A Birthday Tradition | Bones Family & Ava - 1979

[Phoebe Bones]

10 July 1979

"Gray, honey you have to wear pants. Uncle Roddy and Auntie Mia are coming over in a bit," Phoebe sighed, shifting her one year old daughter to other hip as she looked down at the 4 year old. It was hard to believe that four years had gone by so fast, but here they were. With her son refusing to put on his pants. She had no idea where her husband was in the house, but she hoped that he at least had his eye on Elle. Rounding up three kids for their birthday party was difficult to do by herself.

Setting Cami down in her playpen, she scooped Gray up and pulled on his pants as he complained and Cami screamed. Her youngest child was grumpy today, insisting that she be held every second of the morning, "Ed!" she yelled, frustrated by the current situation. Where was he? Elle toddled into the room, which meant that least all her children were accounted for. Once she got Gray dressed, with a stern reminder that yes, he had to wear pants all day, she picked Cami back up and shooed the other two into the kitchen, doing her best to keep up with their endless chatter. Thankfully the dishes were doing themself in the sink - a bit of magic she had become quite thankful for over the years. While it had been a tough situation to grasp, it had become a part of her life. Even her children were starting to show signs of magic.

Hearing a knock on the door - really, didn't the family know to let them-self in by now? - she shouted, "Door's open!" She heard the familiar laugh of Roderick as the door opened. Her brother-in-law was a sweetheart, and Edgar had mentioned that he had finally started seeing someone. Which Phoebe could only assume was the female voice she heard. Looking up as the two entered the kitchen she gave a smile. "About time you brought your girl by Roderick. Hi there, I'm Phoebe."

[Edgar Bones]

Today was already turning out to be "one of those days." The planning was there, the decorations were up, everyone should be arriving soon - but even with all of his and Phoebe's preparation for the day's party, the morning had slipped by so quickly that, at the sound of his wife's cry for him, Ed had only just started getting himself put together.

"Coming, babe!" he called back around his toothbrush, scrambling to multitask to the max in order to join Pheebs quickly. He climbed out of his pj's and into his clothes while his mind raced, trying to think if there was anything left unfinished. He'd gotten Elle dressed and had tried to do her hair properly, winding up with a lopsided something-or-other...but their daughter was cute enough to pull it off, Ed was sure. She'd just scampered off downstairs to join the rest of their tribe, and earlier he'd charmed the breakfast dishes to clean up, so that should be finishing soon, and the giant cake was hidden up high where even their rambunctious and accidental-magic-prone children should hopefully hopefully not get into it, he'd reinforced the enchantments on the backyard, put up strings of lights for later, squirreled away the fireworks...

For the past few years, in order to make things easier on the family, they'd decided to do one big giant Bones party for the family's summer birthdays. The kids each had their own ones with friends, of course, but trying to schedule in everybody's special day with the rest of the extended family...although this usually turned into a day of hardly-controlled chaos, it was a blast, and worked well enough. And this year - finally - it wouldn't just be their family...

Roddy was bringing his Ava.

Ed had promised - after some well-meaning negotiations - to limit his embarrassing Roderick-before-ten stories to one really good one. And while today was going to center around the kids and his wife - whose gift he had hidden just as well as the cake - it was also the family's first opportunity to meet the young lady who had stolen his little brother's heart. Ed wasn't exactly sure why it'd taken so long for this to happen - it wasn't as if theirs was an intimidating family - but, whatever their reasons for waiting, today was the day, and he was psyched to start getting to know Ava in person, rather than just hearing Roddy talk her up. He had full faith that she'd be just as funny and lovely as described, but couldn't help his curiosity!

