
He quirked an eyebrow and typed back. 'Hey, Shana. Everything alright over there?'
'Sort of,' came the reply. 'I need you to try and match a picture.'
'??'
'This big ugly lizard that attacked Timber that day I called. SE just managed to track the thing down and it went after him too. Now he's got it sprawled out on the deck and is trying to figure out what it is. If you ask me it looks like Mindbender's been playing at the zoo.'
Alvin frowned. 'Let's see it.'
The picture downloaded rapidly and he clicked on it, both eyebrows going up as he took in the scaled monster it portrayed. 'Looks like a monitor lizard got a little too close to a Chinese water dragon. Are those venom fangs?'
'Yup. It latched onto SE's staff and the wood was just dripping.'
Alvin shuddered. 'I've never seen anythin' like it. Hold on, I gotta go.'
'Okay. Take care, SE says to tell Dove he <3 her.'
Alvin grinned, then looked up toward the sound that had reached his ears, automatically bookmarking his page and closing the computor.
"Boat," said Dove, pointing one ear back toward the sound. "There's a boat comin'."
"It's comin' this way?" Alvin got to his feet.
"Ja. It's comin' this vay." She looked up at him anxiously, then stood and put one hand protectively on Ettiene's chest.
"Take Star 'n go in the house," he said softly as the motor sound grew clearer.
"Okay." She scooped the baby out of the seat and disappeared through the open door.
Alvin watched as a small metal boat came around a huge old bald cypress with knees as big as armchairs and cruised past the island the cabin was on, his eyes making out the forms of two young women in it. He thought he recognized the auburn-haired one at the rudder as one of Ettiene's sisters, but the black-haired one in the bow was unknown to him.
He winced as the boat suddenly slewed sharply toward the cabin and came toward it at a speed that had his toes curling in his boots, then stepped back as the engine cut off abruptly and the metal hull banged into the old tires that lined the dock.
"Ettiene!" The auburn-haired woman leaped from the boat and charged past him to stoop over the unconscious marine. "What'd y' do t' yourself dis time? Ettiene?"
He came awake with a start and tried to raise his head, then groaned as she gently pushed him back. "Wha...? Vangie?" He blinked and cleared his throat. "What you doin' 'ere, sha?"
"I'm home for de holiday 'n decided t' see my favorite big brot'er." She frowned and put a hand to his forehead. "What 'appen?"
"Gator..." He closed his eyes and relaxed.
"You don' look dat good, mon frère."
"Should see... de gator." He chuckled, then grimaced and sucked in his breath. "Don' make me talk."
Vangie tucked her hair behind one delicately pointed ear and frowned at him, then glanced around as though wondering what to do.
"So that's her big bro, eh?" asked a female voice behind Alvin.
He turned to frown at the black-haired woman, but then blinked in surprise as his eyes met a pair of bright blue ones set in an Asian face.
"Name's Jubilee." She grinned and blew a huge pink bubble, then sucked it in and cracked the gum. "What's yours?"
"Alvin Kibbey." He quirked a bemused grin, then sidestepped quickly to block Vangie's way into the cabin.
Her golden hazel eyes blinked, then frowned up at him puzzledly. "Was jus' goin' t' get a glass o' water 'n de first aid kit."
"You don't wanna go in there," said Alvin evenly, trying to look casual as he racked his brain for a reason to keep her out.
"Why not?" Vangie stared at him blankly, then looked toward Ettiene as he pushed himself up to a sitting position.
"She ain't gonna cause any trouble fer Sweetheart, Al," said the marine, his voice coming out slightly rough.
"Sweetheart?" Vangie frowned at her brother, then turned the expression to Alvin.
The dark-haired man gave his friend a glare, feeling betrayed.
Ettiene looked back evenly. "She won' hurt de 'tites, Breaker. Non 'a my people will. Sweetheart 'n Star, dey be as safe wit' de LaFittes as dey be wit' dere own kin."
Alvin clenched his jaw, wanting to beat some sense into the older man, or at least talk it, but feeling thwarted by the presence of the women.
"De 'tites, dey gonna need a woman's touch," Ettiene rumbled softly. "Only so much a papa 'n oncles kin do."
