Syndrome

Fischer and Rexalynn strolled the halls to their lockers, dashing through all the kids who were gossiping, and exchanging wristbands. Rex wasn't the least bit interested in high school antics, but Fischer on the other hand was more than curious enough for the both of them. Slipping away from Rex's side momentarily, he strolled over to the bunch of kids with the wristbands, putting on that smile he used to persuade people.

"Hey... what're you guys handing out? Looks interesting." he said, flashing his signature smile at one of the girls from the cooking club. She smiled blushing lightly.

"Uumm... oh, invites to a masquerade Halloween party.

Yo-You wanna come?!" she asked excitedly, staring up at him with an instant crush.

He chuckled, "Sure... can I grab two of those from you?"

She grabbed a couple of bands from her purse and handed them to him, "You'll need the addy. Do you have a pen?"

"Oh yeah... here." Fish said, pulling a pen from his bag. He handed it to her, eager to know where the party was going to be.

"Do you have any paper?"

"Oh, snap! No... oh, you can write it on my arm. I'll just jot it down when I get to my next class." he said, handing her his arm. She giggled, quickly scribbling the address to the old Grover Mansion along with the time, "Coolio, thanks for the invite... ummm, what was your name?"

"Charlotte..."

"Ahhh, thanks Charlotte. You're a doll!" he said, skipping off happily. He stuffed the wrist bands into his bag and went off to give Rex the good news, "Eh, Rex," he said, nudging him in his side, "Guess what I got?!" he asked, jumping up and down excitedly.

Rex turned and looked at the excited expression all over his face, before returning his attention to his locker to finish repacking his bag.

"I was really talking to you and then I turned around to see you were gone. Where'd you disappear to? And what has you so excited? You're like a little firecracker."

"I feel like I swallowed a bunch of firecrackers!" he said, with a low scream, "I got us invites to a Halloween party! We're so going. Don't you want to go?"

"A party?! So, that's what the leeches were handing out? Honestly. If they focused as much energy on their studies, half of them wouldn't be held back." he said, shaking his head in distaste*, "With that said, I'm not one for the party scene. The only partying I plan to do is study for the big biology test at the end of the month. As should you, Fish..." he said, slamming his locker shut.

"Boring-- No way will I let you miss out on your first party. Like seriously. Come on Rexi! Please... I can't go by myself..." he said, making a sad pouty face as he jumped in front of him.

"Fish..." Rex said, with an irritated sigh.

"Don't say my name like that... You need a distraction. So many costumes to choose and decide on. I wonder what to wear... You can't tell me you don't want to go, too?"

"No, I really don't. I mean, partying has never been of any interest to me. It could be fun, but they're usually nothing but trouble." he said, trying to resist the sad face that was back on Fish's face. Unable to take it anymore he finally caved, hoping in the back of his mind he wouldn't regret it, "If saying yes will make you stop with the solemn face, I'll go."

"Whoooop! You don't know how excited I am!" he said, clasping his hands together happily before wrapping his arms around him in a tight hug.

"Oh I think I can gather just how ecstatic you are." he sighed, "Oy vey... Between you and Leo, I get into the wildest of things."

"I can't wait. Our first party of the year!! eehehh!!!" Fischer squealed excitedly.

"Yes, we'll discuss it more tonight. But you know Iruka is not gonna let us go, right?"

"Iruka's not the boss of me. I do what I want."

"Right..." Rex laughed, "Remember that when he says, no."

Fish rolled his eyes, deciding to focus on what he was going to wear, and the potential plan he'd have to make in case they had to sneak out. Walking to their next class, Rex couldn't help feeling like the party wasn't gonna be as exciting as Fischer was thinking.

As the day drew on it was finally lunch period, Fish and Rex took a seat at their usual table by the window, and waited for the arrival of the 'L's as they had nicknamed their boyfriends.

Strolling over from the long lunch line with a big yawn, Lamb joined them at the table with food. He passed them out and took a seat next to Fish, giving him a quick peck to the head.

"Hi Lammy! Did you hear about the party at the Old Grover Mansion?" Fischer asked, opening the salad he'd brought him.

"Party? When is it?" Lamb said, unwrapping his burger.

"Seriously?! It's been all over the school. It's supposed to be a halloween masquerade party. It sounds promising. Don't you think?"

"Mmm... That sounds kind of cool. I did hear a little bit about it in gym class. You two going?"

"Yes. Rexi's a little nervous about going. He'd rather study instead."

"There's nothing wrong with studying." Rexalynn said, with a proud smile, "Where's Leo by the way? He skipped again?" he asked, pursing his lips to the side.

"No, there isn't. But you need to experience your first party." Fish said, stealing the veggies Lamb had picked off his burger.

"If he doesn't want to go, don't force him, Flores. And Leo is at home with a cold. Sounds right around this time, autumn brings with it sickness."

Rex rolled his eyes, knowing exactly how he'd gotten sick,

"Poor thing. Did he happen to mention to you about the run in with his parents Saturday night?"

"What? No! All he talked about was the movie you guys saw. What the hell? I'm guessing since he didn't mention it, it went horribly?" Lamb asked, flicking his sharp blue eyes up curiously.

"It went worse than horrible. They were as ghastly as ever." he said, giving them the rundown of what happened.

"Damn... I really wished they'd stay away from him. I know he went charging up to them, but I'm really tired of them." Lamb said, taking a sip of his soda, "Skipping over that bit, he's sick from laying under some sprinklers. I'm sure he did that on purpose."

