The broken road (Brie, Donnie)

[Lovely]

Name: Donatello Gabrielli Aliases: Donnie, played by: Tripp likeness used: Matt Dillon	__________	Name: Brietta Chelsea Woodsen Aliases: Brie played by: Lovely likeness used: Christina Applegate
Name: Donatello Gabriel Woodsen Aliases: Donnie jr DOB: July 23, 1998 played by: Tripp (NPC)	------------	.

[Lovely]

December 10, 2008
11:05am

Of all places to run into an old flame, seeing him giving a sermon at your new church was not what one would expect. Leave it to Brietta's twisted life to toss this in her lap. Another new town, a new start.. and the past came rushing upon her. Donnie had asked why she was sitting so low in her seat and she'd told him because and nevermind. Now church was over and everyone had filed out of their seats, except for her, she was still sitting there, trying to get her head to stop spinning and figure out what she should do. She could try finding another church, never come back here again, but was running away and avoiding going to make anything better? She sighed, twisting her fingers around the strap of her purse and fighting tears, asking silently for some kind of guidance to get through this. Donnie was off socializing with some other kids, so at least she didn't have him right there to witness her moment of turmoil.

With his pastor's robes folded on the front pew, Donnie was nothing more than a normal man now, ready to enjoy the rest of his day out in the summer sun and maybe get in some fishing. What he was fishing for now was answers as he came up to the timid blonde who'd seem to fear the hellfire and damnation he preached gently about avoiding. He could see her face now and years of clarity rang through his memory to this frozen point in time. He stopped beside her, hands in his pockets and his lip snagged in his teeth as he rocked in place, hoping to find anything more he could say to ease a soul today. He let loose of the lip and nothing came out but a sigh and a garbled expression. Trying again, he shrugged and started from the beginning. "So. Truth has a funny way of coming out, doesn't it? Or were you listening to the sermon this morning? Okay, look. That was just sooo not cool. I'm sorry. Guess what I really want to know is..," he paused and looked around the room, seeing only a few kids joshing around in the foyer. His voice softened and he leaned on the pew in front of her. "Are you?"

She flinched a little as he walked up, as if she expected him to d**n her straight out of his church or to rail at her and demand to know what she was doing there or how dare she show her face.. Instead he was mostly kind and even if a comment was sharp, he had more than every right to berate her, hate her.. Brie looked up at him slowly after he was done speaking. "Sorry.. I thought you were.. " She paused and blushed to say it to him now, even if he still was. "..really hott." Her eyes cast down again and she bit at her lip, wiping a tear away from her eye. "Am I what?"

"Sorry about what happened? Well," he looked away as guiltily as she had and muttered only loud enough for her to hear. "Yeah, both ways, sister. I thought... well I wasn't thinking that... Fourteen? What in the...," the pitch and sway of his words almost fell back into preaching and he bit back some of the spite in them in favor of the curiosity. "What were you thinking?"

"Not about what happened between us... about everything that came after.. more than I could ever say," She answered him quietly, still afraid to look at him, though she glanced, tears shimmering in her eyes and then away so he wouldn't see them and .. she didn't know what. She felt a small chuckle rise up, which she mostly held in. "I was mostly thinking that you were really hott. Hello, I was fourteen.. what else could I be thinking? it was ooo cute boy.. and I think I'll die.. and I'll do anything he wants.. if he justs asks me out.. if he just notices me.. if I can just be in his world for one day.."

"Well he did... and we did... and we went aaallll out, if you recall." The scenes in his mind made him cringe to remember in this place, making him even blush slightly. Donnie's head shook a little. "If I'd had any idea... Where did you get an 18 ID from, anyhow?"

She looked at her feet chewing her lip, giving him a slight shrug as she peeked up at him. "You probably don't want to know.." She went back to chewing her lip for a moment. "And I know we went all out.. I have a ten year old to prove it.." She retorted softly, but without it sounding harsh.

"Ten? Already?" He leaned against the pew and followed her gaze to the floor. "Brie.. you know I didn't want to leave."

"If you had any idea.. you wouldn't have.. I get it.. Never would have come near me.. never have given me the time of day.. " She sighed. "Sh*t.. " She cringed as she cursed and imediately apologised. "I'm sorry.. " Her eyes remained on the floor and she twisted her fingers together. "Look for what it's worth.. I'm sorry... I never meant... for you to get in any trouble... I just liked you.. and I'm sorry.. because I wouldn't change it now, if I could..."

"Only thing I'd consider changing, if there were anything, would have been waiting four years. Nothing else," he grinned, remembering back.

Her gaze slowly came up from the floor at his words, she stared at him, at his handsome grin, in disbelief. "You.. really?"

"Really. He's a beautiful kid," he said, nodding to where the boy was talking to a couple of the other kids. He chuckled, "Donnie, huh?"

"He is a very handsome boy... he takes more after his father in looks, than me.." She finished the sentence softly, glancing over to her son with an adoring smile. "Yeah.. Donnie.. It's original.. I know.." She half teased in her tone, not sure what to say, was she supposed to tell him, she'd been so crazy about him.. that she'd thought it the best thing..?

"Does he know? About me, I mean? I don't want to ruin it if you told him his dad was some famous architect or a musician or something."

She chuckled and looked to the ceiling, shaking her head. "I didn't lie to him... of course he doesn't know details... but he asked me why his father didn't marry me.. not that long ago in fact.. I told him you married god and to eat his spinach.."

He laughed, "That's.. that's great, but I wouldn't say I'm married. If I were still Catholic, then sure, but I'm not. Not married at all." He looked her over and the laugh faded to an amused grin, working his jaw a little as he toyed with a question he wasn't sure he was ready to know the answer to.

She couldn't help but laugh softly, hearing the deep timbre of his own laugh float around her. "Well.. the last I knew.. granted it was a long time ago.. was that you were.. you know Catholic.. and.. so not married at all?" Her head nodded thoughtfully. "Good.." She turned more fully to face him, biting her lip a little. "I mean.. good.. as in easier.. if you.. wanted to.. maybe.. some time.. meet him.. easier to just say you're not anymore.. than to say.. not to god.. but to miss martha.. you know.. for him.." She cleared her throat softly and went back to chewing on her lip. "But if you don't want to, or don't want him to know who you are... I'd understand." She finished softly.

"Brie, it's okay. I'd like to meet him.. have him meet me as long as you're okay with it. And I don't know any Miss Martha.. but I do know this girl I should never have let go," he said softly, watching her bite her lip. "Up to you."

"If you'd like to.. I think he'd like to know you.. that he should.. know you." She continued to chew on her lip, looking at her son for a moment longer and speaking in a soft whisper. "Don't feel bad about that girl.. the guy who has my heart, married god..."

She answered his question without him having to make the awkward effort to ask and he smiled softly, following her gaze to the boy.. his son he had yet to meet. Donnie felt like he was going on a first date all over again, his palms itching and cold and his throat feeling dry, not sure what words would come out or whether whatever fell out would make him sound foolish. He could deliver an hour long speech to strangers without much thought, but meeting one boy made his heart pound, fearing disaster, yet hoping for miracles.