"I jus' wanna get mon frère a drink of water 'n tend 'is hurts," Vangie interrupted firmly, crossing her arms over the chest of her pale green T-shirt. Then her eyes widened as Star's voice rose up in a peeved wail from inside the cabin. "Yer baby cryin', Papa Paranoid."
Alvin scowled as Jubilee broke out in snorting giggles and hugged herself gleefully. Father, show me what to do? I don't wanna scare Sweetheart... He jumped and gave a slight yelp as a hand tugged on the back of his T-shirt.
He reached back and gently closed his fingers over Dove's, giving them a comforting squeeze. "I believe you, Ettiene, but all it'd take is one slip up 'n the kids could be in a lot of trouble."
"Der won't be no slip ups." Ettiene stood, then wobbled slightly and scowled.
"Uncle Ettiene!"
Alvin staggered as Dove pushed past him, then swallowed. Okay, Father. I guess that's pretty clear. He quirked a grin as his foster daughter braced one wing under the big marine's arm and gently but firmly steered him back to the bench, fussing softly in a mixture of her own language, English, Acadian, and...
She's signin'. Snakes is gonna be proud.
He looked down at Vangie and was surprised to see only amusement and approval on her face.
"Sweet!" breathed Jubilee from where she still stood on the steps, her eyes wide as she watched the little girl. "She's, like, so pretty!"
Alvin glanced back and forth between the two women, then walked over to Dove as she turned to look at the strangers and froze.
"Shh, Sweetheart, it's okay. This' Uncle Ettiene's sister 'n her friend." He hunkered down and put an arm around her, bracing himself as she pressed against him fearfully.
"Sister?" She pointed one ear at him, then jerked it toward Jubilee as the petite woman made a soft sound of delight.
"Schwester," he translated softly. "Zuster."
"Oh." She relaxed slightly, though he could see that she was still wary. "Tante Vangie?"
"Yeah, Sweetheart," said Ettiene from behind them. "Dat's you auntie."
"Shh." Dove flicked her ears back at him. "You're still hurt, you need ta rest."
There was a soft snort of amusement, then a grumble of pain.
"So I can go in de house now?" asked Vangie, her eyes going to her brother and darkening in concern.
"Yeah." Alvin took Star from Dove and cradled the baby in the crook of his free arm, then hefted Dove and walked inside.
"How long he ben sleepin'?" Vangie followed him and went to the cupboard for a glass.
"Most'a the day." Alvin set Dove on the counter and got out formula and Star's bottle. "He hit his head pretty hard when the gator knocked 'im in the water."
Vangie's lips went into a thin line. "Dat's no good." She filled the glass at the filter, then went to the first aid kit where it lay on the arm of the couch and opened it. "When'd y' fix de bandages las'?"
"This mornin'." Alvin turned and came chest to face with Jubilee. "Woah! Don't sneak up on me!"
"Sorry," she chirped, giving him a dimpled grin. "Hey, can I be auntie too? Please?"
He frowned at her as she batted her eyelashes at him. "That's up to Dove. But don't go crowdin' her, she's scared of strangers."
Vangie glanced up at that and frowned from where she was digging through the first aid kit.
"Gotcha. No crowdin'." Jubilee nodded and backed away carefully.
Alvin stared at her, then quirked a grin and chuckled at the humorous expression on her face.
"Funny," said Dove, pulling up her legs and wrapping herself in her wings.
"Yeah." Alvin returned to more pressing matters and handed her the filled bottle, then thought twice of it and tried to take it back.
"Hold your horses, I ain't got it done yet." Dove aimed a gentle swat at his hand, then quickly did her fire trick and set the bottle in her palm.
"Ooo," said Jubilee from where she now sat on the arm of the couch. "I know a guy who would love to know you, kid. He'd never be short a light for his stogies again."
Alvin shot her a dangerous look. "Nothin' you see here goes beyond this island."
"Chill, Mr. Paranoid." She held up her hands and blew another huge bubble. "I ain't tellin' anybody 'bout your kids."
Dove glanced up and listened, then blew a bubble of her own and popped it noisily.
Alvin started, then took a deep breath and flexed his free hand. Adrenalin rush. I feel like I need ta beat the crap outta somethin'.
"Vader?" Dove looked up and handed him the bottle.
He reached for it without thinking, then gave a hiss of pain and dropped it reflexively, wincing as the scalding milk splashed onto his stocking feet.
