[A/N: If there are any grammatical errors, feel free to tell me.]

-Erica's POV-

The rain began to pick back up, growing in intensity.
It was quiet, for a while, but soon words were finally spoken.

"Uncle Blasius? I really get to keep him?"

"Hell, I'm sure Adair will have no problem with you having a dog." Blasius replies, and laughs.
"He might even get nostalgic....you never know with him. He's so damn weird..." Blasius smiles and walks back into the kitchen from the large dining table they were sitting at.

Sebastian's light blue eyes stared up at Erica. His wet, short grey fur was sleek and shining in the light.

"Huh? Are you cold? Uncle, do you have a towel I can borrow?"

"Sure. I'll be back. You two just enjoy your tea."

He walks to the hallway on the left. And goes down to the room at the end.
When he comes back, Erica takes the towel that is handed to her, and begins to dry Sebastian off.

"It doesn't seem like the rain will let up anytime soon." Tobias says, looking out the window in the kitchen.

"Speaking of the rain, why don't I drive you two home? It'll definitely be much warmer in a vehicle, and less chance of one of you getting sick. Erica?"

"Yes?"

"How about I keep that little guy here until you can get him some supplies?"

"That's fine! Thank you very much."

"He can ride back with us, so everyone can at least meet him. And, Cecilia called me a little while ago while I was coming back, and said that they have a little surprise for your parents?"

"Damn, she beat me to it! I'm not sure if Michael is in on it... but I know that Emma is, and Alois too, apparently."

"Well, it seems that she has quite the elaborate plan. It's very her, for sure.
Extravagant, but fun. It's a shame that I didn't get to see you all grow up." He sighs, with a sad look lingering in his eyes. "She told me to tell you that the code word for tonight is broccoli... she must've come up with a word on the top of her head..."

She nods. "Well, Father can be very stuck in his ways. I can't help but wonder about his change of heart. Althoughhhhh, you can help Cecilia!"

"I'm glad I can...He explained to me that he was swayed by Anneka, finally, to make peace. I'm not sure why it worked this time, but it did. And, I'm glad that I can see you in person. Anneka used to send me pictures of you all...it was the only way to know about you, sadly."

"You're much more level-headed than Father."

"I won't say I don't have a temper...but one cannot exist without the other, though. We are two sides of the same coin. Our personalities, somewhat different, but coexisting."

To Blasius' surprise, his phone, which is laying on the kitchen island, goes off.

"Pardon me." He goes and walks down the hallway, and into a room.

"Pardoned!" Erica shouts, then goes back to her tea.

"Hey, Tobias?" She looks over at his cup, which is now empty.

"Would you mind helping us? I-It's probably a lot to ask b-but I'm sure Cecilia would appreciate the h-help!" Erica quickly blurts out, and looks down at her embarrassed reflection in her half empty cup of Earl Grey.

"I-It's fine, Erica! Really! I'll help!"

"Y-You have your own problems to deal with, though."

It's obvious his father won't be here for much longer.... and it's easy to say that he "did it to himself", but he couldn't or didn't know how to ask for help.

The familiar smell of cigarettes began to fill the house.

"Huh...he smokes too?"

Tobias shoots Erica a questioning look.

"Aunt Catronia smokes cigarettes. Although, I know Emma told me she's trying to quit; that was last year. She never did mention Uncle  Blasius, though."

"I'm back, and it seems Adair is as ambitious as ever."

"God, what's Father doing?"

"He specifically told me not to say anything. I'm sorry. Well, as it seems that I have some phone calls to make now, and I'll be taking Sebastian to the vet, I think I should get you two home now. Do not rush yourselves to finish having tea."

Erica looks back at her cup. "No, it's fine. We can leave now if Tobias is finished."

"It's fine, Erica. I'm done for now."

She glances over for a moment and replies, "If you say so... Uncle? Thank you for allowing us to borrow some books. It's greatly appreciated!"