She watched 'little Donnie' with a soft smile, slowly turning that smile to the man beside her, she reached out and gently curled her hand around his. "Don't worry.. he doesn't bite." She whispered. "He's already passed that stage." She added the light tease and then went on in a hushed voice. "Whenever you're ready... you just let me know, alright?"

[Lovely]

December 14, 2008
12:15pm

Brie stood at the counter watching the coffee brew, butterflies fluttered in her belly as she waited, with nervous excitment, for Donnie to arrive. She had lunch ready and a coffee cake, but wasn't sure if they would really eat anything. They had sort of jumped into things in a strange way and needed to sit down and really talk, ten years was a long time.. Brie smiled, it felt indescribible for him to be in her life, to be coming over.. to be able to see him, talk to him.. touch his hand.

Some things in Donnie's world hadn't changed much. He lived life light and simple, down to the old bike he'd kept running since highschool. Living on the coast, he never really needed a car much and never really went much of anywhere anyway. The dull roar silenced and he left the old rattlebucket in a narrow space in the driveway that seemed to be waiting for it.. for him... to arrive. He smiled at that small amount of good fortune, casting a glance skyward to the partly cloudy day that seemed warmer than usual. He half felt like he could waltz in like old times and half felt he needed a doorman to announce him. This wasn't like his father's get-togethers or one of the Reshers, so he couldn't figure why he was so nervous suddenly. It was just lunch with the prettiest girl in town... that's all it was, he chuckled. Damn her... forgive me... but damn, he thought, chuckling to himself... she still had his heart a decade later.

It was a small but cute duplex in a 'square' nieghborhood of duplexes, she had a yard with a swing set and litter of boy toys. Brie had actually scraped together enough money to put a downpayment on the place and was renting the other half out. It looked smaller from the outside, inside the rooms were decent sizes and there was a good sized basement. The roar of the bike in the driveway brought her eyes to the window. Her heart skipped a beat watching him park the bike next to her car and make his way towards the door, where she met him. She held the storm door open as she leaned in the door frame smiling softly. "Hey."

He took a moment to pause, looking at her leaning out the door and the way she was framed by a gentle slice of comfortable suburbia, or what would resemble it if the town were big enough for a suburb. He chuckled to himself, remembering the way her mom held the door just like that when he'd come to dinner with Damien and the rest of the soccer team a million years ago. Was it all that long ago, really?... he wondered. "Good afternoon, Miss Woodsen," he said, partly teasing and always polite despite the fact she was far prettier than her mom. He chuckled out loud and broke the spell of the way-back-machine and held the door so she could step back inside. "Hi... everything going okay?"

She breathed in, bringing the scent of fresh air and him with it. "Everything is okay.. Donnie didn't want to go to school today.. but I got him off finally.." She stepped back into the house, letting him follow behind her.

"Must be something he inherited from his dad, poor kid," he teased, following her in. School was never one of his own best achievements. "You know, it's a beautiful day out... warm even. Maybe later, if you want to go for a walk?"

She turned to nod over her shoulder, agreeing with both his statements. "Must be.. " She motioned to the table, and then on to the other room, inviting him to sit down. "Wherever you'll be comfortable.. would you like anything? I made lunch, coffee.. a crumb cake.."

"Crumb cake? You can make those? I thought only elves made those... or something. Coffee's good... whatever's easiest. I hope you didn't go to a lot of trouble, Brie.. honest. It's just me."

She looked down, shaking her head, with a little chuckle. "Yes.. I can make crumb cake... I can make just about anything. Okay so I burned alot of meals when I first started out.. but eventually I learned to cook and bake, sew, wash laundry, iron.. I can do it all now." She gave a little curtsey and reached for his hand. "It's just being a good hostess..polite.. company comes.. and especially because it's you."

"But I'm not company," he chuckled nervously, taking her hand in his, pulling her up closer for a gentle, welcoming kiss. "I told you... it's just me."

"You don't live here.. and even if you did, you'd have lunch, dinner, breakfast... dessert.." She sank into the kiss softly, smiling as she pulled back. "and I told you.. especially, because it's you."

"Thanks," he said, genuinely touched by her hospitality. "You know, the shelter.. if you're interested... could use a few more hands if you want to lend some of your talents to the community sometime."

"I'm flattered.. you haven't even tried my 'talents' yet." Her fingers played with the collar of his shirt. "I'd love to.. though I don't know how much help I really could be. With work and Donnie, I mean I do have some free time, I'm just not sure if it would really help."

"One afternoon every other week? Bring Donnie along. Why not? He already met some of my regular volunteers last week. It'll be good for him. Be good for you, too. Maybe meet a few new people and get to do some fun things once in a while. I'd get to see you more," he smiled.

"I was actually thinking I could squeeze a couple afternoons a week.. and if I get to see you.. maybe I'll have to make more time..." She smiled, looking to his eyes.. those gorgeous intense eyes.. "Seriously.. I would like to help.. and I would very much like for us, all of us, to have more time together."

"Sounds great to me. Kinda what I wanted to talk about, really. Time and family and all. I don't know how much you remember from when you went away."

She gave a slight shrug and shake of her head. "Depends on what I'm supposed to be remembering. It was a long time ago and a lot happened.. and there is alot I'd rather not think about.. so I don't usually think about it much. Except for lately.. it's all been on my mind a great deal. But before that, it sort of got pushed away and filed in the drawer of memories after my parents gave me the ultimatium and I made my choice."

Donnie looked at her from a place in his memory he'd kept sealed for most of the time they'd been apart. Like her, most of it was filled with things too painful and strong to deal with, but they were there at the forefront demanding attention now. They'd played and laughed and loved... truly loved, he realized now... for so many months and yet they knew so little about each other. They meshed. They always had and he never felt the need for any questions to be answered or a need to answer any for her. A few should have been, but seeing their son, he was glad it had gone unasked since it meant the boy's existance. The hardships on her broke his heart to realize, however and that thought alone made the lump tighter in his throat. "I'm sorry," he said, responding out loud to his thoughts. The words likely seemed out of place to her, however.

"Shh.. no.." After her last words, she assumed he meant about her her choices. "Don't.." Her fingers pressed lightly to his lips. "I chose not to give my son up.. and that's not what my family wanted me to do.. even when I stood up to them, they didn't believe we'd last a month. But I proved them wrong and I have never and will never regret the choice I made."

He kissed her fingertips and smiled. "I hope that extends to me a little, too? I don't regret any of it Brie. I told you that. I meant it and still do. But its more complicated, at least what happened then made it more complicated. It's who my family is.. that made the difference, not your dad. At least not so much."

"Of course it extends to you.. if I had the choice then to.. for the three of us.. I would have.. but that wasn't a choice at the time.." Her fingers curled around his as her hand slipped into his. "What do you mean.. who you're family is?" Her tone changed a bit as she looked at him questioning the meaning of that statement. "What did your family have to do with it.. honestly I don't ever remember them even being mentioned through all of it."

She had just cut a piece of the crumb cake for him and sat down to talk more, when the back door opened and Damien came strolling in.

*wiggles eyebrows*...." well well... a happy family reunion... didn't realize 8-10 would look so well on you Donatello..."

Brie looks down.. "8 to 10?.."

*lowers his head and gazes at her over his sunglasses*.... "years, sweetness... I'm surprised he's not hunchbacked and bowlegged now... ever the pretty boy, aren't you?"

