Kay clutched her head in her hands tighter, trying to block out the screaming. It was none of her business, she didn't want to know what went behind closed doors. But she hated it. Hated that Jimmy and Kyle were screaming at each other because of Maxi Grant. That woman deserved nothing.

How dare she come there and scream at Kyle? At any of them? Because she was part of the problem. Part of why Sam was in that bed, dying, why all his sons were hurt. Why she was hurt.

The door opened and Jimmy stormed out, anger and confusion battling on his face. "Oh, hi."

"Hey. Are you and Kyle okay?" she asked, standing.

"Yeah." Jimmy shifted from one foot to the other. "Just a mild disagreement. Mom's an idiot and he's way too lenient about it. Anyway... I'm going to find Jessie. I think it's time we moved out."

Kay nodded and sat back down. As worried as she was about Sam, she felt the need to get out of the hospital, too. The air felt scarce and even if there was a constant flurry of movement, it was too quiet. But she'd wait it out. Kyle and his mom were probably talking, getting into some deep conversation which would end with Maxi apologizing and comforting her son and...

The door opened and Kyle slipped out, his movements slow and careful. Kay stared bewildered. He'd been in there less than a minute longer than Jimmy. Maxi had obviously failed to apologize, but he didn't seem to care. He only had eyes for her as he eased his way into the uncomfortable plastic chair next to hers.

"Hey. Found a place?" he asked quietly.

She shook away the stupor. "Yeah, we found a hotel close by so we can rush over in case..." She didn't know how to finish that statement. They'd had such a mix of good and bad luck lately, the chances seemed equal for Sam to either die or wake up.

"In case we have to," he said with a nod.

"Yeah. In case we have to. How are you feeling?"

He ignored her question and just stared at the door leading to his baby brother, to his unfair mother. And Kay felt a burning need to hold him, make everything bad go away. Except she couldn't. Not this time.

"I wish I could say everything will be okay," she whispered.

Though, stupidly, for her it was. Because he was walking, talking and breathing, which was much more than she'd hoped for half a day ago. They were somehow still alive. Most of them at least. At the thought of Billy, her windpipe seemed to close, but she forced a deep breath and drove the thought back.

He wrapped and arm around her shoulders, but didn't pull her against him. She leaned against him, expecting a wince or a flinch, but fortunately, he didn't stir. Still, it wasn't enough. Not in a moment when everything had gone to hell and they were picking up the pieces.

Kyle ran his hand along the bandage around her head and kissed her temple. "Does it still hurt?"

She shook her head. Her head throbbed, her bandaged arm stung from her cuts and burns, and her broken rib constantly stung her side, but his touch made it better. She wished she could do the same for him.

"Honest truth?" he asked.

"I feel them, but they don't bother me anymore." She looked up at him. "I want to hold you so badly."

He sighed and winced. "Me too."

She took his face in her hands and kissed his lips. They were dry and rough. She ran her tongue across them and they became soft and warm like she knew them. He kissed her back slowly, carefully. And she ached. Ached with the need to hold him against her, kiss him properly, make sure that he was still the Kyle she knew.

She climbed into his lap, squeezing his hips between her knees, keeping as far away from his torso as possible, trying to extinguish the burning need inside her. It was a bit better. At least she could feel more of him and his warmth brought life back into her.

He put his hands on her hips and leaned over to kiss her again. Still soft and careful and sweet until he ended it, but pulled her against him, holding her tight. He moaned in pain, but only held on tighter.

She gasped. It felt amazing, but it was hurting him. She could tell from the way he trembled under her, from the way his fingers curled into her hair and his forehead pressed into her shoulder.

"Kyle," she whispered. "Baby, you need to let go."

"Do you want me to let go?" he muttered into her shoulder. His voice was strained and laced with pain.

"Never." The word was out before she could stop it. "But it hurts you."

"Not holding you hurts me more."

She tightened her grip on him, biting back more tears. He tensed, but didn't pull away, only dug himself deeper into her. They sat like this, in silence, for what felt like forever. Fat tears rolled down Kay's cheeks with every second she knew she should let go. But she couldn't. Not after she'd seen him get stabbed in the back. Not after she'd been sure he'd bleed out and die. Not after hours of pain and confusion and uncertainty. She loved him, she needed him. He was her life.