"Vader?" Dove's ears flicked around uncertainly as Star gave a startled wail at the crash.
"Woah! Shmoly hokes, bub, what were ya thinkin'?" yelped Jubilee, standing in a smooth motion that called to mind ninjas and hidden weapons.
The explosion was immediate.
"I WASN'T THINKING, OKAY!" He saw Dove flinch back and heard Star's cries take on a note of terror but his nerves were shot. Growling, he bit down on his anger and the rush in his system. "I... think it would be best if ya'll came back in the morning. I need ta think right now." Both hands were clenched tightly, nails biting into palms. It was all he could do to stand still with the burns on his feet and the tension in the air.
"Y'want us t' take Ettiene too?" asked Vangie from the door as Jubilee slipped past her.
"Jus' try it," came the angry rumble from behind her. The big marine made his way over to Alvin, standing between him and the girls. "I see y' 'morrow, 'tite."
Seeing the look in her brother's somewhat glazed eyes, Vangie nodded and followed her friend out the door. The boat engine started up with a cough, then puttered away and faded into the distance.
Ettiene turned and gently took Star, putting the baby against his shoulder and rubbing his back. "Deep breat's, Breaker. Step ober de broken glass 'n get dem socks off."
Alvin obeyed, then turned toward Dove.
"Non. Go swim t' dat big tree 'n back till y' get dat rush outta you system."
Without a word, the brown haired man strode out and dove into the water, powerful, almost frantic strokes cutting the surface. Ettiene watched for a few moments before turning to Dove. "C'mon, Sweetheart. You help you ol' oncle fix you papa up right. Grab a blanket and dat dere 'aid' kit. He gone' be one tired puppy."
"Dangit, I swallow my gum," said the little girl, hopping down from the counter and stepping on the broken glass on her way to the bunks. "Not funny."
"I not laughin', Sweetheart. Sweep up de glass so Papa don' add cuts to de burns on 'is feet." While she did that, he fixed Star another bottle, having Dove pause in her cleanup to heat it. Once the baby was contentedly nursing, he set the little girl to preparing the couch for proper sleeping, quirking a slight grin at her multilingual fussing.
"Dove all done." She peered closely at her handiwork, then picked up the first aid kit from where she'd set it on the floor and brought it to him. "Vader hurt? Sick?"
"Yeah, Sweetheart. Papa is hurt. Here." He pointed to his feet and then his heart. "And here. He be okay. We take good care of you papa, neh?"
"Ja." Dove went to the door and looked out, those mobile ears pinpointing Alvin's progress from tree to island and back. "Jesus, take care of Vader. Tell gator go away, bitte? Danke."
"Dat Jesus, He take care 'a dos gators, 'tite. Let's get Papa's blanket ready. He be comin' back now."
A tired and weary man pulled himself up onto the dock, ready to throw up. He held it as long as he could and then bent double, purging the swamp water from his stomach.
"Vader?" Strong wings and warm wool wrapped around him from behind. "We take care 'a you. Come on."
Alvin gasped for breath, then leaned back against her warmth and support. "Gimme a minute, Sweetheart."
Behind them, the big marine stood in the doorway, holding the now sleeping baby. He marveled at the changes in his friend, a father of two for a little over a week. It was no wonder the man had blown a fuse. Grinning to himself, he thought, Jus' wait 'till 'tite grow a bit more. Dere be more fuses t' blow... "C'mon, Alvin. Get y'self in here and dried off. Y' know you' gon' crash any minute and we need t' take care 'a dem feet, too."
The dark haired man pushed himself upright, wincing as the action put pressure on his burns.
"Easy, Vader, y' need rest," said Dove, propping him up with one wing and steering him toward the cabin. "We gonna fix y' up right."
Alvin quirked a weary grin and looked up to meet Ettiene's eyes. "I teach 'er English, 'n you teach 'er ta murder it?"
The big man shrugged. "So? Life's too short to speak all proper." A half decent straight Midwest accent came out with the words.
Alvin grinned, but it faded quickly as he felt the crash hit.
"Woah!" Dove turned and caught him around the waist with both arms as he fought to stay on his feet.
"Easy, sha. Get 'im inside." Ettiene held the door for the pair, then closed it after them and followed them to the couch.