And so he bounded downstairs as he heard the door open, and quickly swung himself towards the clamor coming from the kitchen, running a hand through his hair as he belatedly remembered he hadn't exactly given it a comb. He clapped his brother on the back as he entered the room, pulling him in for a one-armed squeeze, before he looked more closely at the tall redhead he'd brought with him. She was just as pretty as Rod said, and Ed felt ancient for a moment - how had it been almost ten years since he'd been a fresh Hogwarts graduate like her? - before he went in for a quick hug. "About time is right, glad you could make it Ava - I'm Edgar," he said with a laugh as he released the girl, going to pop a kiss onto his wife's head before scooping up the fussing child in her arms to give her a reprieve. "Kids - give your uncle and his friend a proper welcome!" As Gray and Elle swarmed the newcomers, he chuckled, free arm going around his wife's waist. "They look good together, eh?" he asked quietly, looking to see how the girl would take to the kids and vice-versa. But as Edgar watched, he noticed...is that a bump? His brows rose rather astronomically as his eyes shot up to meet his brother's. Unless his eyes deceived him, this meeting...was a bigger deal than he'd thought.

[Deleted]

Ava squeezed Roddy's hand tightly as they walked up the lane to his brother's home. He spoke very highly of them, and there was so much riding on this dinner, so much riding on them liking her, she was very worried about mucking it all up. Fan socair Ava, fan socair.

Things with her fiance were an absolute dream, and yet, nobody knew about the two of them. They had come so far together, she was two and half months pregnant with their first child, they were engaged to be married, and here she was, for the first time, meeting his family. Not much to be done about any of it but continue on full speed ahead, but if they were to disapprove of her in anyway then that would most certainly complicate her future plans. Roderick went on about his family all of the time, he adored them possibly more than he adored her, and in the back of her mind, she felt that he would leave her if they decided she wasn't worthy of his affections. 

At the shout from inside, Ava reached out with her right hand and opened by the door, smiling back at the handsome man holding her hand, "Have I ever told you about the time I passed out in third year? I left the door of the loo a bit ajar and when I turned to go back to my dorm, I walk straight into the side of it! It took weeks for the bruise to heal." She laughed at herself, happy to have made him so happy with her story, and finally found the place in the house that the original shout had come from. 

A woman was standing there, one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen, and a faint blush creeped onto her cheeks at being called his girl. Had he already told them more than she thought he had? Her hand was detached from Roderick's as another person entered the room, and she recognized him as the older brother. She'd been shown photos, and on top of that, the two of them were nearly identical in some of their features. Telling they were related was a simple deduction. She smiled as he hugged her and unconsciously, her hand moved onto her lower abdomen to comfort the little one, "Ava MacDougal. Thank you for letting me come, Roddy near shuts up about all of you - I've been excited to come by!"

Her hand dropped quickly as she was swarmed by the little ones, and she beamed at them, bending down to really got on their level and give them hugs. She loved kids! They were so funny and so frank with their little opinions about little things they thought were big things. Once they were done with the hugs, she shook their little hands and introduced herself properly to them, smiling along with them. Luckily there was no ring for anyone to notice, as she'd been the one to propose to Roderick, that simple tradition had been overlooked for the time being, so it really just came down to her keeping her small baby bump under wraps.

After a few minutes with the children, Ava stood up again and smiled at Roderick and then Pheobe. "Is there anything I can help set up? Any decorations that need placing?"

[Roderick Bones]

Today was a very exciting day for a number of reasons. First, the love of his life was finally meeting his siblings. He don't know how he had lived so long without Ava by his side, or how he had ever just considered her to be Liam's younger sister. She was so much more to him, she was his other half in life. She supported his decisions, she had his back. And sure, they were still new. But he hadn't even hesitated when she had proposed to him. Things were moving fast for them, but he knew this was what he wanted out of life. Of course, they still had yet to talk to any of Ava's family about everything, but he was sure that he could convince them that he would be taking good care of her. Her and their baby that was growing inside of her.

At the shout from inside, he gave her a grin as she started to open the door, chuckling as she told him a story about her third year. "Oh love, I guess I'll have to make sure all the doors at our place stay closed then. Can't have the future Mrs. knocking herself out, can I?"  As they entered the kitchen, he gave a wave to Phoebe, giving Ava's hand a squeeze. The two exchanged introductions, and before Roderick could cut in Edgar was there giving him a pat on the back and hugging Ava. 