"I love you so much," she whispered between tears.

"I love you, too, sweetheart, but please don't cry. We're okay. We're going to be okay."

Kay finally let him go and pulled away. She could feel his body relaxing and he took in a shaky breath. His eyes were glazed and wet, but no tears fell. She'd never seen him crying. Not out of pain or frustration or sadness. She wasn't even sure he could. Because he was made of the hard stuff. And everything felt better. Bearable. Because they were okay. And whatever would happen next, they'd face it together.

"Time is weird," Kyle said all of a sudden. "I have no idea where the last day went."

"I think we've been in the hospital for most of it. Knocked out for some of it."

"Yeah..." he looked upward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "It's Christmas. Our first Christmas together."

He was right. She'd totally forgotten there was such a normal thing as Christmas. How typical that they'd spend their first Christmas together in a hospital waiting room.

"That's why I think it's time to give you this." He sunk his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.

Kay's breath caught into her throat.

"Don't worry," he said with a smirk. "It's not what it looks like."

She nodded shakily, marveling at her own stupidity. Of course it wasn't a ring. It was much too soon for a ring. But, damn it, in that moment, she would've said yes even if it was. But when he opened it, it was somethings so much better and more appropriate.

A thin golden necklace with a pendant in the shape of a K. There was a small stone on each arm of the K and she wondered if they were diamonds. Knowing Kyle, they probably were.

"It's...it's..."

"Don't you like it?"

"I love it. But it's not fair. I didn't get you anything." She stared at it some more. "Where did you get this?" When did he get it? It wasn't like they'd had a lot of spare shopping time lately.

"In Cheverny. I saw it by accident while I was searching for roses. And speaking of which. You already gave me my present."

"When?"

"Two nights ago."

Two nights ago. The memories of that night had her shivering. "That was for me as much as for you."

He grinned. "See? Everybody wins." He took the pendant out of the box and secured it around her neck. It fell against her collar bone, delicate and perfect.

"You know what? I think I actually have a present for you, too." She could figure something out between scratched lungs and broken ribs.

"Really?" His eyes lit up with enthusiasm as if he could guess it was something naughty.

She leaned a little closer and whispered, "I don't care what everyone thinks. I got the two of us one room."

"I would've torched you if you didn't." The confidence and challenge in his smile made her want to rush over right then, leave behind all the pain and worry and lose herself in him. "Can we go to the hotel now? I want my gift."

Before she could answer, the door to Sam's room opened. Kay wobbled out of Kyle's lap, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. She didn't even dare look at Maxi who'd come out and was glaring at them with raised eyebrows.

All the sparks in the air fizzled and died as reality came crashing down on them. They weren't on vacation in Paris. It didn't matter if it was Christmas or not. She and Kyle weren't going anywhere.

Maxi opened her mouth, but before she could chastise them, the sound of clicking heels drew their attention to the end of the corridor. Sophie Gramont hurried towards them, her light blue gaze fixed on Kyle. He and Kay stood.

"Maman?" both Maxi and Kyle asked at the same time.

Sophie completely ignored Maxi as she launched herself at Kyle. Kay got between them and stopped her before she could hug him. Sophie barely spared her a glance before she returned to Kyle who raised his t-shirt with a grin, to reveal the bandage around him. Sophie stared at it for a second, then started gibbering away in rapid French.

"Calm down, Maman. Of course I didn't call you. I didn't want to worry you," Kyle said on a indecently light tone.

Sophie started berating him again, wagging her finger at him. Kyle only laughed and it made him cringe. Kay wrapped her arm around his waist, though she knew it was useless and there was nothing she could do to stop his pain.

"Oh, Kay, I'm so sorry," Sophie said, looking at her properly for the first time. "Gibbering away in French when you can't understand. I'm just so worried."

"That's okay, I totally understand."

"Are you alright?" Sophie asked, worried.

"Yeah. It looks worse than it is."

"Can I at least hug you?"

Kay nodded, a little surprised by the older woman's request, but hugged her back tightly, ignoring the pain in her ribs. Some things were just worth the sacrifice.

"I was so happy to hear that you and Kyle are finally together," she said, holding Kay at arm's length. Her eyes fell on the pendant. "Oh, is this your Christmas present? It's beautiful."

