Laughter and soft giggles filled the restaurant as the children enjoyed their breakfast of chocolate chip pancakes with eggs and sausage paired with either a glass of milk or orange juice. This was soon to become a tradition as each year they picked a children's home they would take out and cater to a fun day.
Watching their smiling faces she helped the younger children finish up their food before they left for Cas's surprise.

Looking around in search of him she did not see him spotting only Bree. With a hand signal she walked over to her table smiling at the children who gave her wide grins some licking the honey off their lips in glee.
"Have you seen..."
"Oh honey, he is around somewhere," she said giving her a devious smile and wink.
"I wasn't looking for Cas," Nia blushed.
"Who said I was talking about Cas. I thought you meant your hulk of a bodyguard, Constantine," she said making Nia roll her eyes knowing she knew who she meant.

"Thank you Bree, that will be all," she smiled.
Finishing up breakfast with the children she rushed to her office to find out where Cas was.

As the phone rang she was growing frustrated he never ignored her calls.
"Looking for me kitten," he whispered against her cheek planting a kiss there.
"Cas," she gasped startled. "The children are done with their breakfast."
"And already boarding the bus for their next destination."

Leaving her office hand in hand they found the chatter and chaos was now localized within the said bus.
"Do not tell me you rented out "The Playdome" of all places."
"Why is it not appropriate for their fun filled day. I can have the venue changed," he said with a frown.
"No, it's very much appropriate. But Cas the amount of money you must have forked out."
"Actually I didn't have to use any of my money."
"You know the owner?" She asked wide eyed before relaxing realizing this was Cas she was talking to.
"I, no, we own it," he said with a cheeky grin.

"You really know how to throw surprises my way don't you?"
"I like to stay on my toes with you. Don't want to start boring you now," he murmured as they led the troop into the building.
Each section had age restrictions for the children's safety and all the attendant on standby looked ready to tackle any challenge.
"So what about the grown ups?"

Taking her hand he pulled her to another closed off entrance pushing the door open she found go karts and an entertainment area for the seniors.
"Had the mini bar set up, but don't worry though no alcohol," he said as the children's caretakers went straight for the go karts.

"And us? So I can properly thank you," she said in a low tone.
"Sounds very tempting but I want to go play," he replied.
"Fine," she said crossing her arms over her chest pretending to be angry with him.
"Thank you kitten," he said grinning like a Cheshire Cat as she turned to play bowling with the other group of kids.

Time flew by as they enjoyed their day until the little ones where passed out on the floor covered up in little blankets.

"I have never seen this lot, this wiped out," Marsha their 'mother' said with a grateful smile.
"As long as they had fun," Nia smiled as she spotted Cas holding a little girl in his arms as they both slept.

After an hour they rounded up the children going back to the home. It felt like a day spent changing their memories in the least.

------

"Does Constantine have to be with me everywhere I go?"
"Yes love," he said in a tired voice.
"Do I have to attend this luncheon you know I hate those events."
"I thought being the daughter of an upper class family you would be used to such."
"One can never get used to stiff lunches full of fake smiles and women who think they are above everyone else including each of their so called friends," she snapped angrily.

"Easy tiger," he chuckled. "Should I call Mrs Pringle with an excuse?"
"No I will go, I have to represent the family after all," she smiled.
"If you insist. Call me if you get bored," he chuckled once more.
"Now hang up so I can get ready," she laughed.
"Just waiting to hear something," he said.

"What?"
The doorbell rang as she waited for his reply.
"That," he replied. "Knock them dead. And just be yourself baby," he said as she opened the door.

"Now how about my favorite words," he asked with an obvious smile on his face.
She stood staring at her usual styling team for formal events who all wore wide grins.
"I hate you," she seethed knowing the torture she was about to go through.
"Love you too honey," he laughed knowing she didn't mean it.

----

"Mrs Vanderbilt pleasure to have you here," the attendant greeted her. "I am sorry ma'am but he cannot go in with you," the man said looking up at Constantine.
"He goes wherever I go. My husband's orders not mine," she beamed as the man turned his gaze to Mrs Pringle.
With a slight head nod from her he stepped aside to allow both of them in.

"Now Constantine we can't have you causing heart palpitations with all the old woman here and your killer looks. Why don't you go by the bar keep an eye on the room. Maybe call me when you see me falling asleep just before my face lands in the bowl of soup," she mumbled making the big man smile even though he tried not to.
"As you wish Mrs Vanderbilt," he said with a slight bow.