*Defiant and defensive stance*... "Damien... surprised you didn't hear. I never went in. Or didn't 'Daddy' tell you?"

Brie folds arms and gives Damien a look. "He was gone.. off to make some big movie.. weren't you, Dam... I convinced -dad- (said through gritted teeth) not to press any charges."

"Oh well, then that changes everything, doesn't it? By all means, go f*ck her some more. What... ten years, I'm sure you've learned how to do it right by now?"

"You bastard. You knew all along and set me up... you probably even made the call, didn't you? Couldn't bother to tell me, give me a hint.. hell, you even encouraged... you're a piece of work, you know that?"

"Why should I? She didn't. You weren't f*cking me, so why should I care if you incinerate for it?" He's just rattling Donnie's cage... he's glad to see him, really.

She looked down at the floor, her jaw working in anger... at herself and at Damien. She pushed her plate away and stood up, facing Damien. "Classy.. thank you.. anything else you'd like to say, to make me feel like shit, to feel any lower than I already do about what happened?"

He grinned, "Brietta, darling... when will you learn? I love you and your son. It's this rat here eating your crumb cake who didn't tell me he was around in town. I'm hurt, Don... don't you love me anymore?"

"Should get out of bed once in a while... maybe go to church... spend some time in the community once in a while... you know.. step outside your center of the universe a few minutes, Dam. I've been teaching seminary for six years and giving sermon for eight. Of course, when's the last time you stepped into a church?"

He laughed, "You're joking."

"He's not joking. Donnie and I ran into him at services.. he was giving the sermon.." She moved to the sink, staring out the window with her back, mostly, to the men.

"I meant, he's joking about me stepping into a church. I prefer my condemnation to come with two supple legs, a bottle of wine and a weekend to kill instead."

"Did you know?" She asked softly, hardly glancing at him before staring back out the window.

"About him being a minister? I know now. I can't say as I believe it really, but it suits you, Don. Always something in your eyes...," he said, looking at the man carefully, almost fondly if Donnie noticed now what he may not have a decade before. Damien seemed almost envious as well as awed by his old friend, but drawn into the deep stare. "Obvious why we haven't crossed paths."

The way Dam looked at him made him shiver uncomfortably. Was he always that predatory? Donnie didn't remember, but he found himself watching in return. He felt suddenly on display, flattered and equally frightened by the man he'd called his best friend for so long. "Thanks... I think... something. So, um.. how have you been. Joking aside?" He asked, feeling more nervous than he could explain.

"I've had my ups and downs," he smirked, enjoying his own humor even if the others didn't. "But enough about my success story. I see you two have a lot to discuss and probably can communicate so much better and closer without me. I actually came to ask a favor, but it turns out I might be providing one instead. Would you two like a nice quiet evening and overnight alone? I'm not joking. One of the girls at work ran into a snag and has no sitter. I offered and if you think Donnie would like to come over, we can make a big party of it.. let some of his friends come from school, the works. That is, if you think you two want to be alone together that long, hm?"

She turned halfway, giving her brother a curious look. "You're babysitting? and you're offering to take Donnie overnight? Who are you and what did you do with my real brother?" She teased, with a slight smirk on her face.

"Ahhh... you think I'm being charitable? I see... actually I have a ski weekend with her while her husband is in Utah, so it works out," he teased. "I'll be compensated for my pain, not to worry. But, because I adore my ... kid... sister... I will gladly give you two a little more time to reminisce. Good to see the good book hasn't swayed your pig too far from the trough, Don. Doesn't He frown on his shepards fleecing the flock?"

"Doesn't your mouth ever shut unless it's wrapped around someone's private parts? Treat her with some respect around me, alright? She's your sister afterall. Besides, the act was old ten years ago... it's just sick and old now... and not funny. It never was. Another thing... it's minister, not priest. I can date and marry if I choose.... consider that a warning, 'brother dear'," Donnie grinned, no small amount of contempt and equal mischief gleaming in the dark stare. The opportunity to have more time with her without interruptions was becoming more appetizing the longer her brother stood within striking distance.

She stared in shock, not used to anyone sticking up for her, and no one ever had to her brother.. but he was the only one in the family who talked to her after she had left. "Damien.. cut the crap okay? I just.. can't deal with it, right now." She sighed and stepped away from the sink. "Donnie likes spending time with you.. he has fun and you usually bring him back in one piece." She looked to where 'the older' Donnie was, not wanting to make assumtions about if he wanted time alone, and then looked back to Damien. "It's fine with me.. I'll call a few of his friend's mothers and see if I can get you your little 'party', alright." She didn't know what Donnie would think or say about the way she just seemed to take what Damien dished out, he was the only family they had.. all she had left since her 'disgrace'.

Damien stepped up to her and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispered, sounding genuine for once. "I just don't want you hurt again, Brie. Be careful, hm?" He rested his forehead against hers a moment then turned toward Donnie. "As for you...," he said pulling away from his sister as if he were going to start another argument, but instead moved to whisper closely to his friend's ear as well. "Be good to her... be good for her... or you will answer to me this time. It's good to see you... very, very good."

"It's a little late for careful.. and what hurt was having to leave.." She whispered back, letting him step away as she moved to get the phone and her address book.

[Lovely]

Donnie shifted a little as if trying to step away, but at the same time he remained frozen, watching his friend from the side and feeling his voice tickle over his ear. It was a strange sensation causing him to swallow nervously. "Yeah... glad to see you too, Dam... really. I... I should help... *ahem*... help her clean up, alright? We're good, right? You and me? Whatever happened then I'm over... are you?"

"Bygones, Pastor Gabriel," he grinned, running his hand smoothly down Donnie's as he stepped away. "We're good... as good as I ever was, anyway."

Donnie's hand jerked away from the sudden stroke, his other hand rubbing away the feeling. "Great, okay.. thanks, Dam. Thanks for .. you know.. giving me a chance to talk to her for a while and all."

She stayed in the other room for a few minutes and then came back, holding the phone in her hand. "Alright.." She smiled at Damien, the time alone had given her a chance to gather herself a bit. "You have yourself a sleep over. Wesley's two boys, Annia's son, and Abby's daughter.. the usual riff raff.. Are you sure you want to do this?"

He smiled at her and turned a warmer, wistful grin to Donnie. He was quite pleased to see his old friend, especially to find him lean and healthy, and purely, deliciously available if the man could be swayed. Damien wondered what it would take to get him away from his sister to keep as his own if only for an hour of teasing to watch him squirm if he wouldn't just come out and play openly. The myriad of activities he envisioned danced in his smile and his gaze as he turned back to Brietta, another game unfolding in the back of his mind as she helped him with his assignment. "I'm sure, sweetness. You deserve your every happiness. I sincerely cannot think of a better place to start than with him," he murmured, kissing her cheek and the corner of her mouth. "I have to go and childproof the place... and square away a fifth of Jack before they show up. I'm insane." He shrugged away the statement as if it were one of his finer qualities. Considering the thoughts in his mind, it likely was his shining pinnacle.