Dove suddenly balked and put her ears back. "Couch is clean. Vader is stinks."
"Oui, 'tite. Take Papa over t' de shower."
"I ain't dead yet..." came a weary grumble.
"No. Y' jus' smell like it." Ettiene resisted the temptation to drop into the easy chair and close his eyes.
The water cut on and he stepped back to let Alvin stand under it, clothes and all. Backing out of the small bathroom, the marine motioned for Dove to open a suitcase and pointed to the proper clothing.
"Pants," the little white girl said carefully. "Shirt. Socks."
Ettiene rubbed his eyes with thumb and forefinger as his vision blurred, then glanced sharply toward the door as it opened and a large reddish cat slipped in, golden eyes going toward the bathroom. "Der y' are. Wondered when y'd be back."
The feline cocked her head, then brushed against the door so that it closed before coming over and stropping herself against his legs affectionately.
The marine smiled and hunkered down carefully to talk to her, holding out the hand of his sore arm so that she could rub against it. "Missed y' aussi, 'tite."
"Hiya, cat." Dove held out a hand as well.
The feline raised her head and regarded the child with gentle amusement, then walked over and gave the twiglike fingers gentle kisses before returning to Ettiene.
"Not cat." Dove's ears flicked.
"Shh," said Ettiene, then grimaced as the motion made his head ring like a church bell.
"Uncle?" Dove stood and reached for him, but then turned as the shower went off.
There was the muted sound of grumbling, then Alvin poked his head out of the bathroom. "I need some clothes. Oh. Didn' know you had a cat."
"She comes 'n goes." Ettiene nodded at Dove's choices and threw them at the younger man. "Get dressed so we can fix dem feet."
Alvin disappeared back inside for a few moments, then hobbled carefully to the couch and lowered himself onto it, his head hanging with weariness. His shoulders twitched as the cat came over to investigate his wounds. "Ugh, don't kiss my feet." He scooped the furry form into his arms and scratched under her chin, invoking a rumble of ecstatic purring.
Ettiene scowled and held out Star. "Take de 'tite so I kin work."
The dark haired man gave his friend a surprised look, but dropped the cat gently on the floor and took the baby, who sighed and chuckled softly in his sleep.
Ettiene stood carefully and picked up another blanket. "Lay down 'fore y' fall down, homme." He covered the younger man carefully, then put a hand on the back of the couch and watched as he dropped off into slumber.
"Go lay down," said a female voice from behind him. "I'll tend yer frien'."
"Don' wake 'im up." Ettiene took a deep breath and started toward the bunk, then gave Dove a grateful look as she propped herself under his good arm. "'E's ben t'rough a lot dis las' lil while."
"Teach a coon t' suck eggs." The woman gave a throaty chuckle. "Not gonna disturb Sleepin' Beauty."
Ettiene lowered himself carefully onto the bunk and pressed a hand over his eyes as his skull rang and his shoulder throbbed in time. He could feel his feet being dusted, then the blanket being pulled over him, but the darkness was swirling up to claim him again and he couldn't even muster a smile of thanks for his honorary niece.
"Uncle Ettiene hurt und sick." Dove turned to look at the visitor.
"Yeah, he'll be better soon, 'tite." The woman swiftly and carefully treated and bandaged Alvin's feet, then walked to the bunk and did the same for Ettiene's shoulder before turning to the little girl. "Y' need supper, 'n den it's bed f' you."
"I'm not hungry und I not need rest." Dove went and curled up on the floor next to the couch. "Jesus, help Vader und Uncle Ettiene. Dey get gezond bald."
The woman cocked her head, golden hazel eyes looking slightly troubled, but nodded and walked to the door to fetch a bundle of clothing, which she brought behind the couch and stuffed underneath it. Dove stirred slightly and sighed, then the cabin settled down into a stillness that was only broken as the woman got up several times in the night to feed Star.
next
He frowned at the pained expression on his friend's face, then exchanged a glance with Dove, who was hunkered watchfully next to the injured man.
Wish I had somethin' stronger than ibuprofen in the first-aid kit, he thought as he went back to the article about teaching reading to the visually impaired, one hand going out to rock Star's baby seat as the tiny boy squeaked and wriggled in his sleep. He slapped a mosquito and checked the time at the bottom corner of the screen. Darn near three o'clock. Ettiene's slept all day. He's gotta be hurt worse 'n he admits... Father, please keep an eye on him 'n help him heal...
