homeless_pard | A treat to teach

Entry tags:

ficlette,
jason au

A treat to teach

Who: Khem, Trevor, phone messages.
When: A day after Jason is arrested.
What: Khem finds skin again.

Khemrys stretched slowly in the small bathing chamber. It was a kindness her chemise now shifted with her so she might not be utterly unclad after a moon cycle, but it was ever a kindness to see herself without fur in a mirror.

This had been a first honestly. Her professor friend, Scholar Trevor, had asked if she might teach him of any herbs in the area near the cabin his 'campus' yet held for students in the biology realm. It was a stepping stone to ensure that such as she, an outer realm shifter, might be safe around a human in his worlds but the intent was true and honest. To learn and observe in the deep wood as she was present, no matter what skin she wore.

Her wedded lord had been unhappy as a matter of course and yet he'd agreed; the professor was no rival to their bond. If she had to guess at the emotion behind the offer it would best be placed as a distant relative or kindly adoptee in fact. Someone who wished them well but did not wish the day to day of a married life no matter how charming or soft their friend might seem.

Honestly it was quite refreshing to speak with a scholar who was NOT interested in her. A fair change from the comradery with Nenniv that would oft shift to intense awkwardness in their travels together. "My thanks for the time to set myself arights," she smiled as she exited, tying off the end of her braid.

"Always," he laughed. "I imagine you were dying for a shower, most are after a day or two out here." And she'd been in fur for three! "You're a delightful companion by the way. The greenery you plucked from trees I couldn't reach is going to be fun to catalog!"

She laughed, amused, "aye and useful as well...ah?" She was opening up the silk bag she wore at her waist to carry the cellphone and the screen was showing far, far too many messages and notifications?

"Ah?" he blinked, looking up from carefully packing greenery and herb bits in a cooler with sample jars.

She held up her phone, eyes wide? "I have never in my experiences with this....device...seen such a number?"

He winced, looking at the screen, "that usually means ether very good news, or very bad? My phone exploded when I got divorced..."

She blinked at him then hesitantly tapped on a text message from Beryl. Was one of her children hurt or ill?!

GET YOUR ASS HOME RIGHT NOW THE FUCKING COPS PULLED SOME BULLSHIT. CALL ME ON THE WAY DO NOT LISTEN TO THE MESSAGES I'LL JUST TELL YOU AND IT'S BAD.

She actually dropped the phone and stepped back like it had bitten her, eyes wide and bubbling toward gold. "We need to go home. We need to go home RIGHT NOW."

Trevor froze and then crammed the rest of the plants into the cooler with little regard to protocol, "grab your bag! We can be out of here in five." He'd come back later to clean up for the next person using it from campus? Not that there was much to clean as he was naturally 'fussy' and his partner this round of research was habitually busy. But that tone of voice in a woman he had so far known as calm and collected was looking very, very scared.

It made her look far younger than he'd ever thought she was honestly. Even in his first meeting with her he would have assumed the far side of thirty at the least due to her poise. Right now, this moment, just past a full moon and weathering that time with someone she had never done so with before...and she looked like a scared teen.

She wasn't. He knew that, intellectually, but...

...he could get them back.

She had odd body language in the vehicle when they'd driven up. Tense and untrusting, but also oddly resigned and forcibly relaxing? Not so now, she was curled in the front seat of his modest little truck, knees to her chest on the seat, knuckles pale as they clutched the seatbelt over her chest. Now that he knew to look for it her eyes were nearly half golden bubbles. He didn't fear that she'd shift and harm him in her worry, she was a timid thing in fur, even going so far as to thwack him with her tail when he'd worriedly watched the properly full moon rise and snuck glances at her, but he didn't like the stress evident.

At all.

It could hurt her honestly. He'd had a student hit seizures due to exam stress so he was a little hyper vigilant these days...

...right, not helping to get caught up in his own head. "Here, this is a phone holder. We'll plug it there since you don't like holding it while you talk okay? Let your friend tell you what we're driving into. If you don't mind me hearing?"

The weight of her gaze as she turned her head hit him like a baseball bat and he was reminded that a woman, less than a week in his world, had waged a crusade against capitalism. Strong like silk wrapped steel. Chriiiiist. She stared at him for several miles before the heat of that regard turned aside and she nodded once, fingers shaking as she set her phone where he had indicated, "you are kine if not kith Scholar Trevor. If you wouldst share our troubles I wouldst not deny you."