"It's nothing, Erica. Let's head out before it starts raining again?"

"Okay!" Erica stands up and takes the cups back into the kitchen. Once that's done she goes and picks up Sebastian.

Erica runs outside and opens the car door sitting Sebastian on the cloth seats.  "Be good, okay? Stay!"

Running back inside, she gets her stack of books, Blasius' box, and the paper roll, which covered her face.

"Erica, that's a lot....do you want me to carry some of it?" Tobias asks her.

"N-No, no! I've got it!"

I keep...pushing myself! Don't fall. Just don't fall! Embarrassing! Absolutely embarrassing! I've got it! I'VE GOT IT. God, how does Cecilia do so much....?

Once everything was inside the car, Blasius with Erica and Tobias in tow, backed out of the now lonely driveway.

The silence, unnerving. I hate it. The stillness. I hate it. The lost feeling! I HATE IT! I FUCKING HATE IT! I can't take the NUMBNESS ANYMORE!

"Erica? Erica?!"

Uncle's voice...

"W-What?!"

I drifted too far... damn it...

"If you had to pick... what'd be your favourite song?"

"Oh, um, I'd say... maybe The Dead Days by Get Scared...? Why... why do you ask?"

Sebastian sits his head on Tobias' lap.

"Does there have to be a reason?"

"I... guess not..."

"Tobias? What about you?"

He's taken aback, however, he answers in a calm manner, "P-Probably Check Yes, Juliet by We The Kings."

A small, dry laugh escapes his lips, as he stares out onto the road behind the wheel. "You both are interesting. Interesting indeed."

Erica stares out the window as they pass dozens upon dozens of houses and various establishments. One house, however, stood out.

Most would assume that house, with its simple white outer appearance, an ordinary home, with an ordinary family residing there that it would be absolutely peaceful. That they could DO NO HARM... but THAT MAN... THAT MAN IS DANGEROUS. HE TURNED HIS OWN FUCKING CHILDREN AGAINST THE INNOCENT... an innocent family... that could do no harm... we became machines... to protect ourselves from people like him. There are things that REMAIN STOLEN there and what HAS...  BEEN STOLEN. What remains lost... will change for the last time tonight...because you can't get back who's already dead. That house... THAT FUCKING HOUSE... has ANSWERS.

Passing the streetlamp on the corner at the end of the row of houses, Blasius makes yet another turn.

Almost home...

Letting out an audible sigh, she looks over at Sebastian, who surprisingly still had his head on Tobias' lap. She gives a small smile and quietly says, "I think he likes you..."

Turning his head from the window and gives a little laugh. "I've always liked dogs..."

Erica cut him off by shouting, "YOU MAY LIKE DOGS... BUT CECILIA-!"

Pulling into the driveway, the house seemed chaotically... lively.

Erica ends her one-person shouting contest with a solemn "Oh..." and unbuckles her seatbelt.

But, he's not here. Not now. I want him back... I want him back...!  I WANT HIM HERE! He and Adele... got along tremendously well. She's a very caring person... and I'm so grateful for all the times that she's made him smile when I was too fucking caught up in all of that bullshit.

God... no... why do I do this to myself?! Am I that pathetic?!

Sebastian's head and ears perk up at the sound of the click of the seatbelt and letting out a small bark. Blasius gets out of the car, and goes to open the other door. Tobias motions for Erica to go first and once the both of them are out, Erica calls for Sebastian. "Seb! Come on!" After hearing Erica's voice Sebastian scampers to get out of the vehicle, but hesitates and whines for help. "You'll need to learn how to get down... but just this time!" She picks him up and sets him down in the driveway and he starts to sniff around. Erica then leaves Sebastian and runs inside yelling, "Father! Father! There's a dog! I WANT YOU TO MEET HIM!"

More yelling ensued, but from upstairs.

"WHAT ABOUT A DOG?!" Cecilia's voice...

