Taylor
After Hanson and their entourage arrived in Chicago, Taylor opted to take Mouse out for lunch.
Since neither of them had done anything for their birthdays yet, they'd decided to just do something private together.
Taylor held Mouse's hand in his own as they walked down the street.
"If you spot somewhere you want to check out, speak up," he smiled.
Mouse
"I don't know..." Mouse smiled at him. "I wouldn't know where to pick. Somewhere with food sounds fine to me."
Taylor
"Yeah, same here."
Taylor looked around, biting his bottom lip.
"Maybe we could grab some take-away and find a park or something. I'm not sure if many of the locals will remember me, I haven't been in Chicago for ages."
He finally spotted a small café up ahead.
"How's that place?" he indicated it.
Mouse
"Looks fine." Mouse leant up and pecked him on the cheek. "Sandwiches or something sounds good to me."
Taylor
Taylor grinned, then leant down to kiss her properly.
He led them into the cafe`, and they ordered what they wanted. After a moment, they recieved their orders, and headed outside again.
"Ok, to find a park," Taylor put his sunglasses on again, "was there one on the way?"
Mouse
"Yo, guys, park?" Mouse looked back for the two huge canines she knew were trailing them surreptitously. She felt Fafnir's embarassment through the Pack link, and grinned.
There's one back here. Fafnir sighed.
Taylor
Taylor laughed at Fafnir's tone.
"Ok then, let's go," he smiled, and began to lead Mouse back to it.
He heard the canines following, and shook his head slightly.
They finally made it to the park. There was a play set to one side with a sand pit, a skating rink on the other, and a large garden further up.
Taylor squeezed Mouse's hand before leading her to the garden.
Mouse
"Pretty..." Mouse smiled as she looked around. She waved at one of the kids playing across at the sandpit, and the kid waved back. Don't get seen. She warned the two dogs.
If you hadn't noticed, we sort of stick out. But we're fine. Fafnir said with dignity.
Yeah...fine. Pshaw, whatever. Bets said, with a mental roll of her eyes. Swear to God, I am going to kill this bush...
Mouse laughed as the two aliens sat down on a bench.
Taylor
Taylor took out his lunch and began to eat it.
He was about to do something he'd wanted to do for a long time, but he couldn't let Mouse in on it. With a bit of a struggle, because he hadn't done it in so long, he tried to block his emotions from her.
The block was a bit rusty, but he hadn't been practising on his mother all those years for nothing.
He grinned, realizing it was working, but quickly wiped the look from his face as he continued eating.
Mouse
Mouse frowned slightly, and shot Taylor a puzzled look. He was blocking her out...she took a bite of her sandwich, and noted it was good, before immeditatley jumping to the worst possible conclusion. He's going to break up with me! Mouse tamped down the surge of outright panic with the ease born of long practice and kept eating.
Taylor
Taylor sensed her nervousness, keeping the grin off his face.
He finished his lunch, then sat back to wait for Mouse to finish hers. The birds in the garden were all strangers, not that they probably wouldn't have heard of him if he began to talk to them.
But he was more focused on his girlfriend at the moment.
Mouse
Mouse finished off the last bite of her sandwich and got up to put her rubbish in the bin. She dropped the wrapping and the container of her drink in the garbage and then sat back down next to Taylor. She flexed the fingers of one hand nervously. What was he thinking about? The fact that he was blocking her out was seriously starting to freak her. "So..."
Taylor
"Sh..."
Taylor looked into her eyes and put his index finger to her lips.
He looked around for a moment, making sure nothing could disturb them.
He leant in and kissed her passionately, before putting his sunglasses on his head and leaning back with a smile.
He moved from being next to her on the bench, down onto one knee in front of her, taking one of her hands in his. His right hand reached for a small case in his pocket.
"I've been wanting to ask you this for a long time, but... I didn't want to pressure you," he began softly.
He smiled as he bent to kiss the back of her hand.