The kids were soon swarming them, and he leaned over to ruffle their hair before looking up to meet his brother's eyes. And Roderick gave a short nod to the look, confirming the look in his brother's eyes. Ava was pregnant, and if you knew what to look for it was obvious. And considering his brother had three kids, Roderick wasn't surprised that Edgar had figured it out. After the kids calmed down, he wrapped an arm around Ava's waist and pulled her to him. "Don't worry love, Edgar's probably had the decorations up for weeks now." He winked at his brother and gave a laugh, before dropping a kiss on Ava's head. 

"Where's Mia at? Surely her fancy job isn't keeping her busy on this day?" 

[Deleted]

Amelia was only running a few minutes late. She’d run into some work she just had to finish, which put her a few minutes off schedule. So she went home and changed, didn't bother with anything other than clothes, and headed off to her brother’s house. She had run to her flat from the apparation point and then run back to go to the party.

Once she’d apparated to her brother’s she let herself in behind Roderick and the girl she’d heard about. Roderick had taken his time in introducing her to them, they hadn’t actually met her yet. But today was the day she’d finally get to meet the girl who seemed to have captured her brother’s heart. She knew she was in Ed’s line of vision and held her finger to her lips in the hopes she would keep him quiet.

“My ‘fancy job’ can’t keep me away, Rick,” she commented from behind him as she flicked the back of his head teasingly (It was the only thing she could do from behind him). “Though it did delay me a little, it couldn’t keep me away forever.” She grinned as she could now finally get a good look at the girl Roderick had spoken so much about.

“You must be Ava, it’s wonderful to finally meet you,” she gave Rick a look, wondering why it had taken so long for him to finally introduce them. “I’m Amelia.” She smiled at her before going to greet Edgar and Phoebe, hugging them both before turning her attention to the children. She gave both Gray and Elle a hug and a kiss before giving Cami a kiss as well.

[Phoebe Bones]

Edgar was swooping in behind Roderick and Ava, giving them a normal Bones greeting. She gave him a grin, glad for the break as he took the baby from her arms. Apparently all the youngest one had wanted was her father, as she stopped her fussing and looked about happily. Wrapping her free arm around Edgar's waist, she watched the exchange happening between her two older children and their uncle and Ava. "Reminds me of us when we were young," Phoebe replied to her husband in a quiet tone.

Soon Elle was wrapped around her leg, and she smiled down at the little one as conversation continued. She laughed when she looked up to see Amelia, having missed her sneaking in behind her older brother. "I appreciate the offer Ava, but we're all set. Let me know if the kids get to be too much, they get a little excited about today."

Giving her husband a peck on the cheek, she gave Amelia a hug (Elle loved her aunt, and hand thankfully been more than happy to leave Phoebe's leg to give her a hug), before running a hand through her hair. "My parents won't be by until later, so we can go ahead and get everything started. Anyone need a drink? We've got children and adult beverages."

[Edgar Bones]

"Never shuts up about us?" Edgar grinned, looking over the girl's head to his brother, and couldn't resist a tease. "Then he's got two subjects of conversation, love - us and you - just depends who he's with. Dunno what you're gonna talk about today, mate." While their oldest kids got acquainted with Ava - who seemed to be on the right track with them, good good - Phoebe snuggled in to him a bit, and he had to give her a squeeze. 