She was sincerly hoping it started and ended with Donnie, she really didn't want anything else.. she had her son, had provied for them for ten years, had her brother -as strange as he was.. and now all she wanted was Donnie.. to make her happier. "Thank you Dam.. I'll have him packed and ready for you.. and the other moms are looking forward to a free night as well.. except for Annia.. she has the baby still... but you just made three of us child free for the night... this town better lock up it's men, single mothers on the loose!" She teased, giving a little whoop of excitement and slapping Damien on the rear in thanks.

"Not so single," he winked, nodding to Donnie, realizing the truth of her comments was likely the reverse, since it was Annia who was free and for the taking in his special way. "It's a shame I can't help Annia more, then."

She chuckled. "I think Donnie can hadle keeping me out of trouble for the night." Her eyes as she glanced at Donnie, probably told him that she was hoping he'd be her trouble for the night. Giving Damien a hug she patted his arm. "Goodness.. ski weekends put you in an awfully good mood.." She teased about his comment of wanting to help more. "The baby is six months old, Dam not quite old enough for a sleep over of this kind, and I don't think you want to add infant to your party favors anyway." Brie shrugged. "Maybe she'll be able to have someone watch Caitlin or maybe.. just maybe the little girl's father will take her... I'm not sure how well he and Annia are speaking, yet.. anyway.. " She kind of shook herself out of her concern and pondering Annia's well being.

"Oh, don't think he'll be that sweet and understanding any time soon. Not if you heard some of the whispers I have," he said with all sincerity, although the terrible deeds Mr O'Reilly was supposedly guilty of lately were yet to be committed.

"He'll be? Oh honey if that was my husband.. the only thing he'd be is in the hospital.. trying to have privates sewn back on!" She folded her arms and 'hmphed', nodding her head. "I just don't get it.. a man has a beautiful, loving wife, a baby girl, adorable step son.. that whole huge ranch and both of them have plenty of money.. why the heck did he need to cheat on her?" Brie sighed and tossed her hands up. "Now there's a pig for you Dam... With a capitial P!"

Thank heavens for the small favors of acting that kept the smile turned into a concerned and serious frown. "You have nothing to worry about, Brietta, I assure you. Donnie's always been a very good man," he partly teased and partly felt the chill of his own desire to explore just 'how good' a man he'd become. "Thank you for your help, but I do have to go."

"I'll see you in a couple hours to come get the kids?" She smiled and started to walk him to the door. "I'll give you a list of the moms' numbers in case you have any problems and of course you have my cell number if you need me and I'm not here."

He knew she'd be home and wouldn't bother her. The intrigue of the other single mothers made him smile, however, wondering how helpless he'd need to be to partake in all of them. "I'll conveniently forget that you're home. Have fun, Brie. I do mean that."

"Thank you.. and I do mean it, too." She kissed his cheek once more as he went out the door, partly wondering if it was a good idea to give him the ladies phone numbers. She did know her brother, after all, but she had to give them to him, since he'd have their kids. "See you in a bit.." She called after him, waving and then closing the door, she turned back to Donnie with a slight smile, like a kid who's parents were gone for the night. "Looks like I'm going to be all alone tonight.." She walked her fingers along the counter as she circled and came up to him. "Could get all dark and lonely.."

"Can't have that. Nope.. no lonely, anyway," he smiled gently, his eyes shining like a kid at Christmas. "Remind me to thank him when I'm not pissed off at him later, okay?" Donnie leaned to kiss her softly and whispered. "Let's get our son packed for his party and then we can start our own."

"Mmhmm I'll remind.. later.. much later." She pulled him back for another kiss, she wanted to.. oh what was she thinking? She was thinking he looked good and so did the counter, table, floor...

[Lovely]

They decided to head into the livingroom now that Damien had excused himself and their appetites for food had sort of been killed for the moment anyway..

"You look worried, maybe a little sad."

"I am a little sad.. ten years of my kid's life he'll never know

nods.. "ten years -I've been doing it all on my own.."

"..and all that time I didn't help, never heard, didn't really know... kinda all surreal and dreamlike until she walks in your door and sits in your pew.."

"Ten years of guilt too -for getting you in trouble, feeling like I messed up your life, like you must hate me.."

"Nope... that part about things you wouldn't change? First of all, I could never ever hate you. Second, I wouldn't have given this up. I learned a lot about who I am."

"Me too... on both, couldn't hate you.. though dad wanted me too.. and I wouldn't give up Donnie for anything.. I learned so much from him.. it's kinda strange, how much he taught me."

"Good thing to know. Hating a Gabriel... Gabrielli... you know... generally bad news. Donnie G? Nobody hates Donnie G... except maybe Donnie G, but that's just me... you know?"

"Donnie G, huh? Haven't heard that name in a long time... and like I said.. I don't hate you, no matter how hard they tried to make me.. Heck I named my kid after you.. I must not hate you, huh?"

"Donnie's full name is Donatello Gabriel Woodsen"

"Sooo... boy is really named after pops here in a big way.."

"Yes..he is."

"Mmmm.... comfy looking pillows you got there.." *teases*

"They are.. very comfy." *pats the empty space beside her, inviting him closer, if he wants*

He sat beside her, still so much like his old self, but restrained from the old 'Zany G' she knew is school, though he probably lurked just beneath the surface.

She smiled, sweetly, older now, but still as soft and pretty as she'd been when they knew eachother before, of course now she was 'really' a woman and held poise, grace, and natural sexiness, that she'd not had in such abundance before. "Well hello.." She said quietly, letting her gaze wash over him, taking in all the little details and remember things she'd missed about him.

He couldn't help but remember, even though she was 'just a girl' then. His eyes traced over her, remembering fondly as his expression likely showed. "Hello," he smiled back, resting his hand down for hers to slide into if she wished.

His expression caused a light blush to rise in her cheeks, though her smile remained as soft and sweet as it had been. Brie looked at his hand for a moment before taking it, a slight nervous excitement running through her as she did. Her fingers curled around his and she bit her lip gently, a little sound, like a giggle flitted out. "Hi."

"I'm sorry, have we met? I don't think we've been properly introduced," he teased, sensing her nervousness. "Allow me," he whispered, leaning to kiss her cheek. He stayed a moment and whispered softly. "Don't ever leave me again..."

Brie's eyes closed and she leaned just slightly to him as he kissed her cheek, her breath catching at his words. Her face turned to nuzzle at his neck, her lips brushing near his ear. "If I had known where to find you... " She whispered, in soft apology.

"You found me," he whispered, turning to face her, compelled to taste the sweetness of her kiss. "Forgive me, father," he teased, his grin fading in eagerness that had waited ten years to find her again as his lips met hers.

She turned to tell him, that wasn't funny and found, his lips brushing hers, her lips parted to kiss him more deeply. It had been ten years and her heart still pounded in furious rhythm, at his closeness, ten years of empty hollow, tasteless kisses.. for one so sweet and wonderful.

His dark eyes danced with wonder as he pulled back and smiled, "Wow... um... hi."

"Wow..." She breathed the word, with a tender smile, wanting more but holding back and watching his eyes dance. "Hi again.." She whispered, her hand lifted to trace a light finger over his jaw and cheek.

He turned to kiss her finger then leaned to kiss her more intensely. "A lot of catching up to do," he grinned, slipping a hand behind her as he tipped her back into the embrace, letting tender, whispering nips claim her for a few, long moments.