"I just... love you so much. And I don't know how I couldn't live without you," he shook his head.
"So... Jane Hall?" he began, opening the small case, "me feriez-vous le plus grand honneur de devenir mon épouse?"
Mouse
"Oui, oui ! Comment pourriez-vous même me penser pourriez-vous dire le non?" Mouse's eyes started to glimmer with happy tears as she saw the ring. "Je t'aime, mon couer."
Taylor
Taylor grinned and dropped his block, as he took the ring and slid it onto Mouse's finger.
"Puits vous savez je t'aime," he smiled, before leaning up to kiss her again.
Mouse
Mouse kissed him, tears still falling down her face as she felt the love he had for her, and she let him fell her love in return.
So, what does this mean? Fafnir asked cautiously.
"It means I'm his, and he's mine. Forever. It means forever."
Well, that's good. Bets said.
Mouse laughed through her tears.
Taylor
"I just..." Taylor broke out laughing as he leant back and held up his hands.
"I don't want to rush you into anything, ok? If you ever... If you ever have doubts just, talk to me, ok? We can sort it out. And I'm happy to wait as long as you want me to."
He couldn't wipe the happy look from his face if he tried.
Mouse
"Mmhmm." Mouse sniffed back tears. He wouldn't. She couldn't imagine anything changing what they had. "Oh, I love you, Tay. I love you so much."
Sap. Fafnir commented.
Shut your yap, wolf. Mouse ordered. It's nice.
Being quiet now.
Taylor
Taylor laughed at Fafnir.
"Well, I think we've been out too long. The fuzzles will be wondering where I am," he grinned, standing up.
He pulled on her hand, making her stand up, then put his arm around her as he led her from the park.
"You were getting a bit worried there, weren't you?" he kissed her forehead.
Mouse
"Yeah...you were blocking me out!" Mouse mock-glared at him. "Not only is it unsettling on an empathic level, it's terrifying on a girlfriend level."
Taylor
Taylor chuckled.
"Nice to know I can still do it then," he raised an eyebrow cockily.
"You know... just in case something happens at the bachelor party that you wouldn't... agree with. Or if I start cheating on you," he joked.
Mouse
Mouse shook her head. "I trust you." She smiled slightly. "But Fafnir would be able to smell it if you did cheat on me. He'd probably kill you, or try very sincerely at the very least. I'd suggest that was a no."
Damn straight. Fafnir growled.
"Calm down, he was *joking*, geez."
Taylor
"Of course, I could always pretend, and have you believe me," he stopped and spun her around to face him.
"After all, Christian did seem to do a good job."
He couldn't stop the small surge of hatred, but quickly wiped the thought from his mind.
"I think we're getting the DNA test done for the stalker's baby on tour, so... everything should work out," he nodded, before leaning in to kiss her again.
Mouse
"You suuuuure I can't have Fafnir kill him? It would be ever so much fun," Mouse said in a creepy British accent. She'd watched that movie the other night. 'Village of the Damned'? Yeah, she was pretty sure that was it. Creepy blond children who could do weird and nasty things to other people with those really freaky eyes.
Taylor
"Think about it," Taylor swayed as he put his arms around her and leant his forehead against hers.
"You kill him, and we have no way of proving that the stalker's baby isn't mine. We need him at the moment."
Mouse
"Can I kill him afterwards, mon couer?" Mouse's tongue darted out to lick her top lip for a moment.
^YES!FEEDHUNTPREYBLOOOD!^
"Hush, you. It's more Pack." Mouse smiled fondly. "Priss helped with that though. The baby." She looked thoughtful. "I don't think I told you...no matter. Priss says since the baby is probably part vampire, or something, it does need blood. She's a helpful kitty. Christian could be an unwilling donor."
Taylor
Taylor looked curious.
"And you wouldn't feel in the least bit guilty because he looks... well, he basically is me?"
Mouse
Mouse thought about that for a minute. "But he isn't you. He...feels totally different. Now. Now that the echo's gone..." And he deserves to die. Really.