"I know, I love it. But it's not fair. I didn't get him anything."

"I told you that you already gave me my present and there's nothing better you could have..." Kyle froze, his face lightening up as if divine revelation had come to him. "Oh, I know something better."

Kay almost choked on the laughter fighting its way out. "Okay, but please don't say it in public."

"Why? What's wrong with full cookie jars and crates?"

Heat rose to Kay's cheeks because she knew exactly what he meant and she so wanted to give him that.

"You must really like your cookies," Sophie said casually.

Ah, crap. And from her tone and smirk, Sophie obviously understood what they were talking about. Not that they were being incredibly subtle. And Maxi was right there, still scowling at everyone.

Kyle wrapped an arm around Kay's shoulders, a mischievous smile on his face. "Nothing in the world I love more."

"Me neither," she blurted out before she could help herself.

"Perfect. You're on the right track, then," Sophie said satisfied.

"Wait a minute." Maxi's voice was laced with anger and Kay's muscles tensed. "Wait one freaking minute. Since when do you, Kyle Grant, call your grandmother mom?"

Oh, not this crap. Kay clenched her fists, but Kyle only shrugged.

"I've always called her that."

"She is not your mother," Maxi shrieked. "She is your grandmother. I am your mother."

"Believe it or not, Mom, I'm not an idiot and actually know the difference," Kyle answered, his tone much too calm for the situation.

"Don't you dare take this out on him," Sophie said between her teeth. "It's not the child's fault he's confused. You abandoned him, so don't come claiming your spot eighteen years too late."

"Wait, what?" Kyle said, confused.

"I did not abandon my child," Maxi said, tears filling her eyes and Kay just wanted to slap her. "I had my reasons..."

"Oh, really?" Sophie's tone was merciless. "Do tell me these wonderful reasons of yours."

Maxi bit her lip, tears running down her cheeks. They didn't impress Sophie.

"There's nothing in this world that could justify what you did!" And her next words in French made Kyle cringe and Maxi step back, her eyes wide and shocked.

"That's not true! Freider does not hate Kyle. As a matter of fact, he's been very proud of him lately."

"Oh, I'm sure," Sophie spat out. "That's why he hit him. To show his appreciation."

Maxi and Kay both gasped. Anger surged through Kay. At this woman who claimed to be Kyle's mother, at the man who made their life hell and did everything in his power to break them up. How dare they? How dare they claim they loved him and wanted what was best for him when they didn't even bother to raise him?

"That happened months ago. Things have changed. He's doing his best, has even been nice to Kay..."

Sophie huffed. "Kay's an angel. What's not to like about her? Doing his best, my ass."

"Maman, stop. You have no right to criticize me or Freider--"

"Oh, I don't? You--"

"Stop it!" Kyle's voice cut through their fight and had both women turning to him. "This is ridiculous. You're mother and daughter and haven't seen each other in years. I know you're my mother, Mom, just like I know Maman is my grandmother. I'm not confused. I was never confused. I love you both and you both fill the space you're meant to in my life."

"But cheri..." Sophie started.

"But nothing. I don't care why they left me in Texas. If they hadn't, I couldn't do half the things I can, things that saved our lives so many times. And I wouldn't have met Kay. So all's well that ends well."

Maxi and Sophie both fell silent, though they stared daggers at each other. Kay only cuddled against him, feeling the need to get out of there. He was much too kind, much to understanding. Especially after Maxi accused him of Sam's state.

Their squabble was interrupted by the appearance of Jessie and Jimmy. Jessie was back in her normal clothes, so Kay guessed they were ready to get out of there. They stopped, both of them watching Sophie confused.

She turned to them, too, and the anger on her face vanished. "Oh my God! Jimmy?"

"Um, yes..." he said, watching her sideways.

Sophie seemed lost for words as she looked from him to Jessie and back. "I never realized how handsome Jerry is."

"I think he'll be thrilled to hear that," Kyle said with a grin.

"And you..." Sophie indicated towards Jessie. "You must be Jessie."

She nodded, looking as confused as Jimmy.

"She's our other grandmother," Kyle said, finally taking pity on them.