"Oi, we're plenty young," he returned just as quietly. Just because they had kids, and a house, and jobs, it didn't mean they weren't young! That they couldn't do young people things! It just...required planning. But there was a difference in not being able to be spontaneous often, and not being young, and they were definitely still young. But when his keen eye spotted the thing he thought he spotted, and Roddy confirmed, it was all Ed could do to keep his mouth shut. "Stunned" didn't even begin to describe his emotions, but he couldn't spill this for them, they'd obviously been keeping it a secret, which stung quite a bit. Thus distracted, he didn't do anything but nod along to what his wife was saying, getting shaken out of his thoughts a tad when his brother addressed him. "What can I say - not much I love more than decorations," he joked. His mind still reeling from the information he couldn't yet speak about, Ed was grateful for another distraction in the form of his sister being mischievous - he gave a shrug at Roddy's question, not about to spoil this surprise too! The family exchanged another round of hugs, Ava quickly becoming acclimated to them, he hoped, and he nodded excitedly at the opportunity his Pheebs was unknowingly affording him. "Yeah - drinks? Shout it out, Rod and I'll nab everything." The not-a-question was met with a firm nod towards the kitchen while drink orders were given, his youngest daughter being transferred into Mia's arms, and Ed fully expected his little brother to follow him. First, Roddy had kept making excuses for why they couldn't meet Ava (and while her still being at Hogwarts was a good excuse, she'd been out for weeks!). Now, when they finally meet, she's pregnant! What else had the middle Bones been keeping from them?! (And, while he was thinking on it, how far along could the girl be? She'd been at school until recently! What had his brother been up to?!)

"Merlin's beard, mate," he said lowly, laughing as he closed them in to the kitchen, fully intending to not get started on the requested drinks until he got a few things out of the man. "If we didn't have today set up, were you ever going to tell us? Congrats are in order, without a doubt - but she's - and you - " Ed shook his head and covered his mouth, doing his best to keep from laughing loudly although his shoulders were shaking from the effort. He sincerely hoped his brother would know the inability to keep a straight face was due to his own excitement. He'd imagined the day his brother would become a father - even though it'd taken him a while to find his girl, Ed hadn't ever thought Roddy wouldn't go down the path of fatherhood - but never had it been such a surprise to him! Ed figured he'd've known the girl, that she would've already been part of the family. Speaking of - "When's the wedding?"

[Deleted]

Ava smiled at her future husband, "You can be in charge of sorting those spells out then, and I'll tend to the ones regarding safety for our little ones." It surely went without saying that she wanted more than one little creature running around the house, especially if they would be able to take after their handsome father. She hoped he knew that she expected more, otherwise what she had said was quite embarrassing. 

The longer she spent in the Bones' company, the more at home she was feeling. The casual way they all spoke to one another, and now had started to speak to her was filling her with a feeling she couldn't quite place. She already felt so loved by all of them. She gladly took the kiss from Roddy, and laughed at his joke, wondering if his brother was notoriously organized most of the time. She supposed she would learn the more she was around! And the way things were going, she was going to assume that she would be around a lot. Ava smirked at the entire exchange Amelia had with her siblings, and finally, when it was Ava's turn to be greeted, she was given the same warmth. "I've heard so much about you all, it's really lovely to put faces to the names." 

She gave her drink order to Edgar and followed Pheobe over to the couch, wondering if she would be giving too much away by simply having an apple juice, or something else that was non-alcoholic. They weren't trying to keep it a big secret, but there was the matter of keeping it from her family until they were married. Some people found it taboo in this day and age to have a child out of wedlock, and anyway, Ava didn't want anyone assuming that they were rushing into a wedding for any reason other than that they loved each other. She ran a hand through her thick red hair as she sat down carefully, "So I've been promised childhood stories about Roddy - Amelia, do you have anything good on him?" 

[Roderick Bones]

As they walked towards his family, he had to give Ava's hand a squeeze at her response. Her phrasing made him smile, little ones. Not just the one that was currently cooking in the oven. He had always wanted a lot of kids, it had been great having siblings. And to hear that she had more in mind than just this one? Well it was fantastic.

And before he even finished greeting his family, he heard Amelia behind him giving him a hard time, and he pretended to wince as she flicked him in the head. "Oy Mia, not in front of the kids. Don't want to give them bad ideas." He watched with a smile as Amelia introduced herself to his fiancee, rolling his eyes in response to her look. He had his reasons for not introducing them sooner - mainly the fact that she had been in school up until recently. But he should have known they would be teasing him, and he gave a laugh. "Not quite sure what I'll talk about today, to be honest." At least, he didn't know what he'd talk about other than the conversation he was about to have with Edgar.