Who's this? Bets asked curiously.
He pretended to be Tay. Fooled me, fooled Mouse, fooled everyone. Hate him. Fafnir snarled. I want his throat.
Taylor
"Well he does have an attitude problem, as Steel pointed out," Taylor considered, "but we need him for now. Let's just get back to the hotel."
He let Mouse go and took her hand again, as he led her back.
Mouse
Still wanna kill him. Fafnir grumbled.
Well, when he's not needed anymore, we'll see what we can do... Mouse suggested as a compromise.
They all went back to the hotel, Bets and Fafnir moving back to their sides to get back inside. Mouse patted Fafnir's head with her free hand as Bets moved in next to Taylor. Mouse started to feel a bit nervous. What was Taylor's family going to think? Her nervousness suddenly sky rocketed.
Taylor
"Hey, hey," Taylor stopped them, feeling her nervousness.
"There's nothing to worry about, ok? It had to happen sometime."
He grinned a little, then leant over to kiss her, before taking her hand again and leading her towards their rooms.
MOuse
"Yeah..." Mouse mumured. Ok. She could do this. Oh, who was she kidding? She was freaking out. Fafnir pushed his damp nose into her palm, and she felt grateful for all of their support.
Isaac and Zac
"It's about time you two got back," Zac said by way of greeting. "We were about to send out a search party, except that we were concerned just how they might find you."
"Y'know Zac," Isaac commented wrly, "not everyone chooses to have as much sex as you do."
"Too bad for them."
"You really have issues."
"Well, at least I can get some."
"And children to follow."
"Better than being impotent," Zac shrugged.
Mouse
Mouse shook her head slightly. She was marrying into this? Someone please check that she was sane... "Don't be mean, Zac." She pushed her hair out of her eyes, the ring catching the light.
Zac and Isaac
"I wasn't being mean. I was simply stating it is better to be able to have kids than to not."
"Mouse thought you were implying I was impotent," Isaac said. "Tay? I think your blond moments are starting to rub off."
"I don't. I never get that close to Tay."
Isaac stared at Zac.
"Zac that's gross."
Zac grinned.
Taylor
Taylor screwed his face up.
"Rest assured I never wanna get that close to anyone but Mouse," he grinned.
He laid his chin on her shoulder and put his arms around her waist.
Mouse
"You...are really, really disturbed," Mouse said slowly to Zac. "Ew."
Zac and Isaac
"It's a tough job," Zac replied, "but someone has to do it."
Isaac with his left hand (which was on the far side of Zac) opened up, and slowly counted down so that Taylor and Mouse (but not Zac) could see it. Excactly at the moment he curled up his last finger Zac cheekily continued:
"And mutliple times to, I might add."
Isaac cracked up.
"What?" Zac asked, completely oblvious.
Mouse
Mouse giggled. "Zac...sometimes you're blonder then you accuse Tay of being."
Zac and Isaac
Zac gasped.
"Well, I never," he pointed to his head. "See this? Does this look blonde to you?"
"It's called artificial intelligence Zac," Isaac commented slyly. "We all know you dyed it."
"Well, at least I'm not having a permanent bad hair day."
"There is nothing wrong with me having a mohawk!"
"Says you."
"Yes."
"And anyway," Zac went on. "I'm not any more stupid than you. I bet you haven't even noticed the ring on Mouse's finger yet."
"What ring?" Isaac asked looking. "Oh! That one! Is that... that's an engagement ring!"
Taylor
"Yeah, I didn't think you'd notice any quicker," Taylor teased, reaching for Mouse's other hand and holding it.
He kissed her again.
"It was a long time coming, it had to happen," he grinned.
Isaac and Zac
"Aww, so sweet," Zac teased.
"Congratulations," Isaac grinned. "Don't mind Zac, he's just jealous that he can't -"
"I'm jealous?" Zac repeated. "You're the one who can't keep a girlfriend long enough to get engaged."
