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A collab between [@Hedgehawk] & [@SouffleGirl123]
Featuring [color=00FFFF]Carlisle[/color], [color=fff79a]Mary[/color] & [color=DC143C]Miles[/color]

[img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/24/08/d4/2408d4bf16e018da4a1bca173a766213.gif[/img][/center]

Carlisle was probably one of the few people in Tanner who didn't have extensive hangovers from the ceremony the night before. Though right now he was ontop of the world. The previous night had gone rather well for him, despite the fact that he was ambushed with a slew of revelations. It was all alright though. Carlisle had even managed to start dealing with them. He wanted his official leadership of the coven to start on the right foot. 

He had decided that he was going to move out of the Ranch. Given the revelations from last night, he was only just going to get in the way, and himself and Lilith still weren't exactly on best friend terms still. It was making life awkward, so it was just better if he left. He drove upto the ranch and quietly slipped out of his car, locking it as he began the short walk upto the front porch. Just before he got into his stride he got a text on his phone. With a brief glance at the notification he saw it was from Miles asking him to meet at Huskers. Strange. He figured with everything going on, Carlisle would be one of the last people Miles would want to vent to. Carlisle didn't exactly have a great track record. He simply responded that he would be in his way, just had to load some stuff up from the Ranch.

Hot off her argument with Miles, Mary was still in a sour mood and was very much sure seeing her parents wouldn't help. Mary had a decent enough relationship with her parents, sure but she did straight up assault 2 people last night. She knew her actions were somewhat justified but she also knew her mother would have at least some passive aggressive words to say about the evening as if Mary was a rowdy teen rather than a 49 year old woman. She was also curious about how they felt about their only grandchild becoming a father.

As she turned the keys off in the ignition she noticed Carlisle walking toward the ranch's oak door. [color=fff79a]"Carlisle!"[/color] she greets the young man, hiding the frustration of 20 minutes or so ago. [color=fff79a]"How you holdin' up?"[/color]

Stopping his tracks he turned to face Mary with a small smile on his face. He didn't want to look too happy, it just put people off at times. [color=00FFFF]"Hey Mary, didn't think you would be out here. I'm good. Better than I thought I would be given the events of the ceremony. How about you, that's more important"[/color]

 [color=fff79a]"Miles gramma and pawpaw are staying in town until tomorrow, I've just come to take them out for the afternoon,"[/color] she says with a warm smile, locking her car. At his question she gives a chuckle.  [color=fff79a]"Now, don't you go worryin' 'bout lil old me. I'm mighty fine though,"[/color] she lies. It was times like these she was glad the other person in her conversation couldn't read her thoughts and feelings, she didn't need essentially a child knowing her issues.

[color=00FFFF]"And you telling me not to worry bout you is the exact reason I do Mary. Last night was, well, alot. It's okay to say that it rubbed you the wrong way, or that it has affected you in a unexpected way"[/color] Carlisle wasn't Lil, but he had a built in bullshit detector, and while it wasn't great, it was good enough to try and see through some of the masks. [color=00FFFF]"Ironically, Miles just texted me to go and meet him as well"[/color]

Mary's brow furrowed slightly at his words.  [color=fff79a]"I got my people, kid. Really, you got enough on your plate to be worrying about your friend's mamma,"[/color] she replies. As Carlisle messaging Miles' messages she gives a nod, she was glad he was getting out of the house. Although Carlisle had come up in their fight she was sure Miles wouldn't try anything against the boy. 

As they walked Mary was reminded about one of their earlier conversations.  [color=fff79a]"So, I thought about your job offer."[/color]

Carlisle simply nodded. He knew Mary was a tough woman. But he worried about that at times. She was a rock to be sure, but everyone needed some help. [color=00FFFF]"Mary, I know you. You are the rock for alot of us. But you can only be that rock if you are strong yourself. If you need anything, just ask. I don't care what it is, I will get it done. So anyway. The job. What do you think? Got any more questions?"[/color]

 [color=fff79a]"Carlisle,"[/color] Mary prods reassuringly but firmly. [color=fff79a]"You're very sweet but I got my people, 'kay? I'm not goin' 'round spilling my dramas to all you kids."[/color]

Mary had thought long and hard about the job. It was good money to be sure and she already played a role in some of those responsibilities anyway but she did enjoy her current job. The night before the realisation hit her, the 30 hours a week Carlisle was offering left more than enough time in her week, she could easily do a couple of shifts at the hospital on top of that. Mary didn't know how to slow down anyway, she could hardly remember ever taking it easy even before she was pregnant with Miles and she wasn't stopping now.  [color=fff79a]"It's a really generous offer Carlisle. I'll take it as long as I won't be stepping on your, Miles or Lilith's toes."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"That is fantastic! And trust me, you won't be. Miles and Lilith are going to be away from it all for a while anyway. They have a life to build. Serena will most likely leave me alone, so I could use all the help I can get"[/color] Carlisle said with a soft smile [color=00FFFF]"Plus it gets you out of the hospital and let's you enjoy life a bit more. Be there for Miles and Lil when everything kicks off proper with the triplets. Lil is going to need the help. And while I can't help directly, I can at least help the best people around her so they can help her."[/color]

[I]Out of the hospital[/i] Carlisle didn't really think she was going to just up and leave her job did he? She shook her head, brushing that off. [color=fff79a]"When do you want me to start? I think I need to give my job a bit of notice to cut back my hours."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I am in no rush. So if you need to give them notice, just let them know and let me know when you can start. Simples"[/color] Carlisle was glad that Mary had decided to take the job. He needed someone he could trust to look after the household, he was going to have way more stress in his life, and worrying about if the cupboards were stocked was at least another weight off his shoulders. 

