Ellie Gray

*I feel my scream caught in my throat, unsure of what’s happening until I”m in the cabin. I gasp and inhale deeply* I…what’s going on? Where am I? *my dark eyes wide*

* I place you down and stand at the other end of the room, staring at you a moment before holding my temples* I shouldn’t have done that but it’s done now, you’re in my cabin outside the city and woods

Whoa *I whisper softly as I stare up at you, taking it end* I…you saved me from my dad *I say softly* Thank you~

I saved you good to know * I murmur and cross my arms a bit, keeping my gaze down* from your dad? I don’t judge, something about rebelling…

*I rub my face* We have a complicated relationship *I shrug*

Are you sure it’s not just bad * I say bluntly and saunter over to you* a vampire just stole you away and you’re practically celebrating

*I stare up at you* I mean it is bad…and it’s complicated…I want to love him because he’s my father, but I hate him

So you hate him * I say bluntly, at this point looking almost straight down at you* well lucky enough now you have to stay here because I was rash

*my eyes go wide as I take a step back* Yeah I do…and well…you can’t make me…I’m not your prisoner

Where will you go? You don’t like you could survive on your own in the woods little one * I say softly with a shrug* I won’t keep you, but that’s not to say other vampires won’t come after you for knowing about us now~

*I feel tears brim in my eyes as I sigh and try to push them down* I mean you’re probably right, and great…just what I need, other vampires hunting me down

Im not hunting you, I’d I were you’d be dead * I say softly and look down at you, tilting your head up* maybe it was an odd act of paternal instincts I thought died with me but I wanted to protect you. I intend on doing that still

*I sniffle and give you a soft look* I guess…I will trust you then. I’m sure a vampire would have torn me to pieces now if they wanted…just like you said. A…and you did save me after all

Like I said, if I wanted you hurt you would be hurt * I murmur and smile* if I give you back to your father you’re miserable

You’re right about that *I say softly* Do you have a blanket or anything?

I have a couch with a pillow…. And I might have a blanket * I mumble and look in the cabinet, finding an old comforter*

T..thank you, this will work *I say softly as I take it from you* I guess you vampires might be used to the cold

I don’t have body temperature * I shrug softly* I do have a washing machine if that would be something you want… I feel like I got a pet by surprise * I mumble and walk away to the kitchen area*

*I snort softly then let out a giggle* A pet? Like a kitty or a puppy *I hum and shake my head before I burst into laughter*

I said what I said * I mumble and heat up a mug of blood for myself, looking in the fridge* what do you eat?

Food, human food, I’m afraid I can’t survive on blood, but I’m not super picky *I reply*

You don’t think I know that? What kind of human food, I haven’t been human since the revolutionary war and food has changed * I say bluntly*

Like pasta and cereal and toast, chips, things like that…if there is a place nearby, I can go and grab things *I reply*

How about you make me a list, I’ll get it for you * I shrug a bit and cross my arms* lucky you my plumbing works

You’re grumpy *I point out and gently poke your stomach since it’s the closest thing I can reach* I can make a list

I’m not grumpy * I frown and move away from you* hurry so I can get it for you

*I take look around the little kitchen area before I rip a sheet from my sketch pad and make a list for you* Here~

* I look at it and in a moment I’m gone, coming back mere seconds later with everything in two bags* make do with this

*I blink my eyes* Whoa that was fast and thank you, I will *I say as I take the bags from you*

I don’t know brands so… that will have to suffice im not goi g back until I need to

It’s fine, like I said, thank you *I say softly as I unpack them and put them away then fix a little snack for myself*

Human stores are so weird, especially now * I mumble and shake my head* food is weird too

Pre packaged and easy to fix *I hum as I eat*

Truly strange * I mumble and hum*

Can you eat human food at all? *I ask curiously as I nibble on the pita and hummus*

I don’t know and quite frankly I don’t want to * I say softly and hum*

*I shrug my shoulders* Ok fair enough~

Adapting to deer blood was enough of a struggle * I mumble and watch you eat*

*I blush a bit as I feel your eyes on me* I can only imagine

If you can help it, don’t become a vampire * I say softly and sigh*

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I wasn’t planning on it *I say honestly*

It’s not always a choice… avoid it while you can * I murmur*

I will definitely do my best *I say softly*

Vampires really don’t like it when humans know * I mumble*

*I gulp a little bit* Well I’m not gonna tell anyone!