"That's what I said! I'll have to check on him after school. I told him the same as you, he needs to cut all ties with them."

"Wow. I used to think my parents were bad... sheesh, my parents are amazing. I feel for Leo. Though he irks the shit out of me with every inch of his being, he doesn't deserve that kind of treatment. Just horrible times omega. Me personally, I wouldn't have even said anything. I would've turned around and walked the other way."

"You? Walk away?" Lamb asked, knowing his little spitfire would've done the exact same thing.

"Yes, Lambertinto, I'd of walked away..." he said, giving him a feigned glare, "Right after I did the same thing he did. Shit! We really are alike. My life is completely over." Fish said, pretending to cry.

"You two are so much alike it's crazy." Lamb said with a laugh, getting a call from Fischer's unofficial twin, "Yo, whatcha need virus?" he answered.

While Lamb listened to Leo's long list of things he needed him to pick up on his way home, Fish and Rex fell into their own conversation.

"Anyway, what are you doing after school?" Rex asked, taking the last bite from his salad as he glanced at a group of kids getting their invites to the Halloween party.

"Well, besides studying, nothing. I was gonna work on some sketches, but I'm thinking of going to visit Umi."

"How is she? Still the same?"

"Sadly, yeah. I think I'm gonna spend the night and cheer her spirits a bit. Maybe I'll make her my mannequin. If she's going to act like one, she might as well let me use her as such."

"Fish, you're horrible."

"Oh I kid... Sort of. But you gonna be okay, alone?"

"I won't be alone. Iruka and Ray will be home."

"Nah, didn't you hear Iruka this morning? He's taking Raygan on a date tonight. They're going to meet up with some old college friends and what not. So they'll be out late. It'll just be you and Sir Bento."

"Can't they take him with them?" he sighed, "Maybe I'll go to the library..."

"Or you could go see your mom. Isn't Ro supposed to be over with her?"

"Yeah, but I think she's staying with Gavin. He's still working off his sickness. But I guess I could go visit her, that'd be nice. She's been swamped with new rescues. I texted her last night, and she was talking about getting together on the weekend. But I do want to see her. Maybe I'll swing by for dinner. So instead of having to deal with Bento I'll have to deal with Pokki."

"Right, but you'll be with your mommy. So special!"

"Dude! Why do you need a 5 gallon tub of ice cream? No... Yeah..." Lamb said, letting out a sharp sigh, "Yeah, I have asthma. You make me sick! Eff me? Eff you! Oh, oh, I know you'd love that!... perv. What flavor? That's not-- okay, okay I'll look. Yeah, he's here... we're talking about Baby Einstein... M'kay..." Lamb said, handing Rex the phone, "His royal highness, wishes to conversate with you."

Rex looked at the phone for a minute before taking it,

"Leo, what is it you need? You're gonna get us all expelled... we're not supposed to use-"

"Eh, don't go all school-obsessed on me. I mean, seriously, running down the rules... You're making my school allergy flare up." he said with a cough, "Can you swing by after school and visit me? I'm lonely and Lamb's being mean to me."

"Are you sure you weren't being mean to him?"

"What's he saying?" Lamb asked, stretching across the table, snatching the phone back from him, "I know you're not on this phone spittin' lies, you dumb son of-"

"Wow, umm, anyway... I'll think about coming over." Rex said, taking the phone back from Lamb, who busy ranting under his breath, "I'm not trying to get sick."

"It's only a cold."

"It's only contagious... look, I have other things to contend with than my sick boyfriend who got sick of his own volition."

"You're so meeeeaaannn.... I'd take care of you if you were sick. Please, please--" Leo whined and begged. As he continued, Rex hung up on him opting to surprise him rather than give him the satisfaction of letting him know his begging had wore him down.

"Whatever you do, don't answer until I'm far away." Rex said, sliding the phone back to Lamb.

"You hung up on him?! He's so gonna snap." Lamb said, with a deep laugh.

"Right. Well his begging and pleading was grating my nerves. I'll come over and see him. Just don't tell him I'm coming. I need to pick up some things from the market in order to make this soup that gets rid of a cold in an instant."

"Well, you want me to swing you by the store and over to Lamb's before I go see Umi?" Fischer asked, leaning his head on his hand.

"I could always bus it. Seriously, it's okay."

"Don't be silly... I'm not going anywhere but home. And besides, I already have to pick up Sire's ice cream. So it only makes sense." Lamb said, flashing him a smile.

"Thank you, Lamb. I really need to get some transportation of my own. Like a bike. I'll have to check my savings. I should have enough."

"We don't mind driving you, Rexi."

Fish said, playing with a strand of his hair.

"I know... but with my job I'll need to be able to drive myself. Plus, I really want this vintage bike I saw at Oatmeal & Honey Co. So it's no big."

"How much is it?" Fish asked, curiously.

"Not telling... I know you too well, Fischer. If I tell you, you're gonna go out and buy it for me."

"No... I just want to know how much it is. Can't a bestie buy their bestie things?" he asked, fluttering his eyes innocently.

"Yes, but at least let me repay you the favors first."

"Fine... you can-- buy me my hostage gift. I'm thinking, Tiffany's, Oscar De La Renta, or Vivienne Westwood..."

"Let's start with something small, Mr-Champagne-taste. Like, oh I know, the tools to fix my bedroom door!"

"Mega-Omega-Lame!" Fish said, as the bell rang, "Come up with something better than that." he giggled, grabbing his back pack.