[Lovely]

Her heart continued to beat at a rapid, excited pace, though slower than when he'd first kissed her. Brie stretched under him, her lips clinging and seeking the soft nips he gave. One hand found a place to rest against his chest and the other curled around his arm as he leaned over her. "Yes.. a lot of catching up.." She agreed, in a moment away from his lips, when she gazed up at him, pulled into his dark eyes. She was amazed, that she'd found him and that he didn't hate her, and more so that he seemed to care, to feel as she did.

"Mmm... you still make me think baaaad things, Miss Woodsen," he smiled, the devilish, boyish charm seeping back out as he propped on his arm, looking down into her beautiful eyes. "Shame on you," he teased more, placing the 'shame' on her neck and shifting her collar gently for more 'shame' of tender wayward kisses.

There would have been a sharp retort, if she'd not lost all senses for a moment when his kiss brushed over her neck. "Mmm.." The softly breathed noise accompained a shiver that curled her more firmly to him, her own kisses turned to brush his cheek and neck, where she could reach. "And you.. still make me want to do all those bad things you're thinking about."

Donnie was sitting there just enjoying and not saying anything... he toyed with the idea of toying further and completely or waiting and just being soft and cuddly for now... he's reaaaallly bad with decisions, continues to kiss her. His hands under her shirt and they were entangled in a passionate kiss...

kid wanders in -"hey mom, why does our paster have his hands in your shirt?"

"She was cold," he shrugs and sits up, adjusting everything, calmly... well almost everything *borrows a pillow and puts it in his lap*

(mom dies of embarrassment!) "Right cold.. don't you knock? Don't you have spinach to be eating?" Spinach is the answer to -everything- in thier house

"just like popeye!... haguhguhguhguh..." *winks and smirks*

"don't do that with the kid in the room!" *wink*

"Aww... but I yam whut I yam!"

Laughs and pulls a pillow over her face

*holds the pillow there and laughs into it, making sure the pillow in his lap stays put*
*peeks under hers...* ".. you okay in there?"

"Oh I'm great.. how are you? You know times like this, make me happy I haven't dated much in awhile.. ten years.."

"Great... see you in ten, then... summer 2017 okay?"

"What??"

"Right... 2016.... good thing I went into theology and not math... whoooo..."

Stares, shocked, not sure what to think or say, moving in a bit of a daze to get up.

"What? I was teasing. If I'm making you that uncomfortable, maybe I should go."

"No! I mean no.. don't go, please. I'm sorry... I just.. I don't want you to leave, okay?"

"I'm not leaving. I was never leaving. I was just teasing, okay?" *slips a hand around hers and nods to the boy*..." you want to explain or should I?"

Takes a deep breath and nods, sitting back down next to him. "I suppose.. proper introductions.. are in order." A small smile and she turns to little Donnie, beckoning him over to them. "Come here hun.. Mommy has something important to talk to you about." Looks to Donnie and winks. "maybe we both should explain..."

"You're doing great so far. Don't let me stop you," he said with a grin, though he would say whatever he needed to.

She tugged little Donnie down to sit with her and wrapped an arm around him, kissing the top of his head. "Donnie, you remember when you asked me.. about your dad.. and why he didn't marry me?" She paused a moment. "and you remember I told you.. he married god?... well I'm not quite sure how to put it.. but he's not married to god anymore.."

"Well that's the cliff's notes version, but that's pretty much it," Donnie agreed.

She looked up and smiled. "I never had all the details.. but if there is anything you think should be added.. please.. feel free.." She patted her son's hand and went on a little nervously. "Honey.. do you understand? and if you want to ask anything, you can." She looked back to Donnie and then down at their son again. She needed a minute to build up to say it..

"Well," he scratched behind his ear and winced, putting the recollection together in the right way that didn't give away more than was comfortable for either of them. "There was the part about the families not agreeing on certain things and arrangements being made, you and he went different directions for a while, though neither of you wanted to... that kinda thing."

[Lovely]

"Of course." She gave a nervous chuckle and looked at Donnie again, mouthing an 'I'm sorry' for things he didn't know, but she was about to say, though he might ask for more details later. "Donnie.. you know how it's always been just you and me.. and how mommy tells you that we may not have a big family, or have all the people that other families have.. but you and I still make a family.. and we're okay, right? More than okay.. just you and me in the world, kiddo.." She smiled, holding on to little Donnie's hand. "And you remember that I told you.. a long time ago.. mommy did something.. that made her old family.. really mad.. and that's why she had to leave, and why they don't talk to us?" This was a bit harder than she'd.. well she'd never really expected this, but it was hard anyway. She took a breath, watching little Donnie to make sure he was understanding and remembering everything.

He gave her an odd look wondering where Damien fit in now and whether he provided any security for her, though realizing the turn of events in the past, he figured things had changed little.

"Okay.. So now we have to go back a little to before mommy left... I've told you.. that I met your dad.. and how much I liked him.. how I felt about him.." She smiled, she'd not left any doubt for Donnie, that she'd loved and adored his dad, she never wanted him to think or feel that he had been a mistake. "Mommy's family.. didn't approve.. they didn't like that he was a little older than mom.. and so they kept us apart.. and they made him go away. He couldn't see us, or talk to us or anything... and we couldn't to him as well. And he probably didn't know much of anything about what happened to us.. if anything... I don't know how long after you were born that he was informed.. My family took us far away.. and I left after you were born... and I heard about.. him, your dad, marrying god and all.. and after that, I didn't hear anything about him, and I didn't know where he was.. So.." She shrugged, she hadn't known what to do or how to find him. "I'm really drowning here... I'm not doing this very well at all.." She glanced up at Donnie, feeling lost again... and feeling like she just needed to come out and say it, that there was no real way to do it easily.

He offered to help a little. "Did she ever mention you were named after your dad?" He brushed the tip of his nose and looked at the boy squarely and winked. "The 'D Gabriel' on the sermon leaflets didn't really grab your attention much, huh?"

"You should have just done it to begin with.. much simplier your way." Her small smile of gratitude, shined in her eyes as she looked at him for a minute and then back to thier son. "Donnie honey.. I'd like for you to meet your dad.."

He chewed his lip, in a fashion much like his mother did, though his thoughtful expression was much more like his father. Finally after considering the information for a time, little Donnie looked up at the man.. their pastor who he had been informed was in fact his father. "So.. you're my dad?" He nodded, this was okay. "You were married to god.. now you're not married to god.. does that mean you divorced god?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "Not exactly like that, no, but...," he pointed up and whispered closer. "He and I have an understanding... he'll let me see other people."

"Good, you gonna marry mom now? Can I go play?"

He tipped on over on the couch, laying in Brie's lap as he chuckled. "See? That wasn't so hard was it?"

"ooo biggest question -are you going to make me eat spinach all the time?" He asked before racing from the room again.

"It was hard.. it was very traumatic.. for me." Smiles down at him, in her lap.

"But I haven't asked you yet," he said, reaching up to pull her down to him.

"Asked me?.. were you planning to ask me something?" She smiled as she shifted down, where he could reach her better.

"MMmmmmmaybe," he grinned. "Did you eat your spinach? Can't ask you til you do."

She chuckled. "I always eat my spinach."