A beep alerted him to the IM icon on the task bar, and he clicked it curiously.
'Hey, Al, how's fatherhood?' asked 'Do Declare'.
He quirked an eyebrow and typed back. 'Hey, Shana. Everything alright over there?'
'Sort of,' came the reply. 'I need you to try and match a picture.'
'??'
'This big ugly lizard that attacked Timber that day I called. SE just managed to track the thing down and it went after him too. Now he's got it sprawled out on the deck and is trying to figure out what it is. If you ask me it looks like Mindbender's been playing at the zoo.'
Alvin frowned. 'Let's see it.'
The picture downloaded rapidly and he clicked on it, both eyebrows going up as he took in the scaled monster it portrayed. 'Looks like a monitor lizard got a little too close to a Chinese water dragon. Are those venom fangs?'
'Yup. It latched onto SE's staff and the wood was just dripping.'
Alvin shuddered. 'I've never seen anythin' like it. Hold on, I gotta go.'
'Okay. Take care, SE says to tell Dove he <3 her.'
Alvin grinned, then looked up toward the sound that had reached his ears, automatically bookmarking his page and closing the computor.
"Boat," said Dove, pointing one ear back toward the sound. "There's a boat comin'."
"It's comin' this way?" Alvin got to his feet.
"Ja. It's comin' this vay." She looked up at him anxiously, then stood and put one hand protectively on Ettiene's chest.
"Take Star 'n go in the house," he said softly as the motor sound grew clearer.
"Okay." She scooped the baby out of the seat and disappeared through the open door.
Alvin watched as a small metal boat came around a huge old bald cypress with knees as big as armchairs and cruised past the island the cabin was on, his eyes making out the forms of two young women in it. He thought he recognized the auburn-haired one at the rudder as one of Ettiene's sisters, but the black-haired one in the bow was unknown to him.
He winced as the boat suddenly slewed sharply toward the cabin and came toward it at a speed that had his toes curling in his boots, then stepped back as the engine cut off abruptly and the metal hull banged into the old tires that lined the dock.
"Ettiene!" The auburn-haired woman leaped from the boat and charged past him to stoop over the unconscious marine. "What'd y' do t' yourself dis time? Ettiene?"
He came awake with a start and tried to raise his head, then groaned as she gently pushed him back. "Wha...? Vangie?" He blinked and cleared his throat. "What you doin' 'ere, sha?"
"I'm home for de holiday 'n decided t' see my favorite big brot'er." She frowned and put a hand to his forehead. "What 'appen?"
"Gator..." He closed his eyes and relaxed.
"You don' look dat good, mon frère."
"Should see... de gator." He chuckled, then grimaced and sucked in his breath. "Don' make me talk."
Vangie tucked her hair behind one delicately pointed ear and frowned at him, then glanced around as though wondering what to do.
"So that's her big bro, eh?" asked a female voice behind Alvin.
He turned to frown at the black-haired woman, but then blinked in surprise as his eyes met a pair of bright blue ones set in an Asian face.
"Name's Jubilee." She grinned and blew a huge pink bubble, then sucked it in and cracked the gum. "What's yours?"
"Alvin Kibbey." He quirked a bemused grin, then sidestepped quickly to block Vangie's way into the cabin.
Her golden hazel eyes blinked, then frowned up at him puzzledly. "Was jus' goin' t' get a glass o' water 'n de first aid kit."
"You don't wanna go in there," said Alvin evenly, trying to look casual as he racked his brain for a reason to keep her out.
"Why not?" Vangie stared at him blankly, then looked toward Ettiene as he pushed himself up to a sitting position.
"She ain't gonna cause any trouble fer Sweetheart, Al," said the marine, his voice coming out slightly rough.
"Sweetheart?" Vangie frowned at her brother, then turned the expression to Alvin.
The dark-haired man gave his friend a glare, feeling betrayed.
Ettiene looked back evenly. "She won' hurt de 'tites, Breaker. Non 'a my people will. Sweetheart 'n Star, dey be as safe wit' de LaFittes as dey be wit' dere own kin."