Isaac was silent. Then Zac realised he had gone too far.
"Umm, sorry Ike. I forgot," he said quietly, then turned quickly to Taylor and Mouse. "Congratulations. It's about time. I saw it coming three months ago, and all that jazz."
Mouse
"Yeah, let's add clairvoyance to your list of abilities. Right there along with putting your foot in your mouth," Mouse said almost teasingly, eyes glancing over to Isaac in sympathy. That had really hurt the eldest Hanson brother. "Well, I'm glad you're all fine with it."
Taylor
"Well quite frankly it's too bad if they aren't," Taylor chuckled.
He put his hands on Mouse's shoulders.
"The best part's going to be telling mom about it."
Mouse
"Mmmhmm," Mouse said noncomittedly. Her relationship with the older woman had hit several rough spots namely, Faith and her own pregnancy. Diana's reactions when she'd found out that Mouse was pregnant had not disposed the insecure girl to think well of her.
Isaac and Zac
"Mom'll be ecstatic," Isaac grinned. "And why wouldn't we be fine with it? I couldnt' be happier for you."
"Me neither," Zac agreed. "So, do I get to be the best man?"
Taylor
Taylor squeezed Mouse, feeling her uneaze.
"Would I even trust you as my best man?" Taylor squinted at Zac, even though he had a grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
"But there's no mistaking I want you to be a groomsman. Ike on the other hand," his eyes drifted to his older brother, "I think I'd like to be my best man."
Isaac and Zac
Isaac smiled and was about to accept when Zac cut in.
"Aww! But Ike gets to be the best man for Ash's wedding!" he whined playfully.
"That's because I'm the 'best man' for the job," Isaac replied, laughing at his pun. "And I humbly accept, Taylor. I would be honoured."
"Yeah, " Zac agreed. "I accept groomsman as well. It'll have to do."
"Better than bridesmaid," Isaac teased.
Zac gave him a dirty look.
Taylor
"Now that would just be scary for everyone involved," Taylor raised his eyebrows.
"Here we go talking about Zac in a dress. You know, if we got Friday onto him it might not be too bad..."
Zac and Isaac
"Don't you dare!" Zac exclaimed.
"Aww, when she changed you that other time, you didn't look so bad," Isaac teased.
"I noticed she didn't turn you into a girl."
"Well, that's because I have enough girl problems as it is."
"Hmph," Zac replied, but he was thinking "At least he can laugh at himself."
Mouse
"Don't know who I'll get to be my bridesmaids," Mouse said. "Zoe for flowergirl...if she wants it." She smiled slightly. "Vulpe, Priss...don't think I'll ask Nyx. She'd probably do *something* because she doesn't like ceremony." Wish I could have my father to walk me down the aisle...maybe I can ask Sabre. She felt sad for a moment, something incidental reminding her of her broken past as it always seemed to.
Taylor
"It's just not right to perve on your brother... even if he is a girl," Taylor shook his head, "I mean, it's like perving on Jess or Avie."
Taylor's hands moved to Mouse's waist again, as he leant over her shoulder.
"And we can have whatever bridesmaids you want."
Isaac and Zac
"This coming from you?" Zac replied. "Hey, I'm not the one who crosses my legs."
"Zac? See, I think you're starting to make Mouse regret her decision," Isaac put in. "No really, who would want to be related to you? It's bad enough that you're breeding."
Mouse
"Taylor makes up for it. Vous êtes en valeur n'importe quel ennui, mon cher." Mouse leaned back into Taylor's arms, feeling more relaxed now. "You know, maybe you should just get Priss to do some mojo. Anytime you even *think* about a girl you turn into one until you get your hormones under control."
Taylor
"Oh no," Taylor shook his head.
"His mind is on girls 24/7. I'd like to have my brother back sometime. Besides, I don't think he'd have quite the same effect onstage."