A look of understanding dawned on their faces, and they both smiled as Sophie went to introduce herself and fawn over them. Kyle gestured to Jimmy to show they were leaving, then turned to his mother.

"Mom, if anything happens, call. Maman, you can come visit anytime." Without giving them time to answer, he wheeled around and led Kay down the corridor.

She still seethed with anger at the injustice of it all. "Do you really not want to know why they sent you to Texas?"

"No," he answered calmly, but his hand trembled a little on her waist.

"Why not?"

Kyle sighed and fortunately didn't cringe anymore. "Because I'm afraid Maman is right and Dad really does hate me. And that's something I don't want to know."

Kay bit her lip. She'd want to know. Because she wanted all toxic people out of her life. But she'd respect his desire to drop the subject. "Are we really leaving?"

"Yeah. I just want to find a doctor to restrap my bandage and give me more painkillers. Because I want my cookies."

She stopped and stared at him. "Kyle, you've been stabbed in the back. It almost punctured your lungs. You can hardly breathe without twitching. How do you think panting would make you feel?"

"Awesome. It would make me feel awesome." He grinned at the stupefied expression on her face. "Trust me, sweetheart, this wound or any other won't keep me away from sex. From you. I'm awesome like that."

He was. In every possible way.

❄

Maxi walked down the hallway of the hotel, Jimmy's words tearing her soul to pieces. He was right. She'd never known how to be a proper mother, how to treat Kyle after he came home. The darkness of her past threatened to swallow her, but they didn't know that, they didn't have to.

And then there was Sophie and her close relationship with both Kyle and Kay. Her mother knew Kay, they were on first name and hug basis. As much as she tried to fight it, Maxi was jealous of this world she didn't know, a world she wanted so much to belong to.

Kyle acted so natural towards Sophie, hiding nothing from her, while he was always stiff and guarded around her. But she couldn't blame him. Not after she'd outright assaulted him and refused to apologize. In that moment, she couldn't.

But now, it was time she did. She stopped in front of his door and took in a deep breath. Her first knock was pathetic, so she tried harder. In mere seconds, it opened, to reveal Kay wearing a white bathrobe.

"I'm so sorry," Maxi said. "I thought this was Kyle's room."

Kay nodded and pulled out of the doorway as though inviting her in. "He's in the bathroom. He'll be right out." She walked to the bed and sat, a mild frown on her face, as if Maxi's presence bothered her.

Maxi closed the door in her wake, trying to compute what she was seeing. Their rucksacks were open and clothes were scattered everywhere, mixed up. The fact they were sharing baffled her for some reason. They were grownups. Why did she care? She had no right to interfere.

"What are you doing here?" Kay asked, crossing her legs. She obviously had no pajamas under that robe and Maxi had to fight a weird sens of jealousy overcoming her.

"I wanted to talk to Kyle."

"To apologize, I hope."

Maxi gritted her teeth. She'd always liked Kay, but the animosity between them was palpable and it didn't take a genius to tell why.

"Not that it's any of your concern--"

"Oh, but it is," Kay cut her off. "When you hurt the man I love, it is my concern. And just like he stood up to my mother when she was abusing me, I'm going to stand up to you."

Maxi raised her eyebrows, unable to believe what she was hearing. "Excuse me?"

"If you ever lay a hand on him again," Kay said, her voice low to make sure Kyle couldn't hear her, "I'm going to make sure you don't use your hands anymore for a while." She straightened in her seat. "Sam's not his fault. We all did our best."

Maxi just gawked, still trying to process that Kay, sweet Kay, had threatened to break her arms. She wasn't sure if she should be proud that she loved Kyle so much or be freaked that he had chosen a psychopath. Though as she looked around the room to escape the awkwardness, she realized it was something they might have in common.

Guns, bullet proof vests and cartridges of ammo were displayed over the furniture, and Maxi realized they had been prepared for this.

Curiosity won over her shock at being threatened. "What's all this stuff?"

Kay just raised her eyebrows, obviously not wanting to let sleeping dogs lie.

"I'm here to apologize," she said. "What I did was unacceptable for a mother. There, are you happy?"

Kay crossed her arms as well. "I'd be happier if you told me why you abandoned him in the first place."

She was starting to get on Maxi's very last nerve. "Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I don't have to justify myself to you."