*****

As the hours passed, the time to leave the dungeon known as school had finally come. Lamb and Rex headed to the store, while Fish headed off to see Umi.

"So, I haven't gotten a chance to ask, but are you excited about the trip?" Rex asked, sending Leo a text as they strolled through the store, picking up the last minute items Leo had requested.

"I'm super excited. I'll be in my complete element. I'll miss my mom, Fish, and you, but it's not like we'll be gone forever. Hell, we probably should stay longer."

"Longer? I think Fish would kill over from sadness. But you do what you've got to. I'm pretty sure I can keep him occupied while you're gone. Of course we could always go and keep your mother company." Rex said, putting several cans of chicken stock in the cart.

"That'll make her happy. I plan to call Fish everyday. He'll be okay. I probably spoil him too much as it is." Lamb said with a laugh, "Although, he's the one buying me ritzy gifts." he said, looking down at the watch Fish had bought him, "I really need to get a job when I come back. I'm not sure I can afford him." he said, throwing a party size container of neapolitan ice-cream into the basket, along with a half gallon of pina colada swirl.

"Non-sense! Fish may be a bit lavish, but he loves you. He loves to spoil the people he cares about. Don't feel like that."

"Okay, okay, I know..." he laughed, putting his hands up defense, "I'm just sayin' I'd like to be able to buy him things, too."

"Well, I think he'd appreciate anything you gave him. If you gave him a rock with a flower tied around it, he'd be over the moon because it came from you. If anyone else tried to give him that, he'd chuck it right at their face. Consider that to mean he loves you more than money." he said, as the sight of a brunette women and several kids caught his attention. The followed behind her like little ducks in a straight line, being as quiet at possible. Each knowing they'd get a reward by the end of the shopping trip if they were good.

"Geez, I've never seen such calm children. If those were my cousins... Well shit, they'd have this store in shambles." Lamb said, imagining the havoc this store would face.

Rex laughed, notching the last little Ducky, as he'd deemed them, looked awfully familiar. As he watched them continue on, the little boy glanced in his direction doing a double take. A big smile came on to his face as he broke away from the line.

"Looks like we have a lose link." Lamb teased, as he quickly made his way over to them.

"Rex!" he yelled, hugging him tightly.

"Oh, hi, Aerrow..." Rex said, hugging him back, "How are you?"

"Great! Me my mommy and my brothers are on a shopping excursion. My older brother said that word means a small adventure. But we're playing the quiet game, and whoever wins gets the biggest surprise." he said, with a big grin missing one tooth from the top and bottom, "Where's Leo!? Who's he?" he asked looking at Lamb curiously?"

"Oh, this is my friend Lamb. Lamb, this is Aerrow. Leo and I met him at the carnival."

"Nice to meet you little guy." Lamb said, patting him on his head.

"You too!"

"Anywho, Leo's not feeling well. So, we're picking up food to help him get well."

"Aww! Being sick is sucky. I'm not allowed to go swimming when I'm sick and that's just the pits." he said, continuing to hug Rex.

"Is it now?" he asked, giggling at him.

"It is, it is... I hope Leo gets better."

he said, as his mother and brothers came down the isle.

"There you are little one. We were looking for you. You're always wandering, my little explore." his mother said, noticing Rex, "Ahh, you're one the people who found my son at the fair a while back." she said, flashing a warm smile at him.

"Yes, ma'am. It's lovely to see you again. Aerrow was just telling me about your shopping adventure."

"Ahh, did he?" she giggled, "Say, we come here too often, but with several boys to feed, it's to be expected. They run through food as if it were going out of style."

"That's boys for you." Rex said, glancing at the four little boys who stood two on either side. He couldn't help noticing that the two older boys looked alike, while the two that were Aerrow's age looks strangely like him, "Are they... Multiples?" he asked, trying to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

"Ohh, yes! I assure you your eyes aren't playing tricks on you." she laughed, "Twins and triplets. The twins are, Flint & Jäger, they're 12. The triplets are 9, and their names are, Fletcher, Archer, and well you know Aerrow. Pretty rare to have twins and then a couple of years later, triplets." she said, "Oh, how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Drew Darlington."

"It's nice to meet all of you. I'm Rexalynn and this is Lamb." he said, introducing himself, "Who knew you had so many siblings, Aerrow? I'm actually a twin myself. So is Leo."

"That's so cool!" Aerrow said, "We wish we had a sister, but mommy says we have to wait." he said, looking at her with his big eyes full of hope, "You can be our sister." he said, with a laugh.

Rex blushed, "Oh, I guess so..." he said.

Drew laughed, taking in their uniforms, "Do you all go to Fallborough Academy?" she asked, curiously.

"Yes ma'am."

"Hmm... How's the curriculum there, if you don't mind me asking? I'm looking to get the boys on an early wait list. I hear they have high marks."

"Oh, it's top notch. That's for sure. The classes are intense and informative. The teacher's actually teach you. Your boys would love it there. But, I didn't know there was a wait list." Lamb explained, feeling like he'd seen Drew before. He just couldn't place his finger on where. He scanned her slyly, as he raked his brain.

"Oh yes, it's quite a prestigious school, and all the mothers I know are planning to send their kids there. I know my boys are way too young at the moment, but there's nothing like being prepared."

"True. Nothing wrong with that." he said, flashing her a grin.

"Mama, can they come over for dinner?" Aerrow asked, "I want to show them my new room. The walls just got finished. They're yellow now! Daddy let us each choose our own colors!"