Alvin clenched his jaw, wanting to beat some sense into the older man, or at least talk it, but feeling thwarted by the presence of the women.
"De 'tites, dey gonna need a woman's touch," Ettiene rumbled softly. "Only so much a papa 'n oncles kin do."
"I jus' wanna get mon frère a drink of water 'n tend 'is hurts," Vangie interrupted firmly, crossing her arms over the chest of her pale green T-shirt. Then her eyes widened as Star's voice rose up in a peeved wail from inside the cabin. "Yer baby cryin', Papa Paranoid."
Alvin scowled as Jubilee broke out in snorting giggles and hugged herself gleefully. Father, show me what to do? I don't wanna scare Sweetheart... He jumped and gave a slight yelp as a hand tugged on the back of his T-shirt.
He reached back and gently closed his fingers over Dove's, giving them a comforting squeeze. "I believe you, Ettiene, but all it'd take is one slip up 'n the kids could be in a lot of trouble."
"Der won't be no slip ups." Ettiene stood, then wobbled slightly and scowled.
"Uncle Ettiene!"
Alvin staggered as Dove pushed past him, then swallowed. Okay, Father. I guess that's pretty clear. He quirked a grin as his foster daughter braced one wing under the big marine's arm and gently but firmly steered him back to the bench, fussing softly in a mixture of her own language, English, Acadian, and...
She's signin'. Snakes is gonna be proud.
He looked down at Vangie and was surprised to see only amusement and approval on her face.
"Sweet!" breathed Jubilee from where she still stood on the steps, her eyes wide as she watched the little girl. "She's, like, so pretty!"
Alvin glanced back and forth between the two women, then walked over to Dove as she turned to look at the strangers and froze.
"Shh, Sweetheart, it's okay. This' Uncle Ettiene's sister 'n her friend." He hunkered down and put an arm around her, bracing himself as she pressed against him fearfully.
"Sister?" She pointed one ear at him, then jerked it toward Jubilee as the petite woman made a soft sound of delight.
"Schwester," he translated softly. "Zuster."
"Oh." She relaxed slightly, though he could see that she was still wary. "Tante Vangie?"
"Yeah, Sweetheart," said Ettiene from behind them. "Dat's you auntie."
"Shh." Dove flicked her ears back at him. "You're still hurt, you need ta rest."
There was a soft snort of amusement, then a grumble of pain.
"So I can go in de house now?" asked Vangie, her eyes going to her brother and darkening in concern.
"Yeah." Alvin took Star from Dove and cradled the baby in the crook of his free arm, then hefted Dove and walked inside.
"How long he ben sleepin'?" Vangie followed him and went to the cupboard for a glass.
"Most'a the day." Alvin set Dove on the counter and got out formula and Star's bottle. "He hit his head pretty hard when the gator knocked 'im in the water."
Vangie's lips went into a thin line. "Dat's no good." She filled the glass at the filter, then went to the first aid kit where it lay on the arm of the couch and opened it. "When'd y' fix de bandages las'?"
"This mornin'." Alvin turned and came chest to face with Jubilee. "Woah! Don't sneak up on me!"
"Sorry," she chirped, giving him a dimpled grin. "Hey, can I be auntie too? Please?"
He frowned at her as she batted her eyelashes at him. "That's up to Dove. But don't go crowdin' her, she's scared of strangers."
Vangie glanced up at that and frowned from where she was digging through the first aid kit.
"Gotcha. No crowdin'." Jubilee nodded and backed away carefully.
Alvin stared at her, then quirked a grin and chuckled at the humorous expression on her face.
"Funny," said Dove, pulling up her legs and wrapping herself in her wings.
"Yeah." Alvin returned to more pressing matters and handed her the filled bottle, then thought twice of it and tried to take it back.
"Hold your horses, I ain't got it done yet." Dove aimed a gentle swat at his hand, then quickly did her fire trick and set the bottle in her palm.
"Ooo," said Jubilee from where she now sat on the arm of the couch. "I know a guy who would love to know you, kid. He'd never be short a light for his stogies again."
Alvin shot her a dangerous look. "Nothin' you see here goes beyond this island."
"Chill, Mr. Paranoid." She held up her hands and blew another huge bubble. "I ain't tellin' anybody 'bout your kids."