"I'm honored," he swallowed as the phone dialed.

It didn't dial long before it was picked up, "Khem, you are going to hate it," Beryl noted grimly. There was a chorus of 'Mommy?!' in the background.

"Tell me," there was that weight again. Like a wave waiting to see which ship it would destroy. Not for the first time he wondered, honestly, what the hell her world was like.

"Police were on a hunt for a potential killer, got sent to your address specific, I don't have details on that yet, and you know kids."

"WE WERE BAD AND THEY TOOK DADDY!" Kirion wailed.

"No, no baby, " Beryl soothed, "you were just being a kid and someone bad was waiting okay?"

Khemrys went, somehow, paler. "No my little love, no. The Left Hand will ever work in ways that make us doubt ourselves," she soothed softly.

"Arrested, I picked up the kids from the station, took them from a bitch of a social worker, it was full moon night, he was sent to Tender Mercy Holding," Beryl summed up. Some things were best delivered....simply. Better a clean stab then twisting knives later.

"I DIDN'T MEAN TO MAKE PEOPLE ANGRY WHEN I ATE LIKE A DINOSAUR!" Kirion was ramping up to inconsolable wailing until someone, probably both the other kids, tackled him honestly.

Khemrys dropped her head a moment, gathering herself, and when she looked up her eyes were purely golden, though she stayed firmly human. "We will bring your father home my children. This I promise you as an oath."

He actually felt the hairs on his arms standing on end and he had to pull off the road as he SWORE he could feel static crawling through the car. Just heavy, heavy atmospheric pressure hat made the cellphone screen dim a touch and made him try to remember what he should do if lightning hit a vehicle...

The children on the other end were utterly silent for a long moment before Beryl AND them offered a firm "Witnessed". Some things you learned fast. That single word had the atmosphere ease until he could breathe again, though he was unduly aware of the sound of his own heartbeat for a few minutes after.

"The high lord?" Khemrys asked.

"Working in high gear. Call him. See you soon as you're here okay? Hell, I'll simplify things and we'll go camp at the Circus. Babies, grab your bags!" she called.

Khemrys nodded. "I love you all, I am sorry that I must hang up now and call the High Lord."

"LOVE YOU MOMMY!"

She sobbed once, harshly, then reached to end the call, swiftly pulling up the other number, "High lord."

"Come home." Jean Claude noted, voice full of power.

"Of course. Beryl and the children are coming to you as well."

"Good."

She nodded, trying to breathe normally. "Permission to bring my companion, Scholar Trevor?"

"Of course, we must thank him."

Trevor swallowed at the odd duality in that tone, midnight promise and anger. "Thank you." Seemed the safest response? He waited until the call ended before he got back on the road, "are you going to be...safe there?" Because that was probably a vampire judging by what he knew?

"There is no place safer I assure you," she admitted. "He is quite wroth over this, which aids my own worries."

Okay, cool, cool. Staying open minded it was. "I'm sorry. If you need anything during...this? Rides, or an ear, anything? I can help."

She finally smiled, though it was a pained, battle weary one. "my thanks. This will be a harsh battle, but likely one that is necessary in this world."

Oh. Oh dear. That was...

...true wasn't it? "You see things too clearly here," he admitted quietly. "It must be hard. I'm sorry we're so very messed up."

She shook her head slightly, "all worlds hold both darkness and light Scholar Trevor. All. And it is of import to stand for the light if that is the side you choose."

"Still...I make a mean casserole? I can deliver dinners for you and kids like once a week?"

She rested her chin on her knees, "like it will be a great kindness. I do not know how oft I may be home in this battle."

"You'll grow sick of my enchiladas and bag salads," he promised, wondering, honestly, where he could stand with something like this. This was a battle coming. He could feel it.

Was he...ever a warrior?

That was going to be an interesting thing to think on as he drove.

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"They are meant to be," Jean Claude said softly. "But they are human, and knowing your father has power beyond their own frightened them. They made a mistake, and I will see to it that they fix their mistake."

He draped arms around Jean Claude's neck, nodding, he was The Highlord, he had faith when the man said he was going to fix things! "When can daddy come home? And mommy?"

Edited 2024-12-20 08:26 (UTC)

He gave the boy a light squeeze, closing his eyes for a moment and savoring the feel of him in his arms. "Your mother will return very soon. I do not know when your father will return, but I assure you I have already set many people to working on bringing him back to us."