[hr]

Miles had set himself up at Huskers only half an hour or so after messaging his friend. Carlisle had told him he had to stop by the Ranch first so Miles went ahead and got them a seat at a booth. Cradling his beer in his hand, his eyes became fixated on the wooden table. Miles wasn’t quite sure what had him more shaken at this point. The prior night or the fight he’d just had with his mother. He also couldn’t help but wonder what Carlisle needed to go to the ranch so badly for. On second thought, Miles was reminded it was Carlisle’s official home, maybe he was overthinking it all. 

The thoughts of the ranch reminded him of Lilith, he should probably touch base with her. Miles was trying to get into the habits of the routine good morning and good night texts but the days always escaped him. He pulled out his phone, sending a quick message asking how she’s feeling and offering to go over to the ranch later before the weekly family dinner. He figured it'd be worth giving his ma some more space. With a sigh he dropped his phone back on the table before taking another sip of beer. 

After finishing up his business in the ranch, Carlisle briefly dropped the car back at the coven and walked over to Huskers. Entering the bar he had a quick look around and saw Miles in one of the corner booths. He was shocked that Miles wasn't at the bar directly. Sliding on across, Carlisle slid into the booth, with a small smile. 

[color=00FFFF]"Hey, how are you feeling? Or is that a bit of a loaded question"[/color] Carlisle said with a bit of a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. 

[color=DC143C]”Loaded question is putting it lightly,”[/color] Miles replies with a sigh. He was curious if Carlisle would let up his knowledge on Lilith’s pregnancy on his own. [color=DC143C]”Ma and I had a fight,”[/color] he adds on, taking another sip out of the bottle.

Sitting down comfortably, Carlisle shifted in his seat as he listened to Miles. He felt sorry for the lad. While Carlisle had an interesting night, Miles had it far, far worse. 

[color=00FFFF]"What? After everything last night. What the heck did you two fight about?"[/color] Carlisle asked, looking towards him. 

[color=DC143C]”I don’t know, Carlisle,”[/color] Miles sighs looking back at his friend. [color=DC143C]”Everything and nothing. I guess we’re both a bit on edge. I’m curious about what you mean by everything though?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Well, you know with the whole father thing and Lil and the triplets"[/color] Carlisle spoke, leaning back into the leather booth and placing his hands on the edge, his eyes looking directly at Miles. Why did he get a feeling he just stepped into it?

If Miles was being honest, he didn’t expect Carlisle to give up his knowledge on the situation so freely. He fully expected Carlisle to tell him, yes, but more as a half stumbled, accidental slip of the tongue. Miles sighed. Part of him wanted to slam his fists on the table and demand answers but he didn’t have the energy, not to mention that aggression had got him nowhere today. [color=DC143C]”Yeah, I thought you knew about Lilith. Who told you?”[/color] He was awaiting the response, so sure he knew the answer.

[color=00FFFF]"I actually can't fully remember who said what. There was alot of conversations last night. But I kind of worked it out after everything people were saying."[/color] Carlisle scratched his head, trying to think about where exactly he had heard everything. [color=00FFFF]"I mean, Your father, the triplets, Violet, my mother being herself. It's enough to make you bang your head on the table"[/color] 

Miles was taken aback by it all. He was fully expecting Carlisle to tell him his mother had clued him in but the fact Carlisle knew it was triplets took away the last of the suspicions he had. Mary had known there was a baby, yes, but it was after the party she was informed on how many there were. Part of him felt bad for that fight earlier with her, or at least some of the rage that came with it. Seems he owed her part of an apology later. [color=DC143C]”I’m not quite sure what it makes me want to do. It’s just a bit too much, y’know?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Tell me about it. When I found out, we were talking with Salem. She wasn't happy by the looks of it. Once she figured out that Aloysius was your father… Well, things got a little tense"[/color] Carlisle knew that things were getting a little tense for Miles. Alot of stuff was going on. [color=00FFFF]"Well, all we can do is just move forward and figure it out as we go along"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Yeah,”[/color] Miles chuckles sourly. [color=DC143C]”How am I supposed to be a dad? I mean Lil, she’ll be fine but we don’t really have many paternal examples between us and I’m, y’know, me.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"You would be surprised at how many people say that and then actually turn out to be pretty damn good. I mean, to start with, you are going to be here, which is a massive improvement compared to how you and Lil were raised"[/color] Carlisle said, trying to cheer him up 

[color=DC143C]”Pretty low bar to have,”[/color] Miles points out, pointing his beer in his friend’s direction before taking a swig. He grabs a napkin at the table and starts picking at it to keep his hands busy. Honestly Miles didn’t really know how to feel about Lil being pregnant. He was sure he’d cycled through every emotion under the sun over it in the past 12 hours. How was he [i]meant[/i] to feel? Maybe if he knew the answer to that question it’d be easier for him to process it all emotionally. 