Father... has a smile on his face? It's been so long since I could genuinely see a smile from him...

Soon, you could hear lots of footsteps, then seeing everyone look happy for once. Today turned into a happy day...for someone, at least.
I feel so bad for Tobias and his family...what they're going though... Perhaps I could at least offer them the opportunity to come here one night and have a stress-free meal. I'm sure Father wouldn't mind...

Cecilia upon seeing Sebastian was very ecstatic.

"Father? CAN WE KEEP HIM?!" Cecilia asks, with her eyes wide and a big smile...

"Yes Cecilia, we'll be keeping him."

"HELL YEAH! OH, LET'S HAVE LUNCH! IM HUNGRYYY!"

"I'll start lunch. Uncle, why don't you join us? I-If it's alright with you, Father?"

"Of course."he replies.

Erica screams, "YAY! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go! Cecilia, can I help?!"

"Sure, I'd appreciate it!"

"YEAH! LET'S MAKE SANDWICHES!"

Erica runs inside, with Sebastian following.

Soon, the house was full, ingredients were laid out in order and everyone assembled their sandwiches.

"Hey! Hey! Toby! Can you help me with something upstairs?"

"Of course."

"Yay! Bring the sandwich! Bring the sandwich! Bring the sandwich!!!"
Immediately Erica sprints up the stairs while Tobias calmly followed.

Once inside he sees a giant paper banner spread across the bedroom floor that said: "Happy Engag-" He closes the door and sits down where Erica is motioning.

"Okay!! Bannwer time!" She says, eating her sandwich.

"Something for Cecilia, right?"

"Mhmm! They're getming engage-. We're gonna supise Mother and Father..."

"Ahh. I'll help in any way I can."

Soon they begin working on the half completed banner.

Eventually Erica grows tired and says, "I'm gonna go downstairs and get something to drink... want anything?"

"I'm fine, but thank you."

She gets up and walks downstairs and notices the conversation going on in the background....

"Don't worry! I can make dinner. I was thinking of orecchiette with this broccoli sauce I saw online. It looked super good, and vegetarian! How about I take everyone to go to the store with me? It'll be more fun that way..."

"She told me to tell you that the code word for tonight is broccoli... she must've come up with a word on the top of her head..."

So it wasn't off the top of her head! She was planning on making dinner! She's so smart! Ooh, I gotta get Tobias!

Erica runs to the fridge, grabs a bottle of water, and up the stairs.

"Tobyyyy! Let's go, we're going to the store!"

"Oh, did Cecilia give the signal?"

"Mhmm! Let's go!"

Cecilia and Adele were the ones to go out first, followed by Michael, then Erica and Tobias.

"We'll be back soon!" Cecilia yells to their parents, right before they all pile into the black SUV with Cecilia and Adele in the front, the second row of seats were occupied by Michael on the right, Tobias on the left, and Erica in the middle.

"Alright, everyone settled in?" Cecilia asks, as she starts the car.

"Yep!"
"Mhmm!"
"Yes!"

And then, they were off.

______________

The store parking lot was full, but they luckily found a spot semi close to the door.

"Okay! Erica and Tobias, go get two shopping carts, please!"
Cecilia asks, right before Erica makes a beeline for the parking lot cart area.

"Whee~ LET'S FUCKING GO!" Erica screams as she rolls past her siblings, with both feet on the cart.

Cecilia sighs, "Well, I was gonna say to give Adele and I one and you two could have the other one, and have Michael start looking for more craft supplies.... Try catching up to her if you can. We're on food duty for the time being!"

"Alright, I'll go with her. Hey, Erica!"

"Ooh~ this is pretty! Oh... but I forgot my wallet..."

"Erica! I finally found you! Oh, whatcha got there?"

"It's a collar pin. They're moons! Look!"

Silver crescent moons.... I wish I could get it... But I don't have any money...

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, but I don't have any mon-."