He propped up a little to reach a kiss to her. "You're a very... very good girl, Miss Woodsen...and obviously a fine mother. You should be rewarded well in Heaven..," he muttered between kisses. "And by me..."

She let a little laugh roll out, almost embarrassed for the compliments. "am not.." She murmured kissing him back. "okay if you say I am.." Her heart fluttered and flip-flopped, her arms wrapping more around his shoulders. "I'd say you're rewarding me very well.."

"I could reward you a little more if you think he's going to play a little while... so we can too?" *goes back to warming her and kissing her a little less timidly*

"aren't you supposed to encourage people not to do these things?" *keeps kissing him anyway*

"And then I'd be out of work," he teased. "But, that would leave me more time to play." He sat up and turned to slide up alongside her.

[Lovely]

"aww... hey, your eyes aren't closed!" She giggled.

"I was peeking to see if yours were?"

"oh.. ok."

"I'm sneaky that way yeah.... shhh."

"so mister sneaky sneaky.."

"I mean... I'm pretty tame.."

"yeah yeah.."

"very tame? grrr... down tiger... hold me back?"

hehehe

"ok ok... 'don't let the collar fool you'?"

"wild, sweet, and tame at times.."

"ok, you caught me.." *holds hands out*... "lock me up and do what you will.." *winks*

Grabs his hands. "Can I get locked up with you?"

Shrugs. "You're the warden, warden. You... can do anything you want."

"Hardly the warden.. just an old.. friend."

"Nut uhn... no. Hardly just a friend, Brie. I mean that. Had me under lock and key and you know it."

"Do not.. did not.." Pushes his shoulder with a small smile. "..stop it.."

Chuckles. "Yeah, you did.. do. Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Gee.. let me think.. oh maybe the past ten years, where I was out there alone and you were.. well where you were.. " She sighed and slipped her hands into her pockets as she shrugged and gave an apologetic smile. "Just because we ran into each other.. it doesn't make me your warden.. doesn't make me anything.. but here... not that here is a bad place to be."

"Brie, come here. Come sit with me, okay?"

"Okay." She inched closer to him and then moved to sit down with him.

"I had to stay away. My family... yours... it wasn't a choice I wanted to make."

"I know.. I do.. I didn't want to stay away.. or to be sent away, I was scared, worried you'd take off when you found out.. but I never wanted that."

He smiled gently, watching her with warm, caring eyes. "I would never in a million years have taken off... except those little things about laws and crimes and penalties. I was scared about a lot of things, myself."

She looked down and took a deep breath, twisting her fingers. "I'm so so sorry.. for that, for everything.. I lied to you.. well in the way of not telling you how old I really was, but you never asked." She sighed again and licked her lips. "I got you into all that trouble... I was so stupid."

"We... not you... I did my share, alright? Hey... it's okay. Like I said, he's a beautiful kid. Takes after his mom."

She shook her head. "Have you looked at him.. there's no doubt he takes after you.. definately your son."

"Oh, well then, you're in for a world of trouble. When he's eleven, better make sure you keep your car keys hidden really well," he teased.

"I guess I'll have to buy a safe..and soon too."

"Won't help... see, when he's twelve...," he teased further, giving her a pause, then a wink. "I'm kidding. He's got to be a better kid than I was. I didn't have a mom like you."

"But you had alot that he hasn't had. doesn't have.. you had this big family.. mom, dad, siblings... He just has me.. and some days.. well sometimes I don't feel like it's enough, that I can give him everything he needs."

[Lovely]

Donnie shook his head, "We were just like you. All we had was each other, just more of us, is all. Mom was gone not long after Amy was born. You probably don't even remember her. Bert had enough before he was even done with school and took off in search of himself. Andy... rockstar," he chuckled as if that was explanation enough. "That left me, AJ and Jack to take care of Aims.. and dad. That.. is a story all by itself."

"Right.. just like us." She licked her lips and nodded her head. "Every family has it's issues.. I didn't mean to say yours was perfect or anything... "

"No..," he shot out apologetically and defensively. "No no... I meant that ... I mean, no we weren't perfect, but we weren't all glamor or anything. We went without a lot of things normal families have. Far from normal, that's what I meant about us... and that you're probably better off than we were... or Donnie's better off, because, let's face it, three stupid boys raising a baby girl and their dad at the same time? Disaster. Especially with our dad. Did I mention, your family.. my family... kinda big clash thing?"

"I'm sorry.. I'm sure it was tough... This is not going very well.. I'm sorry." She stood up and started to pace. "I just meant it's been very hard to be mom, dad, be there for him, take care of him, show up for school events, put food on the table, and a roof over our heads.. " She sighed, covering her face with her hands. "I in no way meant to belittle your problems with your family.." She turned to face him, peeking through her fingers at him. "I was fifteen Donnie.. I was all alone.. I had to work and finish school.. and it took me ten years to get us a decent place to live in a decent town, where people didn't look at me with disgust or pity and the kids didn't make fun of him at school, because his mom was so young or he didn't have a dad, or grandparents.." She growled in frustration. "and I don't want to be having this conversation, and I don't want to make it seem like I'm angry with you.. it's not at all like that.. "

He sat silently, a thin grin of near-amusement as she fussed and fumed, showing he wasn't taking it personally. His hand raised and he beckoned her with a curling finger to come back next to him.

She tipped her head to the side a little, give him an unsure questioning look as she stood, with her hands in her back pockets.

"Brietta Woodsen, please have a seat," he said with the soft authority of the minister's voice.

"Great.. now I'm in trouble." She mumbled, softly and moved to sit down again, clasping her fingers together in her lap.

"No, far from it. Brietta... Brie... the worst mistake I ever made wasn't that I didn't ask certain things or that I did things with... to you... that I shouldn't have. It was what I didn't do that made this so hard on you," he said almost sadly.

"No..no, Donnie.. I made my choice.. If I had gotten an abortion or even if I gave Donnie up for adoption when I had him.. my parents would have 'forgotten the whole thing'.. all would have been forgiven.. But I couldn't do that.. no way hel- heck..I could or would have done either of those things. I made the choice.. me.. okay. I knew it would just be me and him and that it would be the hardest thing I'd ever done, but I made the choice."

"I'm thankful that you could never consider the other options. That's not what I was referring to, however. It was that I left you doubting and wondering, without hope or guidance. Sure, I say this now. It never occured to me then what you were going through. Dad saw to it that 'arrangements' were made. That's all I was led to know or believe. I shouldn't have listened to him or your father."

She sighed and looked at him. "I don't know about your dad.. or what he told you, or what my father said.. They never told me anything, we just left.. and my father? I don't have a father.. I haven't had one for ten years.. He wanted me to have the abortion.. demanded it. My mother was the one who thought up the nicer option.. doesn't matter, cause either way.. it all ended up the same.. "

He watched her a long moment in the agony of the replay that had left her numb. That numbness pained him more than he could put into words, but he managed to put a few together. "Yeah, in a way, I guess so. Because things didn't change for me. One thing I should have done is told you then how much I loved you and still do, Brie."

In an instant her eyes shone with tears and she had to look away, blinking them back with a trembling breath. "You.. loved.. love me?"

He reached over to turn her chin with a gentle fingertip to face his adoring grin and nodded, "Yeah. I still do."