[color=DC143C]”I guess I’ll be moving into the ranch when grandpa John isn’t so hot on my case. I would say we could be bunk buddies but I think he might actually live with me having a place in Lilith’s bed after this little stunt,”[/color] he muses, attempting to lighten the mood. Any hiding of his own emotions was a happy side effect.

[color=00FFFF]"Well, if it is any help, I am moving out of the Ranch, that was why I was up there this morning. I am going to move into the household proper. Mostly because I am afraid that if I don't stay there all the time, Violet and my mother might actually start moving in"[/color] Carlisle could tell that Miles was trying to mask his emotions, but Carlisle wasn't always the best at wording sympathy. 

Miles’ brow furrows at Carlisle’s comment. So caught up in his own issues he almost forgot about Carlisle’s sister showing up out of the blue. [color=DC143C]”Oh yeah, how's that going, man?”[/color] he asks.

[color=00FFFF]"I honestly couldn't say. Kicked them out of the party towards the end. Who knows what she is upto."[/color] Carlisle was nervous about Violet being in town, but right now, he had bigger issues to deal with and people to support. He could deal with her later. [color=00FFFF]" Tell me how you really feel. Without masking it"[/color] 

Miles shrugs at his friend's question, draining his beer bottle. He really wasn’t one for introspecting feelings or D&Ms with his friends. His flowery language and charming smile often covered up a lot of suppressed emotions. Seemed he and his mother had some things in common after all. The constant stream of alcohol seemed to help with that too. [color=DC143C]”I don’t know, man. Like, really, I don’t know. I think I’ve felt every single emotion I’m capable of about it.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I mean it's alot to process. Finding out you are a Magi as well. Damn. I am sorry. You had so much happen last night"[/color] Carlisle let out a sigh and called a waitress over to get a new beer for Miles. 

[color=DC143C]”I think the fact my ma knew and lied to me about it hurts more than the whole being magi thing.”[/color] Miles admits. Nodding in appreciation to his friend as he orders him another beer. [color=DC143C]”I just… I don’t really have any control over my life anymore, y’know? Turns out I was trained wrong for my power type, my pa won’t leave my ma alone and for the next 8 months there’s really nothing I can do for Lil and these kids except watching her go through the whole pregnancy thing, y’know?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Well that strictly isn't true. Lil is going to rely on you to be her support for the next 8 months. She is going to want you there to look after her and reassure her. As for your Father and power type, well, I don't have a solution to that. But I think Salem might be the deciding factor on whether or not he stays"[/color] Sliding the newly arrived beer towards Miles once it arrives. 

[color=DC143C]”Thanks,”[/color] Miles says, swiping the beer from the table and taking another drink. [color=DC143C]”I think she’s gonna have a say on a lot more than that. Called the babies an ‘issue’ to Lilith according to her. I don’t know much about her but with what I do I’d be surprised if she let us get away with having them.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"You don't have to worry. It's been sorted. Salem won't be an issue for you or Lilith. Nor will other Magi. I have made sure of it"[/color] Carlisle said, his tone lowering somewhat. The talk last night went well, but Carlisle knew that Salem could be temperamental and unpredictable. He was just thankful nothing kicked off last night. [color=00FFFF]"As for the other coven leaders round the world. Leave that one to me"[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”We could just keep this hush hush. I don’t need the whole magi world knowing I’m Aloysius Leighton’s son. Would hate nothing more honestly. As far as they all need to know, I’m a Price and nothing more.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Salem is going to keep a lid on it, but you know how people gossip. But to me, you will always be a price. Forever and always"[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”The bastard had the audacity to call me ‘son’ as if he was around long enough to be seen as any more than a sperm donor,”[/color] Miles grunts, taking a swig of his beer. [color=DC143C]”I want nothing to do with him or this whole magi world, I don’t care how high and mighty his name is in the magi world. I hope he has a sibling or something to take over ‘cus as far as I’m concerned the Leighton name ended with him.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Yeah, everything is complicated on life. I don't know much about the Magi war as I should, but Salem seemed to suggest they had a complicated history. I am guessing he is just lost. The impression I got was that he didn't want to leave. Shock horror, turns out it was all my Ma's fault again. If she hadn't got involved, your father would be here"[/color] Carlisle sighed. Why was it always his mother that was responsible for ruining people's lives?