"Come on, I'll get it for you."

"Wha-?!"

Tobias takes Erica's hand and walks up to a register. The cashier scans it and Tobias gives them some money, then receives change.

"Here, Erica."

He..... He bought.... He bought ME SOMETHING? Agh! Why does my face feel hot?!

"U-Um... I uhhhhh..... ummmm...."

Am I...... broken?!

"B-BATHROOM!" She yells, as she sprints off.

"O-Okay... I'll be where the balloons... are."

AHHHHH!!!!
WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?!

"Oh my god! I look like a fucking tomato...."

"Erica?"

A familiar voice...

"A-Adele! W-W-What are you doing here?!"

"Um.... I was using the restroom?"

"RIGHT! THAT'S..... YES!"

She tries walking towards a stall....

"Woah, woah! What's up? You're so frazzled you can barely speak! Did something happen?"

"Uhhhhhhh..... I..... He.... pin..... He bought....."

"Okay, one word at a time."

"Tobias.... pin.... he bought...."
She holds out the pins.

"Ohhh! I see! Come here, let's fix you up!"

_________

"Better?"

She sighs in relief, "Yes, thank you..."

"Cecilia and I will meet up with you, Tobias, and Michael in a few minutes. Okay?"

"Alright!"

Erica walks out and looks around for Tobias.

"Erica! Over here!"
Tobias yells, waving.

"Everything alright?" he asks.

"Y-Yes, I'm fine!"

"Michael's coming this way. Oh, and there's Cecilia and Adele."

"Hey hey, kiddos~ we ready to go home?!"

"Yes!" Three voices said in unison.

_______
"Wooaaahhh! It's fucking dark already!"

"Erica. There's children...."

"Okay... it's REALLY FUCKING DARK AL- MHHHMH!"

Pink eyes glanced over. "Michael, let go of your sister and unclasp your hand from her mouth..."

"Ughhh, fine."
_______

"Mother, Father! We're home!"

"Oh, Uncle!" Erica began, with wide eyes. "You're still here!"

In a hushed voice... "Well, I can't have just you girls and two young boys just help you!"

"You're gonna help?! Thank you, Uncle!!"

"No problem. Now we just have to do the final part of our plan!"

Everything is fuzzy... What.... What happened again?
That's right... after Mother and Father left we put up decorations... and... AND.....!

"Erica!" Tobias yells from the front door, with a look of confusion.

Erica turns around, not very far from the door, flustered as rain droplets start to fall. "Shh! Just... I'll be back! It won't take long, that is if I can talk to him... Don't tell them I left! I-It's a surprise! I'll be back before they come home!"
Turning back around, she begins to run into the bleak tones of dusk.

Shit.....SHIT! I have to bring them home! I HAVE TO! It's fucking pitch black! Even if I make it home quickly, will I REALLY make it back in time?! No, I'll have to. I should call... and make sure they're there.

The only noises were a few miscellaneous cars and Erica's footsteps keeping in time with the pouring rain. Water droplets being illuminated by Erica's phone, as she scrolled through her contacts, selecting one and dialing the number.

One ring...

Two rings...

Three rings...! Come on, damn it!

"Hello?" A brooding, but calm voice on the other end says, monotonously.

"Hey, Blondie. Are you at Rina's place?"

"We're here. Where are you, stupid?" He lets out a smirk.

"Almost there... I can see the house from here.... I think..." She says, as she turns left.

"You think?"

"Uhh....y-yeah! D-Duh.. I'm not... stupid!"

"Hold on... and I'll meet you where you are... have you past the streetlamp on the corner?"

"I'm AT the streetlamp..."

"Don't move."

"Oh, WHAT? Are you gonna KIDNAP ME, BLONDIE?!"

"If you want..."

"Woooooow! I REALLY FEEL THE LOVE!" She yells, sarcastically, but laughing.

"I see you... you can hang up now... if you want..."