Mouse
"Yeah, you'd have more guys in the audience," Mouse said dryly.
Zac and Isaac
"We have guys in the audience," Zac retorted.
"Well, you have to admit, they are outnumbered by the girls," Isaac mused. "Which should be all the more reason for guys to come. All them girls to pick up... YOu of all people should know about that Zac."
Zac wiggled his eyebrows and then laughed evilly.
Taylor
"I think we have enough reminders of Zac's... nightlife as it is," Taylor insisted, "the twins for a start, not to mention this other girl's kid..."
Mouse
"Cat on heat," Mouse said, rolling her eyes. "Control Zac, it's all about control. Nonce."
Zac and Isaac
"Y'know what?" Isaac commented before Zac could retort, "I was just saying to Madison online the other day - Zac always seems to come up in conversation."
Zac cracked up.
"I mean, what's with that? We always end up discussing Zac!"
"So, basically what you're saying is that I'm not being paranoid when I think people are talking about me behind my back? After all, you're only paranoid if you're wrong..." Zac grinned.
Mouse
"Paranoia is a universally proven survival tactic. If you think everyone and everything is out to get you, you get to live longer. It's part of the reason rats can survive anywhere. They are some of the most paranoid animals alive." Mouse grinned slightly.
Taylor
Taylor had been standing there giving Ike a weird look.
"Ike, by admitting that Zac comes up in every conversation of yours, you realize you're admitting to sex coming up. After all, that's basically all Zac... yeah, I'm gonna shut up now," he chuckled.
Isaac and Zac
"Tay? What was that we were saying about blonde moments?" Isaac asked. "Although, you do have a point. Zac is synonymous with sex."
Zac grinned.
"Yes, yes I am," he agreed. "That's what people are going to be saying you know. 'I'm going to have Zac with sex', or maybe... how does that song go? 'Zacual healing'. And of course, everyone just looks 'Zacky', and I answer to 'Sexary'."
Mouse
"You are a bad, bad boy, Zac." Mouse shook her head ruefully. "You need *serious* help."
You know, I could fix all this. Fafnir grinned.
"And how would you propose this, oh wise wolf?"
The wolf chuckled, and displayed his teeth. S'Pack thing. One bite... He bit air in the direction of Zac. Seeing as how the wolf was about waist high, the implication was quite clear.
Isaac and Zac
"Ahh," Zac yelped and hid behind Isaac.
Isaac laughed.
"Fafnir has never liked me," Zac complained. "I don't know why. I never did anything to him."
"Well, Mouse does like to describe you as a cat on heat. Maybe that has something to do with it," Isaac grinned.
"Yeah, well, well, well, he... the family jewels are to be left alone!"
"Zac, if you left them alone, you wouldn't be a father right now."
Zac opened his mouth, closed it, then opened again.
"And you wouldn't be an uncle either. And you can't tell me that you would deny Tom and B'Elanna-banana their existance?"
"Poor, poor child." Mouse shook her head slightly. "B'Elanna...the poor girl. She's gonna be teased something shocking."
Fafnir sat next to Mouse and laughed, tongue lolling slightly. Wouldn't do it, really. Mouseling wouldn't let me.
Bets rolled her eyes. Males.
"You said it, Bets." Mouse grinned.
Bane of our existence.
Ey! We get somethings right. Fafnir protested mildly. Me and the rat saw what was happening with the whelp and my Mouse. We helped.
"Helping is not the way I would describe it," Mouse said dryly and stuck a sneakered toe into his side. The wolf rolled over and played dead. "Dramatist."
Taylor
"Tom and B'Elanna are already alive. I think Fafnir is quite willing to stop you breeding further. Aprt fromt hat mutant, anyway," Taylor raised an eyebrow.
"But I still say get Friday onto him."
Isaac and Zac
"Tay? I wouldn't -" Isaac began.
"Day's a good looking chick, when she is a chick," Zac replied cheekily.
"- put it like that," Isaac finished with a groan.