Miles gave an exasperated sigh. Why was everyone so willing to see his father as a ‘good man’? That fact that he had a reason to run told Miles enough. [color=DC143C]”Don’t tell me you’re defending him to.”[/color] he responds, his voice low and sharp. It seemed no one appreciated the damage the man had caused. [color=DC143C]”Is he also an enchantment magi? Cus the way everyone’s wrapping themselves around his pinky finger and making him out to be the good guy is suspicious.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"I am not defending him. Not at all. And he certainly isn't a good guy. Not the stories I heard anyway. He caused damage. But things in life are rarely clear cut and black and white"[/color] Carlisle said with a soft smile. He didn't want to dismiss Miles thoughts, but deep down he was thinking that Miles was being a little bit too dismissive. 

Miles scoffs, leaning back into his seat. [color=DC143C]”This is ridiculous,”[/color] he complains. [color=DC143C]”First my ma, now you, maybe when I see Lilith tonight she’ll tell me if we have a son she wants to name him Leighton and let Al be called pawpaw!”[/color] As he spoke his voice had become louder and louder. He couldn’t understand why after 25 years everyone had decided a man who [i]lied[/i] about himself then disappeared without a word had the right to enter Miles’ life or walk right back into his mother’s.

[color=00FFFF]"Miles, no one is saying that you should name your children after him. Not at all. I am not even saying you should hang around with him. But, all I am suggesting… And this might wind you up, but I think you should at least hear his side of the story"[/color] Carlisle knew he was about to get a mouthful from Miles, but someone had to say it. 

Miles could feel himself becoming more and more mad as his friend spoke. [color=DC143C]”Look,”[/color] he growls. [color=DC143C]”I’m glad that you got to see that friend’s doting mother who hid you away when your ma was pushing your buttons but you don’t know what our lives were really like. Hell, I don’t even know what her life was like fully but even with her masking as much as she I saw her struggle. You didn’t have family friends finding ways to help out sneakily because your ma’s as stubborn as they come but it’s too obvious she’s struggling. And most of all, maybe I don’t want him to be a dad now because, quite simply, he wasn’t there. Purposefully, maliciously or not, he never acted as a father to me so why should I pretend he is now?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Again, I am not saying that you should let him be a father, or even pretend that he is. All I am saying is at least let him say his piece. He clearly wants to say something. Let him clear his mind and he could move on."[/color]

Miles shook his head once more, boiling anger seemed to burn behind his eyes. [color=DC143C]”Well I have 25 damn years of somethings. You know what, maybe he shouldn’t move on, Carlisle. Because maybe he deserves to feel that guilt, at least he’ll understand a fraction of the pain he caused my ma and me!”[/color] As Miles talks he stands up, banging his fists on the table and leaning over them. 

[color=00FFFF]"I get it. But at the end of the day it's your choice and no one can blame you for what you want to do. We can only say what we would do in your situation. I personally would just speak to him so you can understand your powers a little more. I mean, Magi level enchantment. That's some pretty crazy strength right there"[/color] Carlisle leaned back as Miles stood up and leaned in, only Carlisle was blocked by the booth seating. 

[color=DC143C]”There’s other magi. And honestly, maybe I’m just fine with the power level I have right now.”[/color] Miles mumbles, his voice growing considerably quieter.

Carlisle gave off a small sigh, looking over at Miles as he gave a glare to a couple of people who were watching. [color=00FFFF]"I honestly thought that Lil having triplets, and Salem would have been the things that irked you more than your father if I am being totally honest with you Miles."[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Are you trying to start something, Carlisle?”[/color] Miles asks forebodingly. Honestly, Miles had wanted to meet up with his friend and update him on his life, tell him about his future children and all that. He didn’t intend on starting a fight but Carlisle was pissing him off. Everything was pissing him off. [color=DC143C]”It’s [i]all[/i] irking me, you’re just not rubbing my kids or Salem in my face right now.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"No but Miles Price, you need to get a grip"[/color] Carlsie said as he stood up a bit himself, showing that he wasn't about to let Miles scare him into submission. [color=00FFFF]"You had a shittynight last. I get it. We both had some fucking bad stuff happen last night. While you were finding out about your kids, I had to go and stop a fucking war from starting. I had to make sure both you, Lil and your children were going to be safe. I had to go into the conversation, knowing that if it went south, I was willing to fight to the death to make sure you were safe."[/color] This voice of Carlisle's wasn't his normal wimpy voice. This had some anger, frustration and authority behind it. 

[color=00FFFF]" I didn't go through all that, so you could just be edgy and Emo over your father. Yes. He is a dick. You want him gone, I will have him back in Salems arms tomorrow. But you have a whole new life to enjoy and spend with Lil. Don't waste your time over the small things, cause you have far bigger fish to fry."[/color] 

If this were any other situation Miles might have been proud of Carlisle’s assertiveness but unfortunately this was not one of those situations. [color=DC143C]”And I didn’t ask you to do that!”[/color] Miles spits back angrily. He takes another swig of his beer before slamming the bottle back on the table with a loud [i]thud[/i]. [color=DC143C]”You know what Carlisle? You’re a bad friend. You just jump in and do something ‘in my honour’ or whatever that I [i]never[/i] asked you to do then you get a big head about it! Whenever I defended you against Zach or any of those other guys did I go around reminding you of what a great friend I am for doing that for you? No. I did it because you’re my friend and I care about you, not because I wanted to pose some ‘high and mighty better than thou’ image that you want to. I don’t think you even do those things because you’re my friend, I think you do them to prove how much better you are than me! Fine! You, Carlisle Aston, are more powerful and brave and considerate than me. Happy now? Got what you want?”[/color]

Carlisle looked over at Miles as he spoke, looking hurt. Once again everyone locked in on the fact that he was doing all this because he wanted to look good. When it wasn't the case. [color=00FFFF]"I did want I did because I wanted to protect you. I wanted to protect you because you are my friend. Trust me. If I wanted to, I could have offered you and Lil to Salem and walk away from the whole thing.[/color] Carlisle wiped his eye a little bit, the tough man facade cracking slightly. 