He followed him into the kitchen, where Edgar barely waited until the door was closed to start talking to him. Roderick gave a sigh, crossing his arms as he listened and watched Edgar's reaction. Because his brother was doing his best not to laugh, which Roderick was unsure of. He ran a hand through his as Roderick finished the question, before going to fetch juice from the fridge for Ava. "Merlin's beard indeed Ed," he replied, staring in the fridge for a few moments. "It wasn't intentional, but I love her. Have from the first moment we from being friends to more than that. Her family doesn't know yet, trying to not let that slip out. Hell, I haven't even met them yet."

Grabbing the juice, he sat it down on the counter. "Just don't say anything to her about it. I haven't even properly proposed yet, but I'd like to get married in the next month or so. Especially as her brother is likely to murder me when he finds out." Or either of her parents, for that matter. "But I am happy about this, you know? May not have been the plan but I've got her and I know it will work out."

[Deleted]

She just shook her head at Roderick, knowing full well she wouldn’t have actually hurt him in the process. She wasn’t sure why he pretended, besides, even i he had been hurt she wouldn’t feel much sympathy. He was a healer, it was his job to heal injuries. Why would she feel worried when he could just heal himself?

“As if anything I do is worse than what Edgar could teach them.” She gave her eldest brother a joking grin, knowing full well he was at least slightly more composed around his children. And before Amelia could really have much of a say in the matter, her niece was being deposited into her arms by said eldest brother. Being somewhat of an expert at this by now she simply held Cami, giving her another kiss on her forehead before turning and giving her drink order (only a couple of minutes later than she probably should have). “I’ll take any of that muggle alcohol Phoebe has, but only if I’m not going to be on Cami duty for the rest of the night,” she joked towards the kitchen. And before anyone could say anything else, Ava was directing conversation at her.

She sat down with Ava, happy to have a reason to sit while holding her niece, and thought for a minute. She had quite a few stories, but she was sure some of them would end with her getting a bit of a thrashing from her brother.

“Well… There was the time Roderick invited Phoebe’s best friend to see a movie with all of us, then conveniently forgot to invite the rest of us.”

[Phoebe Bones]

Edgar was quick to offer to grab drinks with Roderick, and Phoebe shot him a smile as they took orders. She laughed and took Cami from Amelia, giving her a smirk. "Don't worry, there's enough adults to pass her around to," The two older kids were looking at her with excitement, their minds racing with the thought of presents. She ushered them into the other room, where they broke off to go and play while she sat on the couch with Ava and Amelia, holding Cami in her lap. Ava was asking about stories, and Phoebe had to bit her lip not to laugh. She'd known the boy for so long, she had plenty.

But Amelia brought up the incident with Kyra, and she couldn't hold back a laugh. "Her name is Kyra, I'm sure she will be over at some point today. Wouldn't be surprised if she shows up the those Prewetts, really." Adjusting the baby on her lap, she turned to face Ava. "He thought over winter break in his fifth year that he could invite her to a movie and put the moves on her, making up excuses for why the rest of us bailed. Tricks on him though, she brought him to our flat after and busted him. We've never let him live that one down."

They'd ended up going to see the movie again - without Roderick this time - since it had been something that they'd all wanted to see. Besides, he'd found himself a nice girl after that. Charity had been such a sweetheart, but the two of them didn't last. And considering that Ava was by all accounts the one Roderick was going to marry, she didn't think bringing up details about that particular ex-girlfriend were the best idea. "Compared to Edgar though, Roderick has always been pretty tame."

[Edgar Bones]

Listening to his brother's story, Edgar was still in shock...but not just because he was to be an uncle sooner than he'd anticipated. The similarities between Roddy's story and his own with Phoebe were startling, and quite amazing. He made a face at the mention of Ava's brother getting murderous, but was glad Roddy was game for whatever would come next.