"Aww, that's sweet. I'm sure it looks absolutely marvelous."

"What does mar--marvelous mean?"

"Very good or nice." Rex answered, patting his head.

"I like that word." he said, with a giggle.

"I don't mind, but I'm sure they have somewhere to be. Oh gosh, I hope we haven't held you up?" she asked, apologetically.

"Oh, no. We were just buying some things for Leo. He's under the weather, so he's being a petulant child, begging for candy instead cough syrup." Rex said, shaking his head at the absurdness.

"Oh, I hope he gets well soon. But if you guys ever want to come over," she said, looking through her designer purse for a pen and paper. She pulled out a memo pad and scribbled down the address in the finest handwriting Rex had seen in a while, "This is the address. We'd be honored to have you over." she said, handing him the sheet of paper.

"Oh, thank you so much...! We will surely pay you a visit. Leo would love to see you, and meet all of your brothers." he said, looking down out Aerrow who was still holding on tightly to him.

"Yay!! I can't wait!" he squealed excitedly.

Rex smiled, and patted his head.

"Well, we better get going. Your daddy is expecting us soon. Your grandparents are coming for dinner tonight do we better hurry." Drew said, looking down at her watch, "It was lovely seeing you again dear. And equally lovely to meet you, Lamb. Please send my well wishes to Leo. We hope to see you soon, if you make it up our way." she said, walking back around to the front of the buggie, "Tell Lamb and Rex bye, boys."

"Bye, bye!" they said in unison.

"Come on A..." she said, urging him to follow.

"Coming mama!" he said, "Bye Rex! I hope you come visit soon. Then you can meet our bunny too." he said, giving him another hug, "Bye, bye Lamb!" he said, hugging him too before he followed behind his mom and brothers.

"Awww, I want kids so badly now. Gosh, my non existent ovaries just cried out." Lamb said, watching them head off.

Rex laughed, placing his hand on his shoulder, "That's too funny. I've never been a big fan of children, but there's something about that kid I just love. He's a little sweetie."

"He's clearly sprung on you." he teased, switching his ice cream around for ones that were a bit more frozen.

"It'd be a shame to break his heart. He thinks I'm a girl. I guess I could've corrected him, but..."

"His first heartbreak. He'll never get over it." he laughed, "I'm sure he'd still love ya once you told him. He thinks you're pretty, so it's understandable."

"Oh gosh, he needs his eyes checked then, doesn't he?" Rex chuckled, thinking the only way someone could think him pretty was if their eyes were totally shit out of luck.

*****

Across the island, Fischer pulled up outside of Umi's townhouse/apartment. He grabbed a bag of food he'd picked up on the way over, hoping that would coax her out of the depressed state she was in. Climbing out of the car he headed up the front steps, he paused, taking a breath before he knocked twice. A minute or two later Umi answered the door with a shocked smile.

"Fischer, what are you doing here?" she asked, pulling him into a hug.

He hugged her back, noticing how different she looked.

"I came by to check on you. I know you said you were okay, but... I wanted to make sure with my own eyes. I brought eats!" he said, shaking the bag, "I hope you have an appetite 'cause I tried to order everything on the menu."

She laughed, inviting him inside. They headed to the kitchen and unpacked the bag. Umi pulled some forks from the drawer and poured some sparkling berry infused water. Fischer leaned against the counter, staring at her with a concerned expression. She turned around, and flashed him a smile.

"So, you cut your hair? It looks pretty. What a change." he said, thinking she was really depressed. It was what he'd seen plenty of tones from chicks with broken hearts, they either eat their feelings, become addicted to sad music while they make shrines cursing their exes, or the alternative... They cut their hair off. Maybe it was a symbolic thing, cutting off dead weight or old memories. Who knows?

"Oh yeah! I thought it was time for a change. I've had my hair long for some time. I decided to donate it to one of those charities that makes the wigs for people suffering from illness. So, I did a good thing, got a new trendy look... What could be better? Plus, it's not as hard to manage."

"That's... charitable. Ummm... I hate to bring this up, but this wouldn't also have anything to do with Behr, would it?" he asked. Their eyes met briefly, she swallowed a hard gulp, pursing her lips together as she tried to fight back tears.

"No... it has nothing to do with-- with him. I mean, I miss him, but I'm okay."

"You don't seem okay. I know mom and dad went haywire when they found out, but it's okay. They have to be over it by now. It's been some a minute already. Have you talked to them?"

"No, I don't need to talk to them. They're were livid. Especially dad. I just don't want to talk about this, okay? Let's just eat."

"Umi, I know it hurts to lose someone you love. Why didn't you ever say anything about him? No one knew you were dating anybody, why was it such a secret?"

"Because I didn't feel like sharing it with anyone! It was my own secret, and I loved that we had each other to run to at the end of the day. I--I- know he's gone, and he did something heinous, but my heart is broken." she sobbed out. Fischer pulled him against her, and rested his head on top of hers.

"I know you're sad, but-"

"You don't know! You don't know what this pain is like! I found out that the only man I've ever loved was a conspirator to a host of gruesome acts. And now our parents think I'm a complete and utter idiot for loving a murderer slash kidnapper. You don't know what this is like at all!" she yelled, pushing him away from her.

"Don't yell at me! You think I don't understand what this is like?! No, I wasn't in love with a killer, but I know how harsh our parents can be. I'm just getting them to see my side of life. But as you once told me, I had to work to get them to understand. Which I think was really stupid, but whatev.... My point is, they still love you. So don't get mad at me, because the man you loved is a killer." he said, holding her by her shoulders.