[color=00FFFF]"I don't want recognition Miles. I just didn't want my friends to be the firing line. And if that meant I had to be, then so be it. Thankfully it never came to that. Thankfully it was resolved peacefully. I never wanted to prove I am better than anyone. You have known me for a long time, proving myself kinda isn't my thing."[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”So why are you out here making a big deal about it, hm?”[/color] Miles asks, his eyes leveling at his friend’s. Carlisle might have been breaking but Miles was not backing down. [color=DC143C]”I’ve just had the most overwhelming 24 hours of my life and all you can do is just gather intel and talk about why you are oh-so-good. For once can’t you just feel bad for me or something?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Of course I fucking feel bad for Miles. I didn't think it needed saying out loud!"[/color] Carlisle barked at Miles, clearly getting wound up. [color=00FFFF]"That's why I did what I did. Not for fucking recognition, but because I could see how bad things were getting and wanted to take the pressure off you. But apparently I am a bad friend for actually doing that. So in all honesty Miles, I don't know why I try. It seems that no matter what I do, people seem to think I make bad decisions"[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”The problem, Carlisle, is you stick your nose into issues it doesn’t belong in. You try and fix things it’s not your time or place to fix. In a weird way you start controlling our lives and the earth knows I have so little control over my life already. For once in your life just be a friend rather than a participant.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Miles, I didn't have a choice. If I hadn't spoken to Salem, she could have just attacked you or Lil. No warning. Nothing. You would have died. Plus, like it or not, I do have a responsibility as Coven leader to protect everyone. What annoys me is your locking onto the wrong thing here."[/color] Carlisle let out a frustrated sigh, lowering his head and his arms to yield to Miles. Clearly he wasn't going to get through to him, no matter what he said. [color=00FFFF]"You do what you think is right Miles. You always do"[/color] Carlisle said as he slid back into the booth. 

[color=DC143C]”And what should I be locking into? I get mad at my dad and I shouldn’t be, I get mad that you’ve had this massive stake in Lil and my children’s lives and thrown it in my face and it's also the wrong thing? What’s next? Wanna tell me off for fighting with my ma? Or you wanna find a way to get me mad at Lil and ruin that relationship too? You’d love that, wouldn’t you?”[/color] Miles leans back to stand upright, no longer in Carlisle’s face but he doesn’t sit.

[color=00FFFF]"No, what I was going to say was that you should be locking onto the fact that you are going to be a father and you are going to have a great relationship with Lil. That's what is important. Fuck everything else."[/color] Carlisle waved his hand dismissively. Miles was alot of work at the moment. Clearly he was so enraged that anything Carlisle said seemed to enrage him further. [color=00FFFF]" Honestly, I don't care about ruining you and Lil. I have no need to. I hadn't told you yet, but I found out my mother had been enchanting me to fall in love with Lil. That's why we had been best friends for two years and then all of the sudden, bam! I fall in love with her."[/color] Carlisle was waiting for Miles to blow up again. [color=00FFFF]" Sides, I have Willow. And it's going fantastic"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Well I’m glad your life is going so well,”[/color] Miles mumbles, falling into his chair. He was exhausted. Between the party and the fight with his mum and this he was worn out. He knew next he’d go to the ranch where he’d have to put on a brave face for Lilith that his enchantment will only convince her is real for a solid few minutes. He gave an exasperated sigh before echoing [color=DC143C]”So happy for you,”[/color] as he swirled the rest of the beer in the glass bottle.

[color=00FFFF]"Look, I know things seem overwhelming now but they will level out. You and Lil will make great parents. Honestly. It's a learning experience. You will make mistakes but you will also learn to love it. I can see you being a great father."[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”That makes one of us,”[/color] the man muses, his eyes remaining locked on the bottle and away from his friend. He couldn’t bear to meet Carlisle’s eyes at the moment.