"Gosh I hate these things," she mumbled to herself as she searched for the table she was assigned to.
She found herself seated with the other younger ladies of society before the committee president began her opening speech.
"It's such a shame Caspian married the likes of that," she heard someone from the next table spit out as the waiters placed their food before them.

Looking at her starter, Pan fried haloumi with lime and caper vinaigrette she took one bite and found herself letting go of the comment. Followed by sweet potato soup as she made small talk with the other women about the ongoing projects.
"I mean look at her. It's obvious she married him for the money."
She smiled to herself after hearing this as the waiter placed her fricassee of organic chicken with tarragon cream adding French fries as a side dish to satisfy her hunger. She was eating for two after all.

Her phone started to buzz and pulling it out she saw a message from Cas asking her if she was alright.
"👌☺️," she simply replied. "Just peachy," she mumbled to herself.
Popping a French fry into her mouth using her fingers she simply smiled at the other ladies who clung onto their forks for dear life. A comment about this went unnoticed as she ignored the individuals enjoying her fries nonetheless.

"Ma'am we need to leave," she suddenly heard Constantine murmured as everyone stopped eating looking at her.
"Why? What is wrong?"
"Mr Vanderbilt is waiting outside for you. Please," he said holding out his hand to help her up."

Taking his hand she stood excusing herself from her table before heading for the exit.
"Sonia, is it true you are still married to your first husband!"
"Are you really the daughter of the late Victor Volkov?" One shouted out as she froze at the mention of her father's name.

"Nia," she heard someone call out her name before she was lifted off the ground bridal style.
Looking at the person who was carrying her she realized it was Cas, relief wading over her.

"Are you really Sonia Catarina Volkov?" Another questioned.
"Is it true Clive bishop is still your husband. If so why are you with Prince Caspian?" Another yelled as they tried to get past them.
She could feel Cas tremble in anger as he continued to walk in silence. The slight tick of his jaw told her all she need as she tightened her hold on his making him look at her.

Once in the safety of the car did she finally breakdown.
"How did they find out. My files where hidden from the public."
Cas remained silent as he took out his ringing phone.
"Go to my house," was all he heard before the call ended.

----

"I must say you have more drama than my wife and I," Linc chuckled as he walked into the house finding Cas pacing the room on his phone. Mel and Nia where no where in sight as he scanned the room.
"Daddy!" He heard screams as the twins rushed in smiling up at him.
Greeting them fondly he asked them to give him some time with uncle Cas and to his surprise they eagerly left for the kitchen instead.

"I think you should sit down with your dad and talk things through. For one he just blew your cover this side, now everyone knows your true title and not the fact you are just a business man. Judging from your wife's reaction she didn't want anyone knowing her true identity, my guess is that she is hiding from someone, that someone being Clive. Now him we can deal with, I will gladly assist," he said with a smirk. "But as for dear old dad the ball is in your court. Your brother called me earlier," he stated making Cas look at him with a frown.

"What did he want? Is everything okay?"
"Things are not looking good back home. I suggest you find a way to talk to your mom. She is indisposed at the moment, far more than the way you left her," Linc said with a small frown. "Also you have to take care of Nia. She is expecting your child, something my wife said she didn't actually think could happen from what Nia had told her. Now that's what I call a blessing so wipe that smirk off your face if you think your swimmers where that good at their job," he chuckled watching Cas finally relax.

"Listen it might seem like life is throwing you one curve ball after another but know that I got you. We are here for you, and there is no way I will let Nia go back to that cretin unless it's to make sure he goes behind bars for good," he seethed.
"Please tell me you boys are not getting yourselves pumped up for a fight. I would hate to play nurse maid this evening or any other night for that matter," Mel announced as she walked into the room.

"Not at all sweetheart," Linc said with a sheepish smile.
"You didn't say hello," Mel whispered as he pulled her into his arms.
Taking his time with their kiss they both did not notice as Cas and Nia left them already knowing their friends.
"Hello love," he said in a smoky voice.
"Hi," Mel blushed stepping out of his arms as he smiled at a job well done. "I'll be in the kitchen," she said clearly euphoric as she walked out of the room.

----

"Should I start calling you Kat, since the world now knows you are still amongst the living?"
"Only if I call you by your middle name," she smirked knowing that would shut him up at once.
A scowl formed upon  his face as she giggled at his silence.
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Hmm the only way that would happen kitten is if this happens," he said pulling her in for a kiss.