"I just want to be alone. I want you to go." she said, breaking his hold on her.

"Umi? Seriously?"

"Get out! Go home, Fischer!" she snapped, continuing to go off on him in Japanese. They argued back and forth before she finally locked herself in her room. Fischer leaned against her bedroom door, trying to prompt her to come out. After 30 minutes, he finally decided to wait on the couch, she couldn't stay in there forever.

*****

Arriving at Lamb's, he and Rex grabbed the groceries from the trunk. Heading inside they walked into the front room where Leo was sitting in the middle of the floor playing with Pancake and Flapjack.

"Virus, we're home!" Lamb said, continuing into the kitchen.

"Stop calling me that! Did you get my ice cream!? I'm starving! I need someone to bring me my soup." he whined, sprawling out on the floor.

"You're just full of problems, aren't you?" Rex asked, sitting the bag of ice cream on his chest.

"Uni!!" he said, springing up excitedly. He wrapped himself around him happily, as he nuzzled his face against his leg, "You came!! I thought you weren't coming?!"

"I said I'd think about it. I thought about it, and figured I had to come see my little contagion. I can't stay long though, I still have some other things to do. Like run by the drug store, go to prison, and go pick up my badge for work."

"The drugstore is unnecessary. I'm not that sick. It's a sniffle." Leo said, looking up at him with a feigned glare, and a tissue hanging from his nose. Rex rolled his eyes, not wanting to take any more chances of missing school.

"Virus! Your soup is hot! Come and get it! Here boy!!" Lamb called out from the kitchen, snapping for him to come like he was a puppy.

"Remind me to beat on him before we leave for our trip." Leo said, shooting an annoyed glare at the kitchen, "By the way, where's red lobster at? It's unlike him not to be glued to his Siamese twin, or lover." Leo asked, chuckling as he pushed himself up off the floor.

Rex chuckled, "He went to see his sister. Hopefully they're having a good time." he said, following behind him to the kitchen.

"That's good. I'm sure they're having a ball. Haha!" he chuckled, "Eh, I know you weren't calling me like I was a puppy? Jerk! Now I'm gonna make you pack my luggage. How you like them apples? Hmmm..." he asked, blowing his nose with a sneeze.

"Calm down... That reminds me, I brought our travel necessities. And I see Rex gave you your crazy amount of ice cream you asked for." Lamb said, snatching three spoons from the sink.

"I don't know why you got three spoons. This is solely for me. An maybe Uni... oh he's afraid he'll get sick and tarnish his not so spotless attendance." he said, with a congested laugh, "But thankies, Haggis, that was gonna be a pain to go buy. Now I just need to pack and take several packets of emergen-C, plus some of this fab chicken corn chowder that mama Sin whipped up." he said, slurping his bowl of soup down, "Oww!! This is hot!" he yelled, fanning his mouth frantically.

"No duh, genius! It just came off the stove... Dumbass. Anyway, we leave Thursday at 12 in the morn, so make sure you're packed by then. Ya Ding-DONG!" Lamb said, teasing him as he scooped out a couple scoops of ice cream for him and Rex.

"I'd be glad to help you pack. I'm an excellent packer. If I do say so myself." Rexalynn said, mentally patting himself on the back with a proud smile.

"I don't doubt it. But that'll give us some bonding time. Maybe-- something else can go down, too?" Leo asked, with a naughty smile.

Rex rolled his eyes, not paying him any mind,

"You're an idiot! Packing only. Honestly."

"Should I leave?" Lamb asked, taking a bite of his ice cream.

"Nah, the sex-police just slammed the cell closed on my fun time. I'll just eat my soup, watch my Downton Abbey episodes and pack. That's about all the excitement I'll be having. I better be careful, I might overexcite myself."

Rex and Lamb laughed, as they continued eating their ice cream.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Guess who Lamb and I saw at the market?"

"Someone selling kittens?" he asked, excitedly.

"You and cats... Man... You need help." Lamb said, bowling up some soup for himself.

"No, I don't. I have a very healthy addiction to cats. I'm going to be a hoarder... I mean-- don't worry about what I do. Mind ya business. And that soup is mine. Mama Sin made it special for me."

"Funny, crazy-cat-man, I don't see your name anywhere in this soup, or on this pot... So..." Lamb said, slurping down a spoonful of soup, "learn to share. Selfish ass."

"I'll share my cold with you."

"That's gross."

"Whatever, anyway, who'd y'all see?" he asked, getting seconds, "You want some soup, Uni?"

"No, thank you... Anyway, you remember that little boy from the carnival we rescued?"

"Yeah, Aerrow, right?!"

"Yes... We saw him at the store with his mum and brothers. He's a triplet."

"What?! Get out! Thats gnarly! Aww, I'd love to have multis!! Uni, don't you want quads?"

"Good gracious, no! One would be my minimum and maximum. That is, if I ever planed to have kids."

"You mean if, 'we' planned to have kids?" Leo said, with a goofy grin.

"We? Do you have a womb that can incubate a fetus?" Rex asked, curiously.

"No... But—"

"Then I guess the decision falls solely to me. Yes?"

"Yeah... But I want multis!"

"I want a million dollars, but we don't see that coming to fruition anytime soon, do we?"

"You never know. It could happen tomari..." Leo said, "But how was the lil' fella?"