[color=00FFFF]" It will be fine, you will be surrounded by people that love you and want to look after you. Don't be like your mother and not ask for help. There are plenty of people who will happily give it"[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Mm-hm,”[/color] he muses, downing the rest of the bottle before tossing it between his hands. His eyes remained fixated on the bottle. It was evident he had been disassociating from their conversation. [color=DC143C]”We’ll be fine.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Of course you will be fine. You are Miles Price. If the babies ever get out of hand just use enchantment on them to make them suck their thumb or something. Parenting on easy mode"[/color]

He chuckles slightly at Carlisle’s words, placing the bottle back on the table softly. [color=DC143C]”If enchantment made child raising that easy my ma would have a lot less gray hairs.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Yeah that is true. Look. Sorry if I sounded like a dick, but I wasn't trying to be. I don't care about glory or being better. I just want to see my Friends alive so I can grow old with them"[/color] Carlisle said with a sigh, his mind going back to the conversation with Salem. [color=00FFFF]"The upshot is, you have nothing to worry bout. No one will no you are a Leighton and even if they did, they would get put in line"[/color]

Miles leant back into his seat with a sigh. [color=DC143C]”Look, I appreciate your concern, Car, you know I do. Just, maybe touch base before you have a conversation that might impact my or my family’s lives… please?”[/color] he asks softly, meeting his friend's eyes this time. He was hoping to not set the man off again but had some magical calming on standby for if he did.

[color=00FFFF]"I wish I could have. Lil didn't know and neither did you. Couldn't exactly have just walked upto you and said 'Hey, Lil is pregnant and by the way you might be killed' could I? I was hoping to keep it all quiet so neither of you would have to know. These babies are going to be the first ever children of both Council witch members and Magi great families. Everyone is terrified of what the result might look like."[/color] Carlisle sighed. He knew that Miles wouldn't exactly understand where or why he did what he did. But he knew that he made the right choice regardless.

[color=DC143C]”I’m honestly more scared about what a combination of Lil and I is gonna look like. Can you imagine a Montgomery woman with my penchant for debauchery? And we’re having 3 kids at once. Sounds like Lil and I are asking for trouble at this point.”[/color] he chuckles slightly trying to lighten the mood. While Carlisle did have a point Miles couldn’t help the hurt that tugged at him. [color=DC143C]”This wasn’t how this was meant to go. I mean, kids were never part of our plan, even when we were in high school, but it shouldn’t have been like this. We were meant together longer before this happened. And be living together, maybe in our own place. I should have been the first to know. I should have come home from work to, like, baby boots on the counter or something dumb like that cus as much as she won’t admit Lil gets a kick out of cheesy things like that. And I should have known before everyone else we love.”[/color] Miles sighs once more, sinking into his seat. [color=DC143C]”But life can’t be that simple, can it?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Sadly you and Lil are special in that regard. No one blames you. Well. Except my mother. She thinks you are a curse send by Satan to ruin her life. But everyone else understands these things happen. Most of us are conceived by accident, they all talk about planned parenthood, but it never works like that"[/color] Carlisle ran his hands along the table. At least it seems like Miles had calmed down. [color=00FFFF]"Trust me. I didn't wanna know. I would have preferred you know. I had to keep my mouth shut while we talking before Violet"[/color]

Miles gives Carlisle a forced tight-lipped smile. [color=DC143C]”I ‘spose you’re right. The Price and Montgomery special it seems.”[/color] His hands move to tear at the napkin he’d been toying with either in their conversation. [color=DC143C]”I never really understood how much your mum hated me. Like, why is a woman in her 40s beefing with a middle-schooler, y’know?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Well ironically, your father coming back finally gave me the final piece of the puzzle. She dislikes you because she wanted your father and her to get together. She wanted to do what you and Lil have done and mix bloods, but deliberately. Your father apparently turned her down repeatedly, saying he was in love with your Ma' and that was that. So out of jealously my mother called Salem and revealed where he was hiding. You are a reminder of what she should of had. I am a reminder of the failure she got instead"[/color]  It was a strange duality the pair inhibited. Both were held in such disdain by his mother. [color=00FFFF]"Us becoming friends was the thing that broke her I guess."[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Ha!”[/color] Miles retorts with a snort. [color=DC143C]”Could you imagine your ma having me for a son? Reckon she might have had a heart attack. Honestly, Car, my ma probably deserved a son like you. Sometimes I wonder if she wished I were you or Lil instead.”[/color] That was something Miles had never confessed before. He knew he wasn’t the easiest child, he also knew his friends both held more restraint, respect and a better temperament. He knew if he ever asked his mum she’d adamantly deny it and go on her usual spiels on how lucky she was to have him and how his trouble made her life more fun sometimes but he was sure at least some part of those statements were covers.

[color=00FFFF]"Nah, I have alot of issues, trust me"[/color] Carlisle started, stopping himself before it turned into a therapy session. [color=00FFFF]"But that's my mother for you. She had no qualms about splitting your mother and father up because she couldn't get her own way. During the party she even laughed about it. If you asked her about it, she would probably gloat, even after Mary and Salem hit her."[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Hmm,”[/color] Miles muses thoughtfully. Maybe this is what Carlisle meant by listening to his father’s story. Regardless, Miles wasn’t open to knowing more. Nothing changed the fact the man hadn’t even tried to see them once. [color=DC143C]”Not something I feel strong enough about to hit her over, honestly. I’m sure my ma would all over again though. Apparently they’ve always had issues.[/color]