Dove glanced up and listened, then blew a bubble of her own and popped it noisily.
Alvin started, then took a deep breath and flexed his free hand. Adrenalin rush. I feel like I need ta beat the crap outta somethin'.
"Vader?" Dove looked up and handed him the bottle.
He reached for it without thinking, then gave a hiss of pain and dropped it reflexively, wincing as the scalding milk splashed onto his stocking feet.
"Vader?" Dove's ears flicked around uncertainly as Star gave a startled wail at the crash.
"Woah! Shmoly hokes, bub, what were ya thinkin'?" yelped Jubilee, standing in a smooth motion that called to mind ninjas and hidden weapons.
The explosion was immediate.
"I WASN'T THINKING, OKAY!" He saw Dove flinch back and heard Star's cries take on a note of terror but his nerves were shot. Growling, he bit down on his anger and the rush in his system. "I... think it would be best if ya'll came back in the morning. I need ta think right now." Both hands were clenched tightly, nails biting into palms. It was all he could do to stand still with the burns on his feet and the tension in the air.
"Y'want us t' take Ettiene too?" asked Vangie from the door as Jubilee slipped past her.
"Jus' try it," came the angry rumble from behind her. The big marine made his way over to Alvin, standing between him and the girls. "I see y' 'morrow, 'tite."
Seeing the look in her brother's somewhat glazed eyes, Vangie nodded and followed her friend out the door. The boat engine started up with a cough, then puttered away and faded into the distance.
Ettiene turned and gently took Star, putting the baby against his shoulder and rubbing his back. "Deep breat's, Breaker. Step ober de broken glass 'n get dem socks off."
Alvin obeyed, then turned toward Dove.
"Non. Go swim t' dat big tree 'n back till y' get dat rush outta you system."
Without a word, the brown haired man strode out and dove into the water, powerful, almost frantic strokes cutting the surface. Ettiene watched for a few moments before turning to Dove. "C'mon, Sweetheart. You help you ol' oncle fix you papa up right. Grab a blanket and dat dere 'aid' kit. He gone' be one tired puppy."
"Dangit, I swallow my gum," said the little girl, hopping down from the counter and stepping on the broken glass on her way to the bunks. "Not funny."
"I not laughin', Sweetheart. Sweep up de glass so Papa don' add cuts to de burns on 'is feet." While she did that, he fixed Star another bottle, having Dove pause in her cleanup to heat it. Once the baby was contentedly nursing, he set the little girl to preparing the couch for proper sleeping, quirking a slight grin at her multilingual fussing.
"Dove all done." She peered closely at her handiwork, then picked up the first aid kit from where she'd set it on the floor and brought it to him. "Vader hurt? Sick?"
"Yeah, Sweetheart. Papa is hurt. Here." He pointed to his feet and then his heart. "And here. He be okay. We take good care of you papa, neh?"
"Ja." Dove went to the door and looked out, those mobile ears pinpointing Alvin's progress from tree to island and back. "Jesus, take care of Vader. Tell gator go away, bitte? Danke."
"Dat Jesus, He take care 'a dos gators, 'tite. Let's get Papa's blanket ready. He be comin' back now."
A tired and weary man pulled himself up onto the dock, ready to throw up. He held it as long as he could and then bent double, purging the swamp water from his stomach.
"Vader?" Strong wings and warm wool wrapped around him from behind. "We take care 'a you. Come on."
Alvin gasped for breath, then leaned back against her warmth and support. "Gimme a minute, Sweetheart."
Behind them, the big marine stood in the doorway, holding the now sleeping baby. He marveled at the changes in his friend, a father of two for a little over a week. It was no wonder the man had blown a fuse. Grinning to himself, he thought, Jus' wait 'till 'tite grow a bit more. Dere be more fuses t' blow... "C'mon, Alvin. Get y'self in here and dried off. Y' know you' gon' crash any minute and we need t' take care 'a dem feet, too."
The dark haired man pushed himself upright, wincing as the action put pressure on his burns.
"Easy, Vader, y' need rest," said Dove, propping him up with one wing and steering him toward the cabin. "We gonna fix y' up right."
Alvin quirked a weary grin and looked up to meet Ettiene's eyes. "I teach 'er English, 'n you teach 'er ta murder it?"