"He was good. He gave me the biggest hug. He also still thinks I'm a girl. I don't have the heart to tell him I'm a boy. Hell, both? I guess that's why I didn't say anything... But, he and Mrs. Darlington invited us to come over for dinner sometime. I said we would. They also send well wishes to you, as well."

"Awww!!! That's so sweet! I'd live to see him. He can be our practice baby."

"You realize he has parents, right?"

"Yeah, yeah... But he loves us. It's a sign. We're meant to be family!"

"Honestly... You're certifiable... We'll need to swing by before you go... Hopefully you'll be better before then. I'm sure Mrs. Darlington doesn't want any sick children. She has way too many to deal with sickness... And they're all boys! Poor woman."

"What's wrong with boys?" Leo and Lamb asked in unison.

Rex scoffed, "They're wild, don't know how to be still... If I were to have a baby, and this is a major if, Leo--"

"Why am I the one getting in trouble? I didn't even say anything." he asked, pulling his wild mane back into a ponytail.

"Multiples... That's what you've been screaming."

"Yeah. Fine I got it... Sheesh. Continue with your rant. But I'm letting it be known, that I want a son and a daughter. Period."

"You're not getting two. And this conversation is irrelevant. But boys are so rowdy, and rebellious. Not that girls aren't. Hmm... I don't know which I'd want. But I feel for the person who has multiple boys. They eat you out of house and home, and then have the nerve to still be hungry. Yes, I'm referring to you, Leo."

"Layo, Layo, Layo... I'm always in trouble." Leo said, mimicking the way Rex pronounced his name.

"I can't possibly imagine why..." Rex said with a sharp sigh, rolling his eye at him, "Anyways, get better soon. We'll head over there before you leave. He'd like that."

"Coolio..." Leo said, glancing at Lamb who was intensely staring at his digital tablet, "What's got your attention do caught up, Lambie?" he asked curiously, walking over to see what he was looking at. He looked over his shoulder at a topless women floating in what looked to be a river. It was an old picture, but it was definitely of Mrs. Darlington, "Whoa! Who's the babe?"

Lamb flicked his eyes at him momentarily, before clicking on another image.

"This is Drew Darlington, née Westbrooke. She was a big models in the mid 80's-90's. She graced the covers of mutiple magazines, was in several TV shows, and is now co-owner of her and her husband's multi-billion dollar empire."

"Billion?!" Rex and Leo yelled.

"Whoa! You never really know a person. Wouldn't have ever guessed they were wealthy." Leo said, taking Lamb's tablet from him to look at more pictures, "She's still very stunning. Wow!"

"What kind of business is it?" Rex asked, thinking how down to earth she seemed for a billionaire. Not that he'd met many billionaires. That only rich person he knew was Fish.

"Her husband, Hunter Darlington, runs some big name fashion houses and cosmetics conglomerates. It's crazy. The dude practically spins hay into gold. I'm sure if I ask Fish about some of these fashion names he'd know."

"Wow... So, then she's pretty much an heiress?"

"I'd say so. Which would make her kids heirs. Cray, cray... And she invited us peasants to come to the palace?" Leo asked, not sure how to take that. It was exciting for sure, but also intimidating.

As Rex continued taking it all in, her maiden name kept playing in his head.

"Lamb, you said her maiden name was, Westbrooke?"

"Sí..." he said, "Why?"

"Well, I'm sure that's a common name..." he paused, trying to reason with what he was about to say, "but Fawn's maiden name was Westbrooke... I'm sure it's just a coincidence. But the thing is, I don't really believe in that kind of thing."

"Wouldn't yay be crazy if they were related?" Leo asked, not thinking it too far fetched. Crazier things had happened.

"Yeah, it'd surely be something. Did it say anything about siblings?"

"She has a wiki page, and it said she had a sister. They didn't say a name though. Did Fawn ever mention having a sister?" Lamb asked, taking his tablet back from Leo.

"No... She really didn't like to talk about her family. She only told me her former surname when I asked her what a maiden name was. I asked her if I had one and she explained to me that I did and what it was. But, I take it she had a falling out with her family. I mean, I never met her parents or Gilmore's... So, I'm only going on assumptions. Ugh... I don't know that just seems so crazy. But Mrs. Darlington does look a lot like her... If not a dead ringer. Hmm..."

"Idea!" Leo said, adding some hot sauce to his soup, "We could always ask her when we visit."

"That's so blunt. I don't want to ask something so personal."

"It's simple. I tell her I looked her up to make sure she wasn't crazy, and happen to see her maiden name. Then you'll say, that was your adopted mama's name. Then you'll give her her full name. She'll either claim her or not. It's really not that big a deal."

"You think it'd be that simple?"

"Sure!" he said, wanting to cry from how spicy he'd made his soup.

"You have absolutely no Hispanic in you. You can't even handle mild hot sauce." Lamb teased. Leo cut him a look, putting on a brave face, as his tongue about disintegrated, "Anyway, I think it'd be okay to ask if she was related to her. You don't have to mention the whole kidnapping thing. Just that after she passed you went in search of your birth parents... If even that."

"Yeah... Well, we'll see. They probably just share a common surname... That's all."

"Nonbeliever. Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Leo said, clicking his tongue in *dissapointment.

"I'm honestly in no mood for another mystery. I've had quite enough, thank you. Anyway, I have to get going. I confirmed you're still alive, and I think Lamb has you somewhat under control, so I'm off to the prison. Visiting hours will be over in five hours, so I better go while I still have the *nerve."