"Okay, I want to say sorry and I don't want to be a dinosaur anymore!" He really, really did!

There was a brief, polite knock on his door though? "Jean Claude, Kirion seems to have run off...and did you wish to meet Khemrys's scholar friend?" Requiem asked outside.

Jean Claude kissed his forehead. "Consider a brief respite from being a dinosaur if you wish, but know that, should you reconsider, being a dinosaur had no bearing on this whatsoever."

He glanced up over the boys head and gave Requiem a brief nod. "Kirion was simply seeking reassurance. If Lady Khemrys has arrived I wish to see her as soon as she is comfortable speaking with me, but I am certain she will wish to see the children first. And yes, I would very much like to meet her friend. Will you invite him to make himself comfortable until I am free to speak with him?"

"Okay, Iri says dinosaurs need more feathers than I have so I have to think." Yup. At the mention of Khem he wiggled to get down though! "Moooommmmmmmm!" He knew where to run to!

Requiem scooped him up at the door and bowed easily, "of course."

"I will be out shortly." Jean Claude waited for the door to close before letting his shoulders slump with a sigh. He would of course wait to allow Khemrys a moment with her children, but he was so anxious to get started on updates and meetings with the legal team.

"You handled that beautifully," Asher murmured into his ear.

Jean Claude turned, letting the weight of everything show on his face, and Asher wrapped his arms around him. "I would burn this city to the ground for making those children feel responsible for such a thing," Jean Claude choked against his shoulder.

"And I would be beside you with torches."

Jean Claude shuddered. "I must go and speak with Khemrys; I never thought I could dread a conversation half so much as this. If we should fail..."

Asher pulled back, cupping Jean Claude's face to meet his gaze. "You managed to secure my release from far worse, and the Church held much more power in those days than these small-minded fools could even comprehend. You can do this." His lips curled into a malevolent grin. "And if their way should fail, we shall do it our own way."

Jean Claude's hands mirrored Asher's and he pressed his lips gently against the scarred skin of his cheek. "Merci du fond du coeur, mon chardonneret," he breathed.

Asher's eyes shimmered before he caught Jean Claude's lips briefly with his own, then pulled away. "Go. I will dress and join the rest of you shortly."

Jean Claude nodded and caressed Asher's scarred cheek once more before turning and slipping out of the room. He would not keep Khemrys waiting...

On the other side of that door the halls were quiet, everyone seemed to be hunkered down and waiting even if they should have been waking and feeding at this time. There was a storm coming, so that was perhaps wisest.

The small kitchen was Khemrys's domain at the circus, where she felt most secure and thus where she was with her two children in arms and the twins babbling a mixed up, terrified version of events at different levels. She was trying to follow and Requiem was inviting Trevor to settle on one of the couches and quietly thanking him for taking care of his sister.

Jean Claude entered quietly, offering a nod of acknowledgement to Khemrys and then waiting patiently: he would not interrupt her moment with the children. But he would stand ready to answer to her once she was ready.

Khemrys nodded to him gently but rightly her attention was on feeling out her children, examining the bit lip, and in general assuring them she cared and yes that must have been very scary but they had been very brave.

Beryl wandered in with Niki on her hip part way through and nodded, calling over her shoulder, "babe they're here." Likely they should take the kids when things got serious.

Or Nat should at least, they might want a brain on hand from every god as it were.

Nathaniel hurried into the room, scanning for Khemrys with dull, red-rimmed eyes. His shoulders collapsed a bit when he saw her soothing the twins and he leaned quietly against Beryl. He would collect himself when the kids needed him, but it was clear that he was falling apart until needed.

Jean Claude gave Beryl a nod. "The children are well accommodated here, Beryl? If you find something is lacking, please let me know: I want the children to be comfortable."

Beryl slipped her free arm around Nathaniel and Niki actually slumped sideways in her arms, as boneless kids did, to half drape on his shoulders too! "Yeah, you planned it to professional childcare levels Jean Claude, nothing is lacking at all. They'll be spoiled in fact." With the cots near each other, the toys and the soft rugs and beanbags for the video area...

"Aye, the high lord was quite diligent even down to choosing paint colors," Khemrys agreed softly.

Nathaniel nuzzled against Beryl's head before holding a hand out to Niki, inviting her into his arms for a hug. "I'm fine with them being spoiled," Nathaniel murmured softly.

Jean Claude gave Khemrys a tender look of concern now that she'd spoken to them. "With much appreciated input from yourself, Lady Khemrys."