The big man shrugged. "So? Life's too short to speak all proper." A half decent straight Midwest accent came out with the words.
Alvin grinned, but it faded quickly as he felt the crash hit.
"Woah!" Dove turned and caught him around the waist with both arms as he fought to stay on his feet.
"Easy, sha. Get 'im inside." Ettiene held the door for the pair, then closed it after them and followed them to the couch.
Dove suddenly balked and put her ears back. "Couch is clean. Vader is stinks."
"Oui, 'tite. Take Papa over t' de shower."
"I ain't dead yet..." came a weary grumble.
"No. Y' jus' smell like it." Ettiene resisted the temptation to drop into the easy chair and close his eyes.
The water cut on and he stepped back to let Alvin stand under it, clothes and all. Backing out of the small bathroom, the marine motioned for Dove to open a suitcase and pointed to the proper clothing.
"Pants," the little white girl said carefully. "Shirt. Socks."
Ettiene rubbed his eyes with thumb and forefinger as his vision blurred, then glanced sharply toward the door as it opened and a large reddish cat slipped in, golden eyes going toward the bathroom. "Der y' are. Wondered when y'd be back."
The feline cocked her head, then brushed against the door so that it closed before coming over and stropping herself against his legs affectionately.
The marine smiled and hunkered down carefully to talk to her, holding out the hand of his sore arm so that she could rub against it. "Missed y' aussi, 'tite."
"Hiya, cat." Dove held out a hand as well.
The feline raised her head and regarded the child with gentle amusement, then walked over and gave the twiglike fingers gentle kisses before returning to Ettiene.
"Not cat." Dove's ears flicked.
"Shh," said Ettiene, then grimaced as the motion made his head ring like a church bell.
"Uncle?" Dove stood and reached for him, but then turned as the shower went off.
There was the muted sound of grumbling, then Alvin poked his head out of the bathroom. "I need some clothes. Oh. Didn' know you had a cat."
"She comes 'n goes." Ettiene nodded at Dove's choices and threw them at the younger man. "Get dressed so we can fix dem feet."
Alvin disappeared back inside for a few moments, then hobbled carefully to the couch and lowered himself onto it, his head hanging with weariness. His shoulders twitched as the cat came over to investigate his wounds. "Ugh, don't kiss my feet." He scooped the furry form into his arms and scratched under her chin, invoking a rumble of ecstatic purring.
Ettiene scowled and held out Star. "Take de 'tite so I kin work."
The dark haired man gave his friend a surprised look, but dropped the cat gently on the floor and took the baby, who sighed and chuckled softly in his sleep.
Ettiene stood carefully and picked up another blanket. "Lay down 'fore y' fall down, homme." He covered the younger man carefully, then put a hand on the back of the couch and watched as he dropped off into slumber.
"Go lay down," said a female voice from behind him. "I'll tend yer frien'."
"Don' wake 'im up." Ettiene took a deep breath and started toward the bunk, then gave Dove a grateful look as she propped herself under his good arm. "'E's ben t'rough a lot dis las' lil while."
"Teach a coon t' suck eggs." The woman gave a throaty chuckle. "Not gonna disturb Sleepin' Beauty."
Ettiene lowered himself carefully onto the bunk and pressed a hand over his eyes as his skull rang and his shoulder throbbed in time. He could feel his feet being dusted, then the blanket being pulled over him, but the darkness was swirling up to claim him again and he couldn't even muster a smile of thanks for his honorary niece.
"Uncle Ettiene hurt und sick." Dove turned to look at the visitor.
"Yeah, he'll be better soon, 'tite." The woman swiftly and carefully treated and bandaged Alvin's feet, then walked to the bunk and did the same for Ettiene's shoulder before turning to the little girl. "Y' need supper, 'n den it's bed f' you."
"I'm not hungry und I not need rest." Dove went and curled up on the floor next to the couch. "Jesus, help Vader und Uncle Ettiene. Dey get gezond bald."
The woman cocked her head, golden hazel eyes looking slightly troubled, but nodded and walked to the door to fetch a bundle of clothing, which she brought behind the couch and stuffed underneath it. Dove stirred slightly and sighed, then the cabin settled down into a stillness that was only broken as the woman got up several times in the night to feed Star.
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