"I thought that's what you said, earlier, but I wasn't sure. Now what are you going to the prison for?" Lamb asked, shooting Leo a quizzical look.

"I'm going to go see Behrick."

"I see... do you think you should? I mean, what he and the rest of his family did to you was detestable." Lamb said.

"I know it was, but I still care about him. I think I should visit him. He needs someone to care about him. I don't feel he should be abandoned." Rex said in a meek voice, pulling at his fingers nervously.

"You have a truly good heart, Rex. Do you want me to drive you?" Lamb asked, slightly understanding where he was coming from.

"My Uni is way better than me! So special!" Leo said, trying to hug him.

"Uh-uh, Troublefield... Hands off." Rex said, putting his hand out to keep him away from him, "I agree... I am better than you." he teased, "You can tell more about my betterness later." he said, quickly kissing him on his cheek.

"I want to go, too! Plus, I wanna swing by the Patti's Melt shack for some onion rings and a double cheddar, bacon burger with onions and jalapeños."

"Should've known that it had to do with your stomach." Rex said, slapping him in his guy as they headed out of the kitchen.

*****

Making their way to the prison, Rex couldn't hide his nervousness. He still hadn't figured out what to say to Behr, and he wondered if he'd even want to see him.

"Eh, Rex, did you tell virus about this Halloween party Fish's dragging you to?" Lamb asked, turning down his music.

"Party? Uni?" Leo asked, bursting out in a fit of laughter, "Dude, if you're gonna tell jokes, please give me warning. That's a riot!"

"First off, it wasn't a joke. Secondly, why do you find the idea of me going to a party so *hysterical?" Rex asked, giving him a look in the rear view mirror.

"Mostly because, the first time I met your ass, you implied that you'd rather be suspended 1000 feet in the air by your eyelashes, than be caught dead with the likes of wild teenagers at a house party."

"I'm entitled to change my mind, Leonardo. What's a mind without *choice/change?"

"Okay, okay... seriously you get so bent out of shape. Chillax Max. So, it's a Halloween party? What'er you going as? I have an idea if you're interested?" Leo asked, with a goofy smile. Lamb and Rex glanced at him both knowing what his idea was.

"I'll take a guess for him." Lamb said, "A cat?"

"Nope, but that's a good idea, too. He'd make a good kitty. He's very feline-ish. But, I was thinking something more in the horse family. I'll give you a hint; it's white, it has a horn, and-"

"A unicorn?...." Rex sighed out.

"Correct!!!" Leo said, doing his best game show host voice.

"Are you bloody serious?" Rex asked, not surprised by what the real idea was, "Where would I even get a costume big enough to fit me? I'm sure they don't make them for teens. I'm not going as a mythological creature. If I'm going to hang with the youths of today, it won't be as some fairytale.

I should be something that evokes a thought, and enlightens them."

"Righhhht... It's a party, not a history lesson. Ya dodo-bird... and you're small, you should be able to fit a toddler size small."

"Ass! I'm not being your obsession. Nor will I be a cat. I don't know what I'm going to be, but it won't be either of those."

"It's a party. I know you're smart and all, but let me explain the basics of partying 101; Have fun, get wild, be free, let loose. Any of these things calculating yet?"

"No. I don't plan to drink or socialize with any of them. I'm only going because Fish begged me to and it would make him happy."

"What about what would make me happy?" Leo asked, turning around to look at him, with big puppy dog eyes.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Rex asked, cocking his head at him curiously.

"I want you to go as a unicorn and that would make me happy. I can't be here to see it, so I need pictures. It'll be like eye candy while I'm gone. Please... pleeeease be a life size humanoid unicorn for your first boyfriend."

"First? You say it like I have more than one."

"Well, Fish-sticks might as well be your second boyfriend and then Lamb-bambino."

"Honestly... I don't know what I'm gonna do with you. I need to talk to Fish about what his costume options are, and I'll let you know if Boyfriend 2.0 approves." Rex said, chuckling lightly.

"I don't need his approval. I've already decided. And backing up a bit, you can't not socialize at a party. That's virtually impossible."

"Nothing's impossible. Believe me."

"Mmm hmm, whatever." Leo daid, pursing his lips to the side, "I'm buying you a costume. If you don't wear it for the party, I'll just make you wear it some other time."

"You're an imbecile!"

"Eh, no need for name calling, you damn drama Quing?!"

"Quing? What is that?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows at him.

"Queen and king together."

"I can't even stand you right now. You're the biggest 'Quing' in this car!"

"Thank you! I take that as a compliment. I'm glad you finally understand that I'm king over the threes of you." Leo laughed, flashing him that dimpled grin he hated to love.

Rex let out a sharp exacerbated groan, rolling his eyes as the sound of his phone interrupted his next sharp tongued reply,

"Hello?"

"Rexi!!!" Fischer said, sounding ever distressed.

"Fish, what's wrong?!"

"Besides the fact that Umi threw me out, nothing. I made the mistake of bringing up Behr to her and she fucking snapped. Now I'm on my way home, after standing out on her doorstep begging her to let me  back in. Sister act failed times omega. Like, she's tripping. I don't know what to do. Anyway, what are you up to? You with Leo? What's Lamb doing?"

"That's insane. She's that upset? Mmm, I guess she would be. I'm actually in the car with the 'L's. I'm not sure how good of an idea this is, but I'm going to go see Behrick. So, before you yell at me, I'm going because I want to see him and let him know I still care for him."

