Senior Year of College

I stood in the very middle of the arena. Most of the graduating class left, but a few took their time like me. I tossed around my red cap as I walked past where I waited for the president of the college to hand me my criminal psychology degree. I smiled at the spot where my band of misfits screamed, hollered, and yelled at the stage as I went to accept my degree. Even Martha was cheering while Tabitha and Edward were pretty awkwardly placed in the mess.

"Eoin! Come on, we wanna take you out. The sun is close to setting; I wanna get home before it's too dark."

Finn waited at the head of the aisle, dressed in a white button up, black slacks and a dark blue cardigan. His long curls tucked behind his ears, showing off his galaxy plugs.

"Okay, okay, Mr. Bossypants," I chuckled as I walked over to him.

He punched me lightly in the shoulder and turned to walk out the arena. I caught him by the wrist and pulled him back into my arms.

"Eoin! I'm serious," Finn mumbled into my chest.

I hummed a response into his hair and squeezed him a little tighter to me.

"I'm also hungry, and you know I'm a gremlin when I'm hungry," he threatened.

I laughed and pecked the lips of my boyfriend of the last two years.

"Alright, grumpy. Let's go, where are you taking me?" I insisted.

"It's a surprise," Finn hinted at as he dragged me into the parking lot.

"Surprises are no fun."

"Not for you, but definitely for me," Finn bragged.

Finn led me to his Ford Fusion and quickly went to the passenger side.

"Where's everyone else?"

"They went ahead because someone wanted to reminisce about 20 minutes ago!" Finn explained.

"Someone's a hungry, hungry hippo," I mocked.

"Yes, yes I most certainly am," he agreed as he put the car into gear, backed out the parking space, and drove onto the main road.

As Finn drove in near silence, with a few grumbles about making us late to dinner, I noticed we were taking the back route towards my land.

"Hey, are we eating at the house? Because I told Martha that she didn't have to cook tonight," I pointed out.

Finn remained quiet about it and didn't take his eyes off the road. As we pulled up to the front gates of the property, I noticed everyone's cars parked in the front courtyard and the lights and shadows in the dining room window.

"They're rather terrible at hiding now, aren't they?" Finn quipped.

I nodded with a chuckle while Finn activated his remote to open the front gate.

He pulled into the garage and parked his car next to one of my cars. Finn got out the car and I followed his lead into the hallway connected to the garage that was to the left of the living room.

Finn waved for me to walk ahead of him towards the dining room, completely cranky from hunger. I gave his temple a sympathy kiss and he swatted me away, absolutely fed up with everything.

As we rounded the corner, two figures popped out from the corners of the room.

"Surprise!" They shouted.

Martha, Tabitha, and Edward less enthusiastically said the same and mockingly waved their hands about. Penelope and Quinn grinned from their hiding spots as they gestured to the large array of food on the table with 4 placemats.

"Congratulations, Eoin!" Quinn cheered as she attempted to wrap her arms fully around my waist in a hug.

"Thanks, Quinn," I accepted with a ruffle to her newly pixie cut hair.

She frowned, huffed, and moved back while making her hair presentable again.

"What's all this? Surely, you didn't cook, Martha," I questioned.

"Heaven's no! I love ya, boy, but when I get the chance to not cook I'll take it!" Martha defended.

"It's Panda Express, Eoin. You don't get to eat it often by Martha's strict meal plan, so we thought we'd let you indulge," Finn added.

"Fast food didn't get you the skinny body you have! You dears have a nice dinner, us old people will retire for the evening," Martha interjected.

"Goodnight, guys. Thank you," I praised.

Tabitha and Edward went to their unattached quarters within the grounds and Martha made her way to her car in the courtyard to drive back to her husband at home.

"Let's eat, bitches!"

Over the hour, we all chatted, laughed, shared, and enjoyed great food with each other. After a bottle of sparkling cider and several fortune cookies, Finn and I said goodbye to Penelope and Quinn as they headed back to their apartment in the city.

"Police academy is next month."

I looked over at Finn on the other side of the bed. His bottom lip was being stressed by his teeth in worry. I opened my arms and he scooted into them. Sighing, I held him tight and rubbed his back.

I kissed the top of his head. "I know."

"I won't see you till the end of July," he worried.

"We'll Skype and call as many times as possible," I reassured.

"I know."

"Think of this, when I get back, this skinny nerd you love so much will be as ripped as Channing Tatum," I whispered in his ear.

He giggled into my chest. "I guess that's a plus."

"Damn straight it is!" I assured as I tickled his sides playfully.

Finn let out a string of giggles and squirmed all over the place. I climbed over him and straddled his hips. He let out a gasp as I caressed gently down his side to his hip and thigh. I leaned down and stole a kiss from his lips before sitting back enough to stare into his eyes.

"But until then," I breathed. "I'm gonna enjoy every moment of these next 4 weeks."

Police Academy, Week Five

Sweat dripped down my face as I made my fifth suicide out of twenty. The distant exaggerated yells of twisted encouragement of my drill sergeant were far in my mind as my brain put sole energy into the required movements.

Run, stop, run back, stop, run further, stop, run back, repeat.