"You know, we're more alike than I thought, you and I," Ed said with a growing grin. Honestly, that was why he was struggling with his laughter - Roddy had always had his head on straight, didn't need guidance since he was naturally inclined to do the right and responsible thing. And Ed was glad that he hadn't taken all of the impulsivity and spontaneity out of the gene pool. "Phoebe was pregnant by the time we were married - swore me to secrecy, sorry mate, you understand. Wasn't intentional, but I wouldn't have had it any other way, since because of that we got Gray." He chuckled, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "You'll be a natural, Roddy. Husband and father. Anything we can do to help, just say the word." Knowing Phoebe and himself, though, Roderick wouldn't have to say the word for help to be offered in the form of maternity clothes, parenting books, teething rings, and everything in between. He reached up to take a bottle from the winerack above the cabinets, opening it and pouring a glass of the red for Amelia and his wife.

"Oh, and the brother?" Ed turned back to Roddy, glasses in hand, eyebrows raised. "He lays a hand on you and he's dead to me. Want me to come? Moral support?"

[Deleted]

His family was one of the most normal she had ever seen. Of course, it was mad - everyone running around, various conversations being had - but the best families were usually like that. In her parents home, it was quiet. They would read quietly, talk quietly, and would take turns listening to each other before speaking themselves. So coming to the Bones household was overwhelming, but much appreciated. As someone who had always been so full of energy, her own home almost made her feel as if she was forced to hold her true self back. Clearly Roddy was feeling comfortable enough to leave her alone while he went to help his brother, and his sisters were more than happy to involve her in their shenanigans.

Cami swung her legs excitedly on her aunt's lap, and Ava tried to control her emotions at the mention of her Rodrick manipulating a situation in order to get alone time with someone that was still close to the family. She knew that he loved her - they were having a child, and were getting married! - but the expedited fashion with which they were moving gave her a touch of cause for alarm. Would he regret it all in a year's time and continue his interest in Phoebe's best friend? The mother sitting next to her was quick to give more information, and knowing that it happened when he was still in his school years made her feel quite a bit better. Ava chuckled, "I'll have to tease him about it too then - I'll slip it into conversation later." If it happened so long ago, then he an Kyra would both be able to laugh about it, wouldn't they?

It was so nice to hear them talk about Roddy. "They seem to be so close! Not a day has gone by so far where Edgar isn't mentioned." In all honestly, he was the person she was most excited to meet. From all of the stories she had heard, he seemed like the one she would get along with the best. Only time would tell though! "So tell me how you and he got together! You have such a beautiful family." 

[Kyra Thatcher]

"I'm telling you - they're done at three, at least for...three years, I'll give them three years, will be longing for the smell of baby hair by then. Will gladly bet against you if you're so keen on it, always satisfying to win some money off of you," Kyra challenged, laughing eyes finding Gideon's in the rearview mirror before she returned her attention to the road and her sunglasses to the bridge of her nose. The topic of their mutual best friends' already full house becoming fuller was one of many on their way to the third annual Bones Birthday Bash, and Kyra was honestly glad to be driving the Prewetts out to Waltham Forest - life was busy for all of them, but in times like this it felt like they were teenagers again. They were even in the same car, Kyra having bought Liz's old one off of her a few years back, and the seating arrangement was still the same. She and Fabs up front, Gideon in the middle back seat (which never failed to amuse her, a built-up copper like him sitting in Gray's preferred seat was hysterical), the fight for radio control playful and constant up front. The only thing different than a usual drive was that Gideon was stuck between two piles of presents, tasked with the ultimate duty of ensuring their safe delivery to their destination.

Which, naturally, he took very seriously, arms protectively laid over the loot as they drove out of the city proper.

Brilliant day.

While Phoebe's house was chaos on a regular day, having company, having celebrations - it became the best chaos. The kids running around - well, Elle waddling and Gray jogging with the ungainly grace of a four-year-old - meant something was going to break inevitably, but the liquor cabinet was open, the appetizers amazing, and the cake! It was a day of indulgence with what felt like her adopted family (well, not including the Prewetts, they weren't that kind of family), and she simply loved soaking up the love before heading back to the apartment.

"...no, I mean it - you two should be on the telly, could have some documentary guy follow you about all secret-like, record your adventures. A pair of funny, hot twins saving London from itself? It would so sell, and I'll do the music - because you each need your own themes, obviously." She turned to give Fabian a grin, not entirely sure of how receptive he'd be to her catching up on teasing him today. A while back he'd gotten his big heart all twisted up, and since then, well - he'd been more tricky for her to read. He didn't ever seem mad when she'd play around, but...it was just different, undeniably different. 