"I'm not going to yell at you. I get where you're coming from. I'm tempted to ask you to ask him to write a letter to Umi. Actually, never mind. I don't know if that's really a good idea. She's already on edge. But she really loved him. UGHHH!"

"I'm sure he'd write her one. Has she been by to see him?"

"I didn't even get a chance to ask her. But I'm gonna say no."

"Well, I'll have him write one anyways. You and I can read over it first and you can decide whether or not to give it to her. If she's dealing so badly with this, I think a letter might help her. She should come and see him."

"Riiigghhttt?... Umm, I think the letter would be best. She won't even go talk to our parents, so I doubt she'd be up for talking to him. Who knows, she might've already visited him. She was too busy yelling at me, so I couldn't even ask. Just keep me posted. I'll be at home shoveling ice cream down my throat. I'm gonna look up some costumes as well. So that'll be fun, right? Oh, are you still going to see your mom?"

"Costumes... Sigh. We'll chat more about that when I get home. And I might go see her, but~"

"You'd better go! Or I'll force you!"

"Oh, I'm losing signal. Love you bye!!!" Rex said, quickly hanging up the phone. He knew he was about to get an earful and he wasn't the least bit interested in hearing it. At least not now anyway.

"What'd Fishy have to say?" Leo asked, as they made the turn into the prison parking lot. "What up with his sissy? I couldn't help over hearing."

"Uh-huh... Eavesdropper much?"

"Valedictorian of Earhustling university." he said, with a snorted congested laugh.

"I'm sure you display your diploma proudly."

"You knows it, babe."

Rex shook his head at him, "Anyway, mega drama. He says she threw him out. She was yelling at him and it was just... all bad. Now I have to ask Behr if he'll write her a letter. She needs something 'cause she's losing it."

"A letter, eh? That should be interesting. Geez, I understand her tripping out. If you lose someone you love that much, it's like the ending of a whole story that had yet to even began. Your entire world is just non-existent. That's what it would be like. So, I get it. I think I'd be on the verge of crazy if I was going through something like that."

"Well, you don't have to worry about that..." Rex said, climbing out of the car. He walked around to the passenger window that Leo had rolled down and leaned in with a sigh,

"The letter will be a major help. I hope... I'll see you two later. Lamb, text Fish, he's all alone at home, so a quick hello and maybe a photo would make his night."

"Sure thing! Maybe we'll swing by. We haven't seen your place yet. We'd love to see it before we go. Actually we need to pack, but we could do it in the morn." Lamb said, trying to decide what to do first.

"We can pack anytime, let's go mess with Fish-taco. Then I can snoop around Uni's room. Ahh, you still need your paintings from my G-dads house. I'll have to get them when they get back from their trip. Then we can hang them up and display them for all to see." Leo laughed, thinking how genius he was.

"Oh, even better. Do either one of you know how to fix a lock?" Rex asked, thinking he'd be able to get his lock fixed and keep Bento out for good.

"Ahh, so 'cause we're Latino we automatically know how to fix shit? Stereotyping much?" Leo asked, with a smirk.

"Yes... But I was really asking the 'blaxican' boy. If you plan to runaround my room, you might as well fix my door." Rex said teasingly, before giving him a quick peck to the cheek.

"Mmm... I guess I'll fix your door. Then I can meet this dog you're so terrified of!"

"He's a beast!"

"I doubt it..."

"Eh, before you two get started, with your usual bickering, do you want us to pick you up after your done?" Lamb asked, answering another excited text from Fish.

"Ahh, that's okay. I can catch the tube. I'm going to my mum's after this. Then I'll be on my way home. Hopefully, you'll be there when I get home. If not, I assume I'll catch at least one of you at school tomorrow."

"I'll try and make it. If the mood strikes me. But I really doubt that it will." Leo said, rolling his eyes at him.

"Don't worry, after your two month stint, I'll just tutor you and get you all caught up. So, don't bother showing up. I'd rather torture you with learning. Cheerio mates!" Rex said skipping off happily.

"You think he should be seeing him?" Lamb asked, watching him head inside.

"Eh, you can't tell him anything. I already told him how I felt about this. I understand, but at the same time I don't. But he's locked up. He can't hurt him. The person I'm worried about is, Ramsey."

"Ditto... I'm scared to wonder where he is. But sadly, I get an eerie feeling that we'll probably be seeing him sooner than we hope..." Lamb said, with a sharp exhale.

"Yeah. Lord knows, none of us need anymore drama. We all have our fair share, and if I could give half of mine away, I would. But he's somewhere lurking around. Oy vey!" Leo said, trying to shake the worry from his mind. Little did he know, how right he was about Ramsey slithering back up from which he came, badder than ever and hellbent on getting his porcelain flower back.

AUTHOR NOTE:

Hey Meowzzers, long time no post, eh? Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I will try to start posting again more often. Life has been crazy, but I don't want to leave you guys hanging for too long. Syndrome, as I've said oh sooooooo long ago is gonna be a pretty long story. Lol! So, you all will have plenty to read. Especially when I get a chance to post it. hahaaha! If you guys ever want little sneak peeks or want to know more about the charcters check out my site: iamthomkatz.com 

I share little doses there, and stuff about the characters that may help you understand them better. Anywho, thank you long time readers and new readers for sticking with me and continuing to support and encourage my work. Be blessed, friends.

Kiss, kiss and ciao for meow,

Thom Katz