She smiled as a tear slid down her cheek and she came up on her knees, crawling into his lap. Her arms wrapped around him and her face burried to his shoulder and neck. "I love you.. I've thought about you and missed you every day since the last time I saw you."

[Lovely]

He tilted against her head, just feeling her near and holding her gently, feeling strangely at ease for having said it now though he'd held it to himself for so long. His breath was caught, not letting words come out more than the choked apology for waiting ten years to let her know. "I'm sorry... So much could have been different..."

"No." Her voice was soft, she lifted her head and wiped her damp cheek. "Donnie.. don't.. what if.. could have been.. don't do that to yourself or us. Besides it might have made it worse, to know all this time and miss you that much more. You know it wouldn't have changed anything with my parents or what they did."

"Strength of my own convictions," he said distantly. "My father's words as he sent me off willingly to seminary. If I had any strength to tell him off I would have then and stayed with you, Brie. I never wanted you to be alone. If I knew you were alone, I'd have been there in an instant, collar or no collar."

"What did you think was going to happen? Did you think that I would get rid of it or that some prince charming was just out there waiting to scoop up a girl with a kid? Not in this life, honey.. not in this life." She nodded her head, her eyes lifting as she sighed. "How were you supposed to know.. if they told you something else?"

"Damien could have said something. He knew where I was and I'm guessing he knew where you were. Nice of him, huh? Dad's idea of 'arrangement' usually means providing at least some backing of some kind. I'll have to have a few words with him when he's back in the country. Your dad's idea of 'arrangement' I don't even want to think about. Good book or not, that was never a part of my life and never will be something I support. Forgive me, dad, wherever you are, but your daughter will not... I"m sorry... I shouldn't speak for you, but it's how I feel, too. I couldn't bear that thought, ever."

"Damien.. right.. He was busy off with his own life.. and no, he didn't always know where we were. But he was the only one who spoke to me after I left, he's the only family I have. And I'll be sure to thank him for not mentioning anything.. to either of us. But I have to ask one thing, to know how mad i should be at him.. did you ever tell him how you felt about me?"

He shook his head and pointed to the ceiling. "He's the only other one who knows for certain. It's strange, really. For as close as Dam and I have always been and as open, that's one thing I never felt comfortable talking to him about. I will tell you, yes I did see a couple other girls, but nothing more than movies or dinners and even then, I always felt he looked at me strangely, like it was some unspoken competition with him. I never said a word about honest feelings. Do you think that's odd?"

"You saw other girls? While you were seeing me?" She shifted off his lap, giving him a look. "I know.. it was a long time ago but.. " She shook her head and then looked at the ceiling, punching him in the arm. "See.. told you I was crazy about you.. I think I just proved how insane.."

"Ow, hey," he smiled, moving a hand over the 'wound'. "No, not while. A couple before I met you. Can I make a confession, hm?"

"A confession? sure.. this is a little backwards though, isn't it?" She motioned between them and then smiled. "You can tell me anything."

"Ehht... not Catholic anymore, so it doesn't count that way, anyway. Come back over here," he said, holding his hand out to reel her back in to his lap. "I don't want to tell you with you all the way over there."

"Afraid I might hit you again?" She winked, reaching to take his hand.

"Not if I deserve it," he said, pulling her closely. "You mentioned crazy to the point of insanity, well, maybe there's reason for that. You... were my first... my one... my only.. and the last."

She looked at him with a shy sort of smile on her lips. "I was? I mean.. you knew you were mine.. didn't you? You're serious.. I was?" She bit her lip, still giving him that shy smile and leaned to his ear to whisper. "You are the only one I ever made love with... there has never been anyone else."

He turned to catch the corner of her lip in a soft kiss. "I'm serious. Damien's the one out for stroke, I never was. I was just out for you. To hold you, feel you, taste, everything. And I blew it."

"I am aware of Damien's ways.. I never thought you were like him. " She turned her face and settled in his lap, holding his face in her hands. "How do you figure you blew it? There's a Donnie jr around that is proof, that you had everything." The look in her eyes and tone of her voice, which were rich with emotion, with love, showed that she wasn't just speaking of the physical 'everything' they had shared.

"That I didn't ask, that I didn't wait, that I didn't do things the right wa.... well, okay I did some things the right way," he chuckled, turning a deep shade behind the smile.

"mmhmm did you ever... kept me in nice dreams all this time. " She purred, giving him a wink, just to see if he'd blush more.

"Ooo... ouch, baby, you're killing me, here. Kill me softly a little more," he whispered, reaching to feel the tease of her lips on his.

"Baby?" Her lips whispered and brushed his, before she leaned to claim them as hers.

[Lovely]

"Mmmhmmm," he murmured losing himself to the taste of a kiss that took him back to a memory of an afternoon in the alley behind Mr. Kosmicki's hardward store on the same bike that sat on the drive out front now.hardware

She kissed him deeply, more aggressively than the young girl 'playing big', ever had. "Oh what.. you think cause I let you kiss me like that, now I'm your baby?" She winked teasing him, like she had that day he was thinking of.

He feigned indifference and shrugged, pulling his arms into a stretch along the back of the couch and away from her. "No, guess not. Oh well," he said though his gaze snapped back to watch her, waiting for the hit.

"Oo!" She punched his stomach lightly. "Then I guess I better get off your lap then.. why sort of girl do you take me for?" She started to scoot back.

He folded around the punch and pulled her back down, tickling her gently, "The sort to have and hold," he teased until he realized how that had sounded and his smile dimmed, amazed at himself. "I think I really mean that."

She giggled and squirmed, and then he stopped and she gazed at him in wonder. "What?.. You thnk you mean that?" She spoke softly. "It just sounded like.. well a little.." She gave a slight embarrassed chuckle for the trick her ears must have been playing on her.

"Yeah it did, didn't it. So maybe it was... and I did... do... soooo... how about you? I mean... would... is it something that you... you know... um, help me out here."

"How about you take this..." She leaned up to kiss him tenderly. "Now take a moment to let that settle and then ask me what it is you want me to help you with."

He savored the kiss like it was water for a man crawling across the desert. It cooled and focused his thoughts as he pulled away slowly, a nervous chuckle leaping from him around the galloping horse in his chest. He swallowed hard to keep the steed from jumping out and running away without him as he looked in her eyes, his own full of joy, doubt, wonder.. "I want you to help... allow me to make a home for us... for you and Donnie... you and me... make it real."

She smiled, reaching to his cheek, with soft soothing fingers. "You want to keep a toothbrush here?" Her fingers curled at the nape of his neck, her adoring eyes gazing at his, anchoring him with her. "I promise.. it wont hurt to say it.. you have nothing to fear." She searched his eyes, this was something he had to say, couldn't beat around it or sort of say it. "I love you."

"Had more in mind than just a toothbrush," he said softly, holding his hand over hers on his neck. "If you'll have me and become a minister's wife?"

"Yes.. " She said softly. "You don't think I'm a little too bad to be such a fine man's wife?" Her fingers curled with his.

"Brie, I'm not a fine man, I'm just me. Same as I've ever been. It's a job and it's a lifestyle, sure, but I'm still Zany G, trust me."

"Well.. Zany G, if you're crazy enough to want to marry this girl.. then I guess you should know this girl is crazy enough to want to marry you.."