"No, you don't," Kay agreed. "You have to justify yourself to him. Kyle!"

Maxi flinched, realizing she wasn't ready to face him yet.

"What?" he called from the bathroom, his voice muffled.

"I need you out here."

"Really now?" His voice was playful, teasing. Innuendo.

"But please come with clothes on," Kay said as if all she wanted was to further mortify Maxi.

"Where's the fun in that?" Kyle opened the bathroom door, a toothbrush in his mouth, fortunately wearing clothes.

But as she looked carefully, Maxi realized all he had on were a pair of pajama bottoms. What she'd taken for a t-shirt was actually the bandage around him.

"Oh, great," he mumbled. "A little warning next time?"

"I'm just here to apologize," Maxi said, raising her hands.

Kyle squinted at her and a shiver ran down her spine. "Did Jimmy guilt you into this?"

"Um, no."

"Because you don't seem to be sorry." He turned back to the bathroom to drop the toothbrush and rinse. When he came back, he didn't seem in a better mood.

"I am sorry..."

"Look, Mom. I understand that you were worried about Sam. I also understand that you had your reasons to abandon me or whatever. All I'm asking is that you don't act like you didn't."

His words cut through her, sending a fresh wave of tears to her eyes when she didn't think she had any left.

"I even forgive you for hitting me," Kyle continued. "I just want you to own up to your decisions. You can't have more of me than this." He waved his hand around the room.

"But I love you."

"I know you do. I love you, too. And that should be enough."

Maxi bit her lip because she understood what this really meant. He was kicking her out of his life.

"I want to be by your side."

His expression finally softened. "Why can't it be like it's been until now? We do our thing and you pretend you don't notice."

"I can't. Not anymore. I need to know what's going on." She waved her hand around the room. "Why the guns, the vests. Why you were here."

Kyle let out a laugh, but it was harsh. "I'm sorry, but you and Dad will just gave to get used to the idea that this is a part of our lives you have no access to. We're all adults. You brought this war upon us, but now we're going to finish it."

"This shouldn't be on you--"

"But it is," he said, his tone final.

Kay stood and walked to him, wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her shoulders and in that moment, watching them, Maxi couldn't help the feeling that she'd just become extended family. She'd wanted Kyle to show how serious he was about Kay, but she never thought seeing it would hurt so much.

"I just..." She didn't even know what to say. He'd made it very clear. There would be no shared secrets between them, no teamwork. She and Freider were out.

"You're still my mother. I'll still need your help or your advice from time to time. You'll still be the grandmother of our children... My children," Kyle corrected himself.

"Freudian slip there, babe?" Kay asked, amused.

"More like wishful thinking," he retaliated, giving her a squeeze.

And Maxi felt like what she really was. A total intruder. She was faced with a choice. Throw a hissy fit and alienate her children, or accept her role as the subpar mother she was and try to do better.

"I'll help you with your children," she said, standing. "But please give me at least a few more years because I'm a little young to be called grandma."

Kyle and Kay both relaxed as she eased back into the role of oblivious provider. Because she would never in a million years do anything that would ensure she wouldn't be involved in her grandchildren's lives. She threw a weary look at all the weapons. If she ended up having any.

"Please take care of each other," she said. "Whatever you do. And remember that if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks, Mom," he said, all edge gone from his voice.

That's when she knew she'd won all she could. "I really am sorry," she said. "But sometimes, the past is like a shadow that falls over your mind and you just..." She sighed. "You're good kids. You'll never have to face that."

"You and Mr. Grant should both be proud," Kay said. "Your kids are much better than you ever were."

Her words rang inside Maxi's head as she said goodnight and let them be. Whether Kay had meant to insult her or not, she couldn't deny the truth.

As crappy as they'd been as parents, she and Freider had produced something far superior to what they'd ever been.

❄❄❄

I know this is long, but it was either this one or the next with the middle scene. The next chapter only has once scene and it's going to be the last.

I know the first scene is not a surprise. It's been tweaked a little to fit into this story. And the second one... Let's just say it was very different in the initial version, but I had too much fun with Kay bursting Maxi's bubble and Kyle finally drawing the lines. Maybe it's weird that I had it from her POV, but that's how it felt best.

Get ready for the grand finale! Hit the star and give me your thoughts.