Breathe in, breathe out, repeat.

Hustle, hustle, hustle.

My muscles were used to the strain as they pushed themselves through suicide number seven. The burn didn't fester until suicide fifteen, and the ache didn't set in before it was over.

"Hit the showers! Block D, report to testing center number zero-zero-dash-five-one for psych evaluation. The rest, report to your designated classes until your block is called for evaluation. You're dismissed," the stout sergeant instructed.

"Sir, yes, sir," the group collectively saluted.

We all leisurely walked to the showers and washed off sufficiently before putting on a fresh uniform. I stayed a bit longer under the water as I, no pun intended, psyched myself up for the evaluation. There are a billion things they could ask and a billion ways I can answer wrongly.

Could they even tell with this evaluation?

Anything's possible, I guess. My block doesn't have classes until 5 after this, so I'll definitely Skype Finn afterwards.

Most of my block mates already made their way to the testing building, so I quickly rinsed off, dried, and dressed. The building was a flat square in the corner of the academy, scarce amount of windows, a dull grey paint job, and two ominously large double entrance doors.

The twenty of us in Block D were huddled in an open room of tables. Everyone was spread out, other than the more friendly members that sat together talking quietly. I sat near the front but away from most of the group. At the very front, two men in white coats speculated us. One had glasses, a thick nose, and balding white hair, the other short, younger, and much more sophisticated like he needed to show his modern intellect.

The younger doctor stepped forward, causing the room to go silent. He adjusted the clipboard in his hand before clearing his throat.

"Good afternoon, recruits. I am Dr. Taylor, and this is my colleague Dr. Wells. We are going to call you up alphabetically, one by one, then escort you to an evaluation room for testing. You are then free to return to your lodgings."

Everyone grumbled their understanding of what's going to happen.

"Excellent, first I will evaluate Abel, Rain?" Dr. Taylor called out.

Rain Abel stood up to his 6'5 height in the other side of the room. He was very tough looking in comparison to his hippie name, but his personality wasn't threatening at all. I saw the doctor noticeably gulp at the giant stomping towards him and heard him mumble to him to follow him.

"Campbell, Damian?" Dr. Wells announced.

Damian lazily walked over to the doctor, which tested his patience. The two went into another evaluation room, leaving the 18 of us remaining to occupy ourselves for the next few minutes till the doctors returned. I entertained myself with memories and fantasies of Finn, two more weeks and I'll see him again.

The next hour went on like that and one by one, the doctors read our names, tested us and put us on our way. Until it was I and another member waiting.

"Tait, O-in?" Dr. Taylor tried to pronounce.

"It's pronounced, Ian. It's Irish," I defended.

"My apologies, I've never encountered a name like this," he explained.

I lifted an eyebrow. "Thank you?"

The doctor nodded and waved a hand into the hallway before leading the way. He was at least a foot shorter than my 6'3. Brown styled hair swayed with every step, as did his lanky body. We arrived in a pristine white room with an examination table, a few cabinets, and a leather couch accompanied by an overstuffed leather armchair.

"Please, have a seat," Dr. Taylor invited.

I went around him and sat comfortably on the couch. He made his home in the armchair and gathered his clipboard and adjusted the fashionable glasses on his nose.

"Okay, now you must be aware that everything forward will be recorded and will not be shared outside the respected people of this academy. Do you understand so far?"

"Yes, I understand," I dutifully answered.

"Excellent," he praised as he pulled a recorder out and placed it on the coffee table between us. "Let's begin."

He then went on to ask a series of personal questions like have I dealt, done, or have a history of drugs? How was the social environment in school? Previous and current relationships?

"You are currently in a relationship?"

"Yes, with my boyfriend Finn of the last two years," I responded.

"How did you meet?" He questioned after jotting down information.

"In secondary school. Year 7, his friend Penelope greeted me and he tagged along," I answered honestly.

"Your file says you are recently turned 22. Why such a huge gap?"

I eyed the doctor as he waited patiently for my response.

"I was dealing with some personal issues for a while," I chose to say.

"Mhm. Your file also says you are the son of business entrepreneurs Katherine and Sean Tait, is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct."

He paused to write down some confirmation. "Was this personal matter related to your parents?"

"No," I answered.

"How is the relationship between you three?"

I shifted on the couch. "There's not one to begin with, I'd like not to talk about it."

Dr. Taylor nodded and penned more. "Very well. Is this personal problem eradicated?"

I'd like to think so. "No. But that is why I aspire to become an officer, and someday, a detective on a crime task force."

He tapped his pen on the side of the clipboard repetitively, wrote some things, and looked at me again. "Let's continue."

~=~=~=~

"A psych evaluation? Jeez, they really crack down on who they want on their squad."

I chuckled. "They wouldn't want a mind controlling freak on their unit; they need to weed them out."

Finn frowned shamefully at me. "Well, they better not cry when they realize the crime rate's rising and mind control is literally a genius weapon."

I shrugged. Ever since I started to control the anger I feel whenever I use my power, criminals have started to rise again without an ominous, mysterious Devil there to cripple them with fear. It's really raised these last months as a new crime boss has been said to push drugs within the city limits.