He smiled. "So how do you think little Donnie's gonna take it? Do you think he'll notice?"

"Oh.. him.. well now there we have a problem. You see he might not like you taking his spot on the couch for movie night."

"Problem solved. I'll take your spot and you sit on my lap, he doesn't have to move."

"I was going to say a bigger couch so you both could sit next to me, but your idea works."

"I do want to make sure he's okay with me, though. He seems to be, but you know, especially if he takes after me, Heaven help us both," he sighed and chuckled. "But, it would be a lot different for him not being the man in your world."

"You're right.. It will be an adjustment for all of us.. we'd all be going from on our own to together.. Unless you have another girl and kid that have been living with you.. then maybe not so big a change for you."

"A little different than watching Amy grow up, but I suppose that still gives me a little advantage, huh? And it's entirely different than living with Sister Carlita Michael," he said, offering a forced shudder. "It should be a sin that some nuns have to shave more often than I do."

"Okay.. I didn't need to know that last bit!" She smiled and rubbed his shoulders. "This is alot different.. this isn't your sister or a sister.. this is your son, this is a boy who has never had a father or good solid male figure. Sure Damien is great when he's around, but well let's face it, not such a good role model and he has his life which makes him not around.. very much."

"You say that like that's a bad thing. You saw the way he looked at me, right? Tell me I'm crazy.. that wasn't just a 'hey old friend, how ya been' kinda look, was it?"

"No.. that was his I'd like to get in your pants look.. and I don't mean borrow them."

"You're serious," he chuckled. "Have mercy... doesn't he know I'm taken?" The idea made him curious, but not that curious. He had plans for her to have that honor, not Dam.

"News travels fast.. but not so fast that he'd know before it happened." She laughed, shaking her head. "You can't be taken until you let the other person, who will be taking you, that you want to be taken.. you know?" She gave him a playful wink, acting as if she'd just bestowed sage wisdom on him.

"So will the taking be taken out here or should we take this to the other room and take it from there?"

"Oh I knew you were trying to get in my pants!" She smiled. "Oh no.. wait.. I was hoping you would.." Brie leaned in to kiss him. "And we have the house to ourselves for the night.. so the taking can be done anywhere and everywhere.."

He winced. "Please don't put it quite like that... but yeah... it's true," he pinked again, but it lasted only a moment before he slid back along the couch, pulling her down with him. "Hmmm.... how about right here, right now, just like at Kosmicki's?"

"I think driving your bike in the house, might be hard, but we can try." She nibbled at his lips, sliding and stretching along him.

"Don't want to drive the bike... wanna drive you crazy... make up for lost time a little huh?" He said, starting to get a breathless rasp as she started his engine revving.

"Baby.. you do drive me crazy.. just being close to you." Brie leaned herself to thhe wonderful taste of his kiss, softly devouring his lips.

"Mmmm.... ouch," he smiled, the 'ow' pulling his lips apart to melt over hers. "Love you, Brie," he whispered, content to simply hold her.

[Lovely]

December 15, 2008
late afternoon
Brietta's house

She wondered how he'd take the news, sitting on the edge of her seat as she told him she was going to marry his father.

"MOM!?!? You're doing WHAT?!?!?"

"Getting married to your dad.."

"How could you!?!??!" He started to storm off.

"but.. but I thought you wanted that?"

"Cuz I didn't think you would." He pouted.

"oh my... Donnie! okay stop pouting, he's your father.. who would you rather I marry?"

"Me" he said, curling up in her lap like a much smaller boy.

"Donnie.." She sighed softly, curling around him and kissing his forehead. "I can't marry you, it's illegal.. you're my son, prince of my heart and nothing can change that."

"I know," he sighed. "I didn't mean like that anyway. I meant... you know...he doesn't deserve it. I don't think anyone does, mom. You're the best. You need the best." kisses her cheek innocently.

"Honey.. I'm never going to find anyone better than him. I love him and I always have. It's that love that gave me you.. I want us to be even more of a family.. be a real family.. all three of us, together... you don't you want that?"

His head rested on her shoulder as he hugged her. "I like when he makes you smile. Does he make you happy just because?"

She hugged him back and rested her cheek on top of his head. "He does.. He makes me so happy.." She couldn't help smiling as she thought of his father.

"Alright, you win. When grown-ups can't explain it, it's gotta be love, right? And I guess he's okay for a church guy and all. How was he ever friends with Dam?"

"Alright for a church guy?" Brie chuckled. "Think we can work on him being alright for a 'dad guy'?" She hugged Donnie tighter for a moment then loosened up. "I guess you'll have to ask him how he and uncle Dam were friends.."

"Alright for a 'dad guy' too," he smiled, hugging her back. "So he's going to come live with us?"

She nodded, still smiling. "Do you wanna help him pack? And maybe help me make some room for his stuff?"

"Aww maaaan... I bet he gets the t.v. now, huh?"

"No, but now I'm going to have two guys to fight with for it... I'm doomed.. I'm out numbered now."

"Three guys," he teased, pointing up. "Remember?"

"Uh oh... Now I don't know.. that's alot.. maybe I should rethink this.. do you think we can pretend we never saw him in church that day?" She was teasing of course and being obvious about it.

"Nooo," he laughed and shook his head. "That would be a lie and lying is bad, right? It's okay that we saw him. I'm glad he's not a jerk like uncle Damien."

"Hey that jerk is the only uncle you have.." She paused and looked at him with a smile. "Well, I guess that's not entirely true anymore.. You're dad has brothers.."

"He does? Cool. Do they play x-box?"

"I don't know.. Bertie might, he's the youngest I think.. But I haven't seen any of them in years, and honestly I didn't know them back when.."

"Bertie? Like Bert and Ernie? Are you serious?"

"No it's short for some longer Italian name.. " She cleared her throat and gave him a look. "Like Donnie is a nickname for Donatello.."

"Oh yeah, right. They're not moving in, too, are they?"

"Ah.. no.. we don't have room for them all and I think they all have places to live.. but with your dad being here, there is a chance they may come to visit."

"Really? Like another sleep over and stuff? Here?"

"Maybe.. or maybe just dinner." She was a little nervous at the idea of Donnie's family coming, wondering how they would react to the news. She also wondered for a moment how Dam would react and if he'd tell their parents what she was doing.

"Can we have spaghetti? You make the best, you know."

"Sure, but why wait? Want to have it tonight?"

"Awesome. Garlic bread too?"

"Yes, and meatballs if you want."

"Alll right! Is... he... um.. Dad... going to come?"

"Why don't you go in my room and call him to ask him?"

"He's here? Now? You set me up," he said, sticking his tongue out and teasing, He was actually pretty happy he was around, knowing he didn't scare his dad off this time. "I can let him help me make the garlic bread, right?"

She pouted. "As long as I can still help with the meatballs."

"Fine, I guess...," he said, rolling his eyes. "Okay.. be right back. Love you, mom." He slid away and ran to her room.

She chuckled, watching Donnie run off to find his dad and feeling more excited and happy about everything. She sighed softly, looking around the small house and picturing in her mind some of Donnie's things here and the three of them living together as a family. Yeah this was about as perfect as life could get.. she just hoped it lasted.. after struggling for so long and both her and her son missing that someone else to make their family complete, they deserved a run of happy and good.