Carlisle gave off a soft sigh. He supposed he better come clean about something else. [color=00FFFF]"So I was clearing out mothers office last week. Moving in properly. All the usual boring stuff. Finally got access to the safe the day before the party. She hadn't told me the code. I had to get it broken into just to see what was inside"[/color] Carlisle shifted in his seat. He knew what he was about to say, would possibly, trigger Miles again. [color=00FFFF]"You know you said he never tried to be a father, or be in touch… Turns out he tried. Alot. I was clearing the safe out and well. My mother has been intercepting every single letter he ever sent and hiding it. From what I gather, he kept sending money too. Not sure whether she actually gave it to your Ma or not…. I didn't read them all. Only a couple to see what they were about."[/color]

Carlisle’s news caught Miles off guard, something that was obvious by the state of shock on his face. He was conflicted. Part of him was still stuck on the fact he never had connection with his dad, he knew part of him would be stuck with that forever no matter what the man’s excuse was, but a bit of logic called out to counteract those feelings of abandonment from his dad. He wasn’t fully convinced by them, not at all, but there was undeniable physical proof. [color=DC143C]”I- What did they say? Actually, do I want to know? I don’t want to read a bunch of cheesy love letters to my ma.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"They aren't cheesy love letters at all. They are the musings of a man desperate to get back to the person he loved and to see his baby."[/color] Carlisle let out a long sigh. He had read more of them than he let on. [color=00FFFF]"He kept trying and trying to return to Tanner, but Salem was having none of it. He kept your existence quiet as well, scared that Salem would have you killed if she discovered the Leighton line had carried on. I.. It's heartbreaking. You can see how much he loved your Ma' but because he was never getting responses back, he assumed that your Ma' hated his guts."[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”I can’t see ‘musings of a man desperate to get back to the person he loved’ not being cheesy but sure”[/color] Miles replies with a sigh. [color=DC143C]”In all fairness, I think she did hate his guts, not that she would have told me that. I would have wanted to see her side of the story too. It sucks that Al’s heart broke for us but she walked through hell and back to keep me alive and I probably don’t know the half of it. Guess I will soon.”[/color] Miles sighs, trying to process it all. [color=DC143C]”You don’t have them on you by any chance do you? My ma would want to see them. And before you ask, I’m not gonna hide them from her or anything to keep her away from him. She’d catch me out real quick.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Well…"[/color] Carlisle reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded letter, the paper looking a little old and worse for wear. [color=00FFFF] "This is only the first one. The rest are still in the office. There is alot of them. Try one every fortnight for twenty five years"[/color] Carlisle slid the piece of paper across the table to let Miles read it. 

Miles slid the rest of the paper closer to him but he didn’t dare look at it. [color=DC143C]”He never stopped? How much can someone write after the hundredth?”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"The last one arrived last week. I found it strange that a letter for Mary's address ended up in the coven office post. I just never got around to handing it to Mary. I guess he never gave up hope"[/color] Carlisle concluded

Miles sighed. He lifted up the letter and turned it in his hands. [color=DC143C]”I- I don’t think I’m ready for this Car. Not here, not now. So much in my life is changing. As bad as it sounds, my da being a scumbag who abandoned me was a constant, and I don’t know how many more constants I can lose.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"You don't need to read it now. You can read it whenever you like. I have the rest in my office if you ever wanna go through the rest. I couldn't really decide whether to give them to you or your mother"[/color] Carlisle tried to force a smile. He felt sorry for Miles, he truly did. But he kind of hoped that Miles would at least listen to what his father had to say before dismissing him. 

[color=DC143C]”You should give them to her,"[/color] Miles replies, handing back the letter. [color=DC143C]”All of them. I don't need clarity, not now. My issue is my pa was never present, no matter what that paper says doesn't suddenly mean he was but my ma…"[/color] Miles falls silent a moment. Speaking anything hopeful about the man felt odd on his tongue. [color=DC143C]”The man she loved ran away from her. This letter changes her outcome a bit more than mine."[/color] More so than talking about Al without flames of anger boiling inside of him it was odd talking about his ma loving a man. He'd never seen her date, never seen her be in love. If he thought hard enough he never saw her make any new friends beyond new coven members, Miles' friends' parents and workmates. It stung a bit, knowing the extent of what she missed out for him.

Carlisle picked the letter back up and slid into his jacket pocket once more. [color=00FFFF]"Understandable. I will let Mary know. In fact I might drop them off later so it is out of the way.[/color] Carlisle looked over at Miles and could see his confused and somewhat silent demeanor. [color=00FFFF]" As I said before, life is rarely black and white. It's messy and convoluted for silly reasons. That's why we have to have each others backs. Sometimes that means taking a blind leap of faith, others it means trusting others to do things even if you have no say in it. It works on occasions, on others it doesn't. That's life. You can't beat yourself up for things that are way out of your control man"[/color] 

[color=DC143C]”It just [i]all[/I] feels out of control though,"[/color] Miles muses, rubbing the napkin between his thumbs and forefingers. [color=DC143C]”Guess it's kinda fitting for me, huh? Play fast and loose and not get any control."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"Control is a state of mind. It will come to you once you take it. Yes the events that have happened to you have been random, but what happens next is in your court. You have the power now to change things"[/color] Carlisle said with a small smile as he watched Miles play around. 