"Alright you two, this is a kitchen. I don't want you conceiving more children in here," Mel stated walking into the kitchen as Cas pulled away from Nia reluctantly.
"To be continued," he murmured as he turned to Mel with a sheepish smile.

"Make yourself useful," she said pointing towards the table.
Just then Andre walked in with the kitchen staff in tow.
"Out," he shooed them away after Mel protested about finishing dinner.
"Very well, but tomorrow I make my favorite."
"I shall prepare it whilst you sit and watch. You really want your husband to fire me, don't you?"
She couldn't help but smile at the older man who returned the same curtesy.
"Very well Andre," she sighed turned to walk away from him.

Sitting out on the patio they admired the setting sun enjoying each other's company just as Linc came down in dark slacks and a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Without a word he sat beside Mel swinging her legs onto his lap. It had become the norm for him to work out any stiff muscles since her surgery a few years back. Something she truly appreciated and missed when he was away for a day or two on a business trip. Unless he insisted she and the kids join him for his peace of mind.

"So what are you going to do?" He said after some time.
"I will stay here. I spoke to Lucien a few minutes ago and he said he will take care of mother. He said he is alright the guards didn't rough him up that much," he quickly added just as Nia was about to ask. "As for mother they are still doing tests on her but the doctor is suspecting cancer," he said trying to mask his worry.

Nia squeezed his hand as he swallowed the lump on his throat.
"Everything will be alright baby," she whispered earning a smile from him.

"Now as for you Nia. It is time Catarina Volkov returned to the social scene Mel said with a mischievous smile that had Linc looking beyond worried as he swallowed hard. "Don't worry one bit about the dresses we are going to shake things up at the upcoming cocktail party," she grinned. "I have two little numbers with our names written all over them being brought in," she said with a sly smile.

----

Mel and Linc

"Okay Andre it's my time," Mel smiled at the older man bouncing on her heels as Andre sulked leaving the kitchen after they had cleared their dinner.
"What flavor love," Linc asked heading towards the freezer.
"How about strawberry, vanilla and chocolate," she said heading towards the cardboard after telling Cas and Nia to take their seats.
"Boys!" Linc yelled getting a look of disapproval from Mel. "What?" He asked innocently.

Nia and Cas watched in fascination trying to hold back their laughter as they watched the Shield crew run into the room.
A light tug on his leg Cas looked down to find little Tessa looking up at him her arms raised up for him to pick her up.

Doing as requested Cas placed her on his lap as Zach saw to Ryan and Rose getting settled in their chairs without a fight breaking out over who sat where. He ended up sitting between them earning an approving smile from Linc as he placed two tubs of ice cream on the counter. Mel placed the bowls and spoons down smiling at her family.

"This is a Friday treat for them. And the best behaved of this lot gets two scoops," she explained as Nia looked at her in question upon noticing the children having become silent.
"Now who didn't drawn on daddy's work papers this week?"
"Not me," Rose shook her head looking very serious.
It seemed that a very tough negotiation was about to begin.

"Hmmm and who didn't give their teacher problems at school."
"I did not," Ryan chipped in.
"Did too," Rose interjected. "He made Mandy cry."
"Did not," Ryan yelled.
"Did too," Rose said as Zach sat between this tennis match.

"That's enough," Mel said sternlytrying to hide her smile.
"You see your kids," Linc mumbled under his breath. "Mine are well behaved," he chuckled as Mel elbowed him.
"Everyone will get one scoop because Ryan and Rose where fighting. What did I say about fighting?" Mel asked.
"No fighting," Zach mumbled dejectedly.
Asking each person what flavor they wanted Mel served them each a scoop only making it smaller for Tessa.

"I know how I want to have mine, off you," Linc whispered into her ear making her blush making sure no one had heard his words.
"Well I want mine in a bowl with a spoon as you massage my aching feet," she said stifling her laughter at his outraged expression as he sat finished his bowl of strawberry ice cream.

"A very domesticated setting you have here Linc," Cas teased in a low whisper.
"And I love every moment of it," Linc smiled as he watched his family.
"Thanks for your help once again," he said with a serious expression.
"It's nothing Cas. You helped me deal with my problems. It's the least I can do to help you with yours," Linc said genuinely. "Plus I know my wife is itching for some revenge on the bastard who hurt Sonia," he chuckled catching eyes with Mel who was deep in conversation with the children and Nia.