"Naaah...! It's been a while since we last spoke, you know..."

"I know..." Blondie says slowly and sighs.

The call... ended.

"You're definitely as tall as I remember. What I DON'T remember are those cracks in your glasses. What happened?" He asks, aloofly.

"Irene punched me. That's why my nose is all red and swollen! It huuurts!" She groans. "I RAN INTO MY DOORFRAME THIS MORNING WHEN I WAS LEAVING WITH-!" She stops. "NEVERMIND!"

"Why not tell? You already started to say it..."

He turns around and starts walking, with Erica following close behind.

"It's... complicated!"

"Complicated?"

"Y-Yeah! Complicated!"

"It seems everything is complicated in your family..."

"It shouldn't be, though."

He sighs, "I know, Erica..."

Not far away, is Aloyisius standing in front of that damned house.

"Christopher? Back so soon?" Aloyisius says aloofly, without moving a muscle.

"Well!" Blondie rolls his eyes. "She wasn't very far."

"Can we PLEASE just get them and get the hell out of here?!" Erica whines out. "This place gives me anxiety, s-so let's just hurry.... please?"

Aloyisius turns, with an odd look in his eye. "You do realize... this might not go down without a hitch, right?"

"Duh! I'm not dumb! Joseph is an ass! There's no way in HELL that he's just going to let us casually walk into his house and take them! Now come on, damn it! We don't have much time!"

Without hesitation, Erica heads towards the door.

"Erica, wait! Do you even have a plan?!" Alois asks quickly.

She turns to face him with a wide smirk across her face. "Yeah! My plan is to get the HELL OUT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE! If we have trouble, you'll be my trump card!"

Erica knocks on the door and stuck her hands in her coat pockets, her smirk growing.

The click of the door handle stirred in the quiet of night.

"Oh! Erica! Lovely to see you!"

"R-Rina..."

"I know why you're here, Erica."

"C-Can we come in? Er, I mean... Alois and Christopher are with me... so..."

Rina gives a small, warm laugh and smiles. "Of course."

Walking in hesitantly, Erica looks behind her with a worried expression.
Christopher looks her way and sees her face.... like she was about to cry.

"Hey, want me to go ahead of you?" he asks.

She nods, letting him by.

Then, a voice calls out. "Rina! Who's at the door?"

"Oh, just Christopher and Aloisius! They were nearby and stopped to say hello!"

"Well, then close the FUCKING DOOR already!"

"Y-Yes, of course... dear..."

Rina goes and shuts the door quickly.

"Mom, is everything okay?"

Irene's voice...

"It's fine, honey... Can you get Brendon and-"

"I TOLD YOU I DONT WANT TO SEE THAT FUCKING RODANBAUGH WANDERING MY HOUSE!"

Erica looks at Alois and whispers something in his ear.
He gives a nod and walks up the stairs to Irene. He says in hushed tones,"Irene, go get them, please... if not for Erica, then for me. Please, help us..."

Without saying a word, Irene leaves and goes to a room to the left and opens the door slightly. She then goes inside and closes the door behind her.

Erica walks up the stairs and joins Alois, looking back at Christopher who was glancing around...like he was being watched...

The door then swings open to three figures with bags and belongings: Irene, and two boys. One with messy brown hair and one with dark black hair..."

"E-Eri?! Eri, it's you! I-I missed you so so so so much!"
The raven-haired boy says with a sparkle in his eye.

"Eri...? THAT FUCKING RODANBAUGH BITCH?! RINA, YOU FUCKING LET HER IN MY GODDAMN HOUSE?!"

The once sparkling eyes now clouded by tears...

"Hey, don't cry okay? It'll be okay..." Erica walks over and gives him a hug.

Stomping through the house grew closer, and closer...

"Irene, watch out!" Erica screams as she runs and tackles Irene, knocking her to the ground.

BANG!

A bullet hole now in the wall of the staircase hallway was put there by....