[color=DC143C]”In what way. My ma and Salem will dictate what happens with Al and Lil and Salem will the kids."[/color] Miles couldn't help but chuckle slightly as a realization hit him. [color=DC143C]”Seems like Salem has more control over my life than me. Is this what being a magi means?"[/color]

[color=00FFFF]"That's not strictly true Miles, you have me in your corner. If you want Al gone, I can banish him. Simples. Salem isn't going to get involved with the kids. I basically took all responsibility for it. If it goes wrong, it's on my head with the Magi. So you are able to do whatever you want"[/color] Carlisle gave a weak smile. Being a leader means having to protect everyone under you, and while Amanda was never going to do that, Carilse was going to make a point of making sure he did. 

[color=DC143C]”Car,"[/color] Miles sighs. He didn't want to set his friend off again but was sure his next comment may. [color=DC143C]”I need you to remember that Lilith's babies are mine. I get you're the big strong leader and all that but the sacrificing and life dictating and all that, that's my place. Not yours."[/color]

[color=00FFFF]" Normally I would agree with you. However these babies are bigger than both of us. They could start a war if we aren't careful. I bought us time, but we still are walking on eggshells."[/color] Carlisle might have sounded a little clinical and harsh, but it was the truth. These babies could end up starting a whole war between Witches and Magi if things went awry. While it was unlikely to happen at the moment, Carlisle had the responsibility of making sure it never got to that point. 

Miles remains silent for a moment, unsure how to respond. Carlisle had a point but Miles didn't want him overstepping in his family's life. Maybe knowing Carlisle wanted Lilith so badly a month ago made Miles more paranoid and protective than he needed to be? [color=DC143C]”We just need some sort of boundary rules. I know what you're like Carlisle, you go overboard and while I get that you have a duty to the coven I need to be allowed to be their dad."[/color] 

[color=00FFFF]”I don’t want to get involved in parenting Miles. They are your kids. I have done most of my work already. I will be mostly in the background. As long as they don’t grow up to be teenage superpowered demons, I think we are all good”[/color] Carlisle said with a small chuckle.

Miles chuckles in response. [color=DC143C]”Well watch this space, who knows what Lil and I will produce but I get the feeling they’re gonna be a handful.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”Well I will keep everyone off your backs so you can all live a good life. Worst case I will just reinforce the barrier and we can just tank it all out ”[/color] Carlisle looked over at Miles with a smile. [color=00FFFF]”I don’t think anything will happen. I am sure Salem won’t kick up a fuss, and if she does, she has to bring it up with me, so you and Lil are unaffected.”[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Just promise me that if there’s any running into the fray to protect these kids you bring me with you? If at any point those negotiations go wrong or a fight’s gonna happen, you call me. ‘Kay?”[/color] 

[color=00FFFF]”If something kicks off like that, I won’t be around to call you in, then it will be upto you and Lil to carry on. But you and Lil will always be in the loop. I am trying to foster a good relationship with the Magi, mostly so things don’t go wrong. I know it isn’t your fault, and no one is blaming you or Lil. None of you were to know. We just have to be a little delicate.”[/color] Carlisle nodded and looked over at Miles. He knew Miles would want to get involved, but these kids needed their father, he wasn’t about to let them become fatherless like the current generation.

Miles sighs once more, eying the napkin now torn to shreds. This wasn’t what he wanted. If Lil had changed her mind and decided she did want to try for a kid he didn’t think it’d become this convoluted. [color=DC143C]”I don’t really know who is to blame anymore.”[/color] he muses.

[color=00FFFF]”If you want someone to blame, blame my mother. She was responsible for all of this. By keeping everyone apart for her own gain caused all of these issues”[/color] Carlisle sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration.

[color=DC143C]”Won’t say no to blaming your ma but I don’t know if she’s the only one to blame.”[/color] Miles sinks deeper into his seat. [color=DC143C]”Talking about mas, I should go and check in on Lilith. I haven’t seen her since last night.”[/color] 

[color=00FFFF]”No one else is really to blame. Really. Everyone else did what they thought was best. My mother however didn’t. She did things out of spite and for personal gain”[/color] Carlisle was furious at his own mother. She had caused so much damage to Tanner. [color=00FFFF]”Well, I would say it would be wise to check up on her. She needs you. Only you can help her through this. She needs you. I will go see your mother, and drop these letters off. I feel uncomfortable holding onto these”[/color]

[color=DC143C]”Sounds like a plan,”[/color] Miles replies, standing up and swinging a hand to clap Carlisle’s. [color=DC143C]”I’m sure I’ll see you soon enough. Thanks man. And sorry for snapping earlier.”[/color]

[color=00FFFF]”It is fine. Everything is new and tense right now.”[/color] Carlisle said as he got up and clapped Miles' hand. [color=00FFFF]”In totally different news, Me and Willow slept together last night.”[/color] Carlisle said with a chuckle.