"Okay those who want to spend the weekend with uncle Ethan must be in bed within the next fifteen minutes," Mel stated as they scampered towards the sink to rinse their dishes. "No running!" She called out but was too late as the shattering of glass rang in her ears.
Both ladies rushed towards the young ones but Mel was unlucky as she stepped on a shard of glass that broke her skin. To concerned for her babies she did not feel the pain instantly but only did do when Linc stopped her from moving the children away from the glass.
"Okay doc tell me, how bad is it?" She jokes biting her lip as Linc used fingers to pull out the glass quickly wrapping the foot up as blood oozed out.
"Well it's not looking good," Cas retorted as the children looked at their mother worriedly.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked them looking even at Nia who nodded yes.
"Good off to bed," Linc growled as he lifted Mel into his arms.
"We tuck them in," Nia said softly as Cas lifted up the twins whilst she took Tessa and Zach with her.

-----

"Lincoln," Mel cried out slapping his arm as he applied more pressure to the wound.
"Was I the one who said you could go prancing on top of broken glass?"
"No. But the children."
"Know better to run when holding glassware."
"I know, but they are just kids Linc," she said running a hand through his hair as he began to wrap her foot up."

"Still, how many times have you told them, now look," he grumbled. "Next time it won't be them but their little feet," he continued to grumble.
"Baby," she whispered as he looked up at her seeing a smile on her face. "It's alright, papa bear," she said watching a smile break on his face. Looking at her foot he nodded in approval of his work before standing to his full height.

"Now this little old wound will have me limping around the house how ever will I get by," Mel said dramatically.
"Skip you merry way around I guess," Linc chuckled as he stepped away from her.
"Guess that means I will be too tired for any extracurricular activities after hours," Mel smirked watching him.
He surprised her by saying, "hmm I guess so," whilst he put the first aid kit away washing his hands.

She smiled waiting for her words to sink in.
"Now wait a minute," she heard as she made her way to the door smirking at this.
"What's the matter darling?"
"You know I love that you love it when you are in my arms," he said smoothly lifting her up. "We need to save up some energy for some activities," he said. "You know going green and all," he said making her laugh.

"What does saving the earth have to do with that."
"Oh a lot sweetheart. You just don't know it," he said with a cheeky smile placing her on the bed.
A knock announced the presence of a visitor and upon opening the door Linc found the children by the door. Zach led the group in as Cas and Nia stood watch by the door.
A nudge from Zach had the twins stepping forward looking guilty. As look gave them both a stern look showing how disappointed he was in them.

"Sorry mama for hurting you," Ryan said in a broken voice looking at Mel's foot.
"I'm sorry daddy," Rose choked wiping away her tears with her little hands.
"Say sorry to mama Rose," Linc said lowering his voice a little so as to not intimidate the child.
"I'm sorry mama," she hiccuped as Mel pulled both children into her arms.
"I'm sorry. I should have kept a close eye on them," Zach said looking dejected.

"It's okay Zach. You couldn't have stopped this," Mel said as she heard sniffling.
Looking towards Linc he found Tessa in his arms as she was crying mumbling sorry into his neck but was also baffled to see Nia crying in Cas's arms.
"Okay that's enough tears for one night. I am fine guys, see. Daddy took care of the bad booboo," she said raising her leg to show her foot was wrapped up. "No more running with glassware or anything that will break ever again?"
Small heads nodded in confirmation as Nia told them to say their goodnights.

"They are going to need a lot of our help," Linc murmured as he threw some pillows onto the ground.
"And we are going to have fun helpin them," Mel stated as he pulled her into his arms.

------

Cas and Nia

"Remind me to get notes from Linc. I mean did you see that," Cas gushed.
"I can't wait for our own troublemaker," she said placing a hand over her bump.
"Same here kitten," he whispered pulling her closer.

"Cas what is really wrong with your mother."
She felt him go still at the mention of his mom.
"The doctors think it's cancer," he whispered but she did the unexpected.
"Well if your mom has your character then she is going to beat it. Best it up so hard it will regret ever affecting her in the first place," she said with a reassuring smile.
Gently pulling his face closer she placed a soft kiss on his lips stroking his stubble.
"Yes she will win," he smiled gently kissing the tip of her nose.

"Now go to sleep before you start crying on me like earlier."
"Oh please, are you forgetting I had to wipe a few tears away from your face myself."
"I don't know how those got there," he said shyly.
Nia laughed amazed to see him actually shy over the few tears he had shed as the little ones apologized to their parents.
"Besides I can blame my hormones, what about you?"
"You are rubbing off on me," he chuckled making her laugh as they slowly drifted off to sleep.

Greeting everyone ☺️
So which one do you think Nia or Mel will wear?