Found Family

The carriage ride to Allen’s house was uneventful, for you. You were fairly certain there wasn’t a quiet moment between the two of your passengers. Evie took the role of medic and tended to the few cuts Allen received via the Blighters, all the while trading questions and answers about each other and possibly you. Not sure if you wanted to know whether that was a good thing or not, you just continued the horses down the streets to the Wood’s home.

“There we go, good as new. At least as new as I can imagine, I’m sorry that Rookie hasn’t introduced yet.” Evie said as she put the extra supplies away.

“Oh that’s alright, truthfully mum and I feel like we know you pretty well already. She never stops talking about you, you know?” Allen asked cheerfully.

“Really? I didn’t know that actually. Only good things I hope.” You chuckled.

“You can do no wrong according to Rookie, that’s for sure!” Allen smiled at Evie.

You could feel Evie staring at you after that, you weren’t certain but you hoped she was smiling. Everything Allen said was true though, no matter what the topic was when went for dinner at their home you somehow brought it back to Evie. Mary had even started poking fun at you for it.

“So Allen! How long into dinner before we hear about Evie tonight?” She’d practically be laughing as she said it. You would always smile and shake your head. You didn’t want to admit it but you were almost scared about bringing Evie to meet them. Other than the Rooks and the Frye’s themselves Allen and Mary were part of that small group of people you considered family. You expressed this to your landlady once by accident, and she laughed you out of your apartment. You didn’t want to sound cliché but Mary did in fact treat you like her child on occasion, so it very much felt like you were bringing Evie to meet your mother. Which you weren’t ashamed to admit scared the shit out of you.

“Alright before you two get into any embarrassing stories about me, which I know you both have at least three. We have arrived.” You said as you stopped the carriage, and hopped off of the driver’s seat. Allen practically ran up the path to his door yelling that you finally brought Evie for dinner. You couldn’t help but smile and shake your head.

“That boy is the best not really a little brother, little brother I think anyway has ever had.” You laughed as you helped Evie down.

“I just wish he was a little more energetic.” Evie said with such obvious sarcasm, and a smirk. “I hear you talk about me a bit.” She playfully pushed at your shoulder.

“Possibly. We talk about a lot of things over dinner love, it’s hardly my fault that the topics always seem to have a connection to you.” You confidently said figuring you bested Evie from having her poke more fun at you.

“Is that right love? Then do you think you could explain to me exactly how you go from a story about you tripping over a pile of fish on a dock and falling into the Thames, to how accurate I am with my throwing knives?” Evie crossed her arms and waited your response with most smug look you’ve ever seen on her face. The way she raised her eyebrow and tilted her head made you want to pull her in for a kiss but you just stood there looking completely befuddled, when thankfully Allen yelled that dinner was just about ready.

“Maybe later love, don’t want to be late do we?” You grinned at Evie thankful to have a reason to get out of that one without any more bruises to your ego.

“Oh don’t you dare think you’re out of the woods yet my dear Rookie, I’m sure I’ve got some stories Mary and Allen would love to hear.” Evie said meeting you at the door. You didn’t even have to look to know that Evie was wearing that mischievous grin again; this was going to be quite the night.

You had barely set foot in the house when you had plates and cutlery thrust into your arms.

“Help Allen set the table would you Rookie.” Mary had long since stopped treating you like a normal houseguest.

“Gladly” You immediately went to the table and began placing plates as if you had been doing it all your life.

“And you must be Evie! So lovely to meet you lass! As I’m sure you know we’ve heard so much about you!” Mary boomed smiling as she hugged Evie like an old friend. Evie looked a little startled not expecting such an excited welcome.

“I am and I have. It’s wonderful to meet you as well. I’ve heard quite a bit about you as well. And if I may say, I really would like to thank you for saving Rookie’s life. I’m sure she told you, but I was a bit of a wreck while she was gone. So again, thank you so much.” Evie sounded very serious, but you could hear the slight quiver in her voice as she thanked Mary. You wondered if Mary could hear it too, because she smiled slightly and you could see her soften slightly.

“You’re quite welcome dear.” Mary said softly. “I knew you were special when even in her completely confused state she kept asking for you. I’m happy the two of you have each other.” Mary smiled softly. Then in an instant she went right back to her usual self.

“Now with the table all set, Allen help me get the pot to the table! It’s time to eat, help yourselves and don’t you dare be shy Evie, if you need anything you just ask alright?” Evie smiled and nodded as she sat next to you a got settled in for what was one of the most wonderful nights of recent memory, it was full of laughter and stories, great food, and some of the best company. You couldn’t remember a time when Evie smiled this much. You ate and drank and laughed well into the early morning hours, you were certain Mary would have asked you to just stay the night if wasn’t for lack of space. You bid the Wood’s a lengthy farewell, and as you walked down the small path to your stolen carriage you and Evie were still smiling as wide as ever.

“I’m sorry I didn’t bring you here before love. I didn’t realize how important was to any of you I guess.” You said as you got settled in for the ride back to the train.

“That’s alright, though I will admit I’ve been wanting to thank her for some time, she saved me as much as she saved you, you know.” Evie said resting her head on your shoulder and hooking her arm with yours.

“I love you Evie Frye.” You said with a kiss to Evie’s forehead.

“I love you too Rookie.”

You spent the rest of the ride home in silence, letting the moon light your way. Making a mental note to be a little more careful with your life now, knowing that your reason for continuing to care about living held you as hers.