Niki puddled down into his arms with a sigh, it was hard when all the adults were upset! "Doesn't spoiled mean bad though?" Like milk?

"No baby, not in this case, it just means fancy" Beryl admitted, kissing Nat's forhead.

Khemrys nodded, standing carefully with a child on each hip, "Shouldst I get them settled first?" Or did he wish to speak before them?

Nathaniel offered a sad smile to Beryl, then snuggled his face against Niki, nuzzling much more playfully than he had with Beryl.

Jean Claude bowed his head gracefully. "I defer to you, Lady Khemrys: should you wish to settle the children away from this discussion, we will of course honor your decision."

Niki wiggled as a matter of course and tried to curl around his head! Protect the tummy mode!

Kir looked at everyone then yawned, "can we have a snack and a movie?"

Khemrys nodded, grateful for the decision, "Yes my young lord. Lord Nathaniel, where are they in watching your Disney?"

Nathaniel offered Khemrys a subdued smile. "I caught up when we did all those marathon movie weekends together. The kids I think are on their...twentieth go around?" He took a breath, visibly pulling himself together. "Come on, kids. You three can pick the movie and I'll get the snack." He pretended to block his mouth so no one else could hear and whispered loudly to the twins, "I know where the microwave popcorn is here."

"Ah, of course," she smiled slightly. She lost track of movie names rather easily. It wasn't something she had every truly managed to attach more than a pleasant sitting with friends importance to! he kissed the top of each child's head then set them down gently so they could go with Nathaniel. "I will join you all as soon as I may."

"Is it the good kind?" Iri asked, eyes round. What she meant was 'the stuff mom didn't ever make for them'.

Nathaniel leaned forward as they came to him. "Movie theater butter," he tempted. He started to usher them out of the room, trying to keep their excitement up while he tried to not look back.

Once the children were out of earshot, Jean Claude turned to address Trevor. "Scholar Trevor, I believe? I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude for delivering Lady Khemrys here so swiftly and safely. I consider myself in your debt."

Trevor was just trying to process everything honestly. He'd never BEEN one of the people helping with major trauma before and it was a like trying to edge up on a wild horse mentally? "Oh, oh....no. She's my friend, she needed to be here, that's just what you do." Obviously?

Um, "how can I help?"

Jean Claude considered for a minute. "I would ask, as Lady Khemrys's friend, that you keep the things you see and hear here in your strictest confidence?"

He let his expression soften to one of concern as he slid his gaze to Khemrys. "As to help, I am afraid I do not have much to suggest as of yet. I have my attorneys working around the clock to learn more about this facility and to draft a legal strategy against them should they refuse to release Jason. As for the precinct itself, we are still awaiting the completed reports, but my legal team has turned up the pressure on them as well. I..." He fell silent and seemed to struggle keeping the rare emotion flaring behind his eyes in check. "I was unable to protect him as I promised. I will see this rectified, Khemrys."

"Of course," Trevor blinked. "Just as the fact she is a delightful leopard is a secret." Obviously? Much less the stranger one of being from another world entire!

Khemrys was trying to compose herself as Jean Claude spoke. Lawyers were not what she wished when her husband must come home. Rescue teams, daring nights and thieves mayhap but...like that would end any hope of a life here and her Jason did adore this world and his role in it. "And I will offer every aid you might ask High Lord."

"A public face," Requiem suggested softly. "A spearhead for this campaign in the media."

It would, and Jean Claude could see her disappointment. "Would that I could take a much more active role, but to do so in this world, in this era, would do naught but endanger us all. But please understand that such an extreme option is not out of the question, by any means. We will do as we must to see him freed."

Jean Claude nodded to Requiem. "An excellent idea. From my understanding Lady Khemrys has an excellent reputation with the local humans." He eyed Trevor with interest. "And within the university as well, non?"

"Shouldst it come to such yes, we can have solace and safety in my original world," she nodded firmly. Should it come to that. It might, and she wouldst research how to aid him in mourning the loss of this one but...

Trevor nodded, "of course, more than half the science staff wanted to snag her as an aide, or outright offer her a job once she tested out of so much!"

"An advantage for certain, to have your world as an established refuge."

"Requiem," he said abruptly, "I know you will have already begun researching the best methods of ensuring your sister and the children's safety. Knowing the risks I would have you speak with my PR team about your idea of bringing Khemrys into the media spotlight."

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