"Hey," Finn called to my attention, lifting me from my thoughts. "You're gonna do great. You'll graduate, start at the bottom, and rise to the place where you're needed. I believe in you."

"You always have, Finney," I thanked.

I put my hand up on the screen, and Finn did the same. We sat and stared at each other for a few minutes till I noticed the time.

"I gotta go, Finn. My training classes start soon and they're a ways from my block. I love you," I reminded.

"I love you too, goodnight," he repeated back, and blew a kiss.

I pretended to catch it and told him that I'll keep it for my late night fantasies. He giggled, waved me off, and disconnected the call. I walked to my forensics class with a huge grin on my face.

"Hey Eoin, what's with the grin? You get some phone sex today, or what?" Wyatt, a block mate in the class, pestered.

"It's called being in love, Tomkins. You should try it," I returned.

"Nah, that lovey dovey, gushy shit ain't for me, thank you. I'll stick to bagging, tagging, and ditching."

I shook my head with a laugh and brought my attention to my teacher who began the class.

20 Years Later

"Daddy, badge."

Evangeline held up my shield with her tiny, toddler hands. I could tell she felt proud to help me get ready.

"Thank you, bubbles. Daddy couldn't go to work without his badge, he couldn't fight bad guys to save his princess," I praised as I picked her up.

"Oh no! Daddy, you need to save me. I'm precious," my little 4 year old princess pleaded.

"You're precious? Then all the bad guys would want a piece of the treasure!"

"They won't get me because you'll protect me, right daddy?" Evangeline pouted.

"Right, princess. Now let's go eat breakfast with papa, okay?"

She nodded and laid her head on my shoulder as I carried her down to the dining room. The smell of sizzling bacon and eggs frying met us at the archway to the kitchen. Finn was passionately slaving over the stove-top as he dished big plates of food. He paused every now and again to swat away our 13 year old son's hands from picking at the food. Weylyn hissed and dramatically tended to his hand.

"I'm hungry, papa!" He complained.

"You're always hungry, Wey."

Weylyn tucked his bright red hair behind his ears and huffed. Finn reached over and ruffled it up again, laughing to himself.

"Ha ha! Lynnie got in trouble," our 8 year old, Morgan, taunted.

"Morgan, don't tease your brother," I disciplined as I set Evangeline on her booster seat at the table.

"Yeah!" Weylyn added as he childishly stuck his tongue.

"And Weylyn, stop being greedy."

He pouted and continued to watch Finn cook from the breakfast bar. I rounded the kitchen island and wrapped my arms around Finn's waist.

"Good morning, beautiful," I greeted, laying a kiss on his neck.

He giggled. "Good morning, Eoin."

~=~=~=~

"Alright, have a good day. Papa will pick you up today."

Weylyn paused before opening the door. "Another outside case?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I need to drive out to meet with another department. They need my expertise, apparently."

He frowned. "Typical. Be careful."

I looked at my son. He's my only biological son, and he grew up to look just like me. Red hair and a fiery attitude to match.

"I will, Weylyn. Now get going, or you'll be late," I pressed.

"Bye, dad," he waved off, joining his circle of friends who were waiting on the steps.

~=~=~=~

I sighed as I went through the paperwork at my study. Crime in Chester, and Cheshire County entirely, declined so rapidly ever since I was promoted to detective, 5 years ago. My powers set a shadow of fear over the criminals in the area. Crimes like drug pushing and prostitution were near nonexistent as I pushed myself deep undercover and whispered into the ears of every kingpin, pimp, and druggie.

Cities surrounding us have been requesting my consult for the past 6 months. With crime on the street dwindling, I was more than happy to help. Soon, cities from neighbouring countries in the Kingdom, or even countries in the mainland of Europe, will know of me. Much to the chagrin of Weylyn. He has hard time dealing with the long trips, especially now that he's in a place where he needs a father's voice.

A knock took me out of my thoughts. "Come in."

Finn's chocolate curls poked out of the doorway. "It's nearly 11. Come to bed."

I sighed. "I'll be there in a minute, just need to organize these back into their folders."

He grinned. "Okay."

I shamefully watched his ass as he walked back down the hall and up the stairs. Humming to myself, I made quick work of the messy pile.

Walking down the halls, I peeked into Morgan and Evangeline's room. Though there were plenty of rooms, Morgan insisted on Evangeline rooming with him till she was older so he'd be a good brother when she's not feeling great. Both munchkins were happily sleeping on their beds. I passed one of the two hall bathrooms and stopped at Weylyn's bedroom door. I lightly tapped the door and cracked it open slowly. I was met with a messy room and an equally messy bed used by a snoring teenager.

When I felt satisfied, I went into our master bedroom. After getting undressed from my suit and putting on pajamas, using the toilet, and rinsing out my mouth, I climbed into the bed with an already sleeping Finn.

As I cuddled him gently, I sat and thought of everything that lead up to this moment. The last 35 years were filled with every emotion under the umbrella, but I made it where I should be. In a home, with my children, holding the love of my life.

And I don't regret any step I took to get here.