"Honestly, why does Ed insist on picking everyone up?" Kyra asked in disbelief, as usual not able to comprehend the logic of her best friend's husband. But as they pulled into the driveway empty of cars besides Phoebe and Ed's, it seemed like he'd done it again. It wasn't as if they were early, surely at least Roddy and Amelia were already there! Knowing she likely wasn't about to get a satisfactory answer out of either twin - yet again - the blonde put the car in park and got out, tugging down the hem of her sundress before receiving an armful of gifts from Gid. 

"All right my loves," Kyra called from the entry after a slightly hazardous maneuvering inside with the boys, depositing her round of gifts on the table in the foyer, "I need a glass of red in this hand, a piece of cake in the other, and many more hugs than this - slacking, you lot!" Gray, Gray, good ol' Gray was soon in her arms, and she beamed as she picked up her godson. The kiddo didn't get as much of this around here anymore, what with his little sisters taking up his parents' arms...and with him getting bigger. With a bit of mustered effort - Christ, you need to exercise. - Kyra handed him over to Fabian in time for her hand to be taken up by a scampering in Elle, who, chattering excitedly about someone's pretty red hair, tugged her out to the living room to see...

Hello, Pretty Red Hair.

Her surprise showed - never was good at hiding it - as she exchanged a look with Phoebe. Who's this? Friend of Amelia's? Girlfriend of Roddy's? She came around to hug those she knew, smoothing Cami's baby hair (and all right, Phoebe and Edgar may've had a point, there was something magical about that smell) before sitting in a loveseat opposite the crowded couch, Elle climbing onto her lap like she owned it. "Yes, right, make yourself comfortable, milady," she teased, eliciting a giggle from the little girl before turning her smile on the young woman she didn't know. "Sorry love, don't think we've met - I'm Kyra, grew up with Phoebe and the Bones'."

[Fabian Prewett]

”I don’t know if that’s a bet you should take Gid,” Fabian said with a laugh, twisting around in his seat to look at his brother who was crammed in the back seat. The Bones were already up to three kids, and he didn’t doubt that once this war settled down they’d add another one or two to their brood. Phoebe was a great mom, and Edgar loved being a Dad. Fabian couldn’t blame them, those kids of theirs were cute and he’d thought about maybe having a couple of his own one day. At least, he had before. Ever since Lauren had left he hadn’t been the same. He’d loved her, had promised her that he could protect her from the same fate as her parents. She had even asked him to go with her – maybe he should have. Acting like everything was fine was hard, especially when people wouldn’t simply let it go. She’d taken off and he would get over it, he wasn't the type for falling in love anyway. And while he was glad to be headed to the annual Bones birthday bash, he was worried he’d get cornered and forced to talk.

And he was done talking about it. He’d talked to Gideon, he’d talked to Ed. Today needed to be about the Bones family and their birthdays. He forced himself back into the conversation, coming into the world where Gideon and Kyra were discussing some kind of cop show. He gave a chuckle as Kyra turned to him, before flexing for her. ”As long as you don’t think people would get distracted by these guns here,” he joked, hoping he seemed more cheerful than he actually was. Kyra was great, and they’d had a thing on and off again for years. Maybe some time with her was all he really needed to pick his spirits back up.

He chuckled lightly as Kyra began to complain about Ed picking everyone up – another white lie for the muggle – and shook his head. ”I’ve known him for years and I couldn’t tell you how his brain works, but he’s not gonna let it go.” He followed her in, helping Gideon with the last of the presents, and put a smile on his face that didn't really belong as Grayson came running to the door at their arrival. ”You go sit, I’ll get the wine,” he said to her as she handed him Gray, giving the kid their signature head butt greeting. While Kyra was dragged to the other room, Fabian headed into the kitchen with Gray, walking into a conversation between brothers. ”Who are we killing today? What’d you do Rod?”