I’m just making sure don’t shit the bed * I roll my eyes a bit and sigh* I can’t believe I did that

Having buyer’s remorse now? *I tease gently*

I stole you * I say bluntly and shrug* I just don’t know why I did it

I mean you did, I mean, you can always drop me back…I’ll be ok, I’ve been dealing with it for most of my life

Perhaps it’s humanity creeping back in but I can’t drop a sad little puppy back in the pound after showing her some freedom * I cross my arms and shrug*

*my jaw drops a bit* I’m hardly a puppy *I huff*

Oh look the puppy is unhappy * i tease and smirk to myself* and then you’re going to give me a pout and puppy eyes to try and convince me otherwise

*I squeak and huff softly, crossing my arms and sulking for a moment* You’re mean!

I was right * I smirk to myself* you did just that

You’re a butthead *I huff*

You’re acting like a child, and you atleast seem slightly older than twelve * I mumble and shrug* entertaining yourself I have to go

*I feel little tears sting my eyes* Fine, go~ *I frown*

* i roll my eyes and go off, leaving you alone in the cabin to go hunt. I come back half an hour later* girl?

*I peak my head from under the quilt before I walk over and stand in front of you, looking at you with big eyes*

I have clothes, figured you’d need some * I mumble, looking down at you with a curious look and wiping off some blood from my mouth. After a moment I pick you up by the scruff of your shirt and hum* what is going on with you

*I let out a loud gasp as I look at you, swinging my legs* You big big big vampire man!

* I toss the bag of clothes onto your bed and furrow my brows* yeah we established this already…. What is wrong with you?

I little Ellie *I tell you* Can you puts me down pease?

Oh you have a name, I forgot to ask * I murmur and raise a brow* what makes you so little, you haven’t shrunk * I ask with a raised brow, gently tossing you back on the bed*

*I let out a squeal then giggle* Mmm no shrunk…I little in here *I say and tap my head* No big Ellie, little Ellie

I have no clue what you’re talking about short stack * I murmur and cross my arms* are you a baby now?

Not baby! Tinie, wike four *I tell you as I wrap the quilt around me*

That is a baby, I’m in the hundreds * I mumble and watch you* can you handle yourself, I’m shit with kids

Whoaaaa you old old old man *I gasp and nod* I be ok

* I bend my knees down to level with you some more* are you sure?

*I smile and reach out, pressing my hands against your face* Mhmmm! I pomise oldie vampy man

Why are you like this * I whisper and look at your hands without moving my head*

*I gently pull away my hands and shrug* I dunno, gotta give Big Ellie a break sometimes

I just don’t get it * I whisper and stand up, shaking my head and sighing*

*I stand up with the blanket around me and get a journal out of my bag, handing it to you* You can reads if you wanna, it tell you ‘bout it

Uh…. Sure… I’ll read your little book * I mumble and take the journal into my large hands, flipping open the pages* hmm

*I smile and sit on the couch, swinging my legs as there are details in the book that lay out how I got into little space and what that entails.*

So you’re like…. Little kid? * I mumble and skim through the book* hmmm

Mhmmm dats right *I smile* You smart

How old is little kid? * I mumble and raise a brow towards you*

*I hold up five fingers on my hand for you*

I see… okay…. And you like to… color? * I murmur*

*my eyes widen and I nod my head* Yeah yeah!

And play with your little dolls? * i murmur*

*I scrunch my nose* Nu uh no dollies, I has stuffies tho

Same thing * I mumble and wave my hand around* close enough

Nu uh! They are not! *I huff*

Close enough for me kid, and I don’t got any * I huff and shake my head*

Dats ok, dis new place and you don’t got no kiddos *I say* You vampy

I am a vampire yes… I told you this already * I murmur and cross my arms*

Mhmm so you can no have kids so you would no have stuffies, duhhhhhhhhh *I say and roll my eyes*

Why the attitude kid * I raise a brow and cross my arms*

*I giggle softly, crossing my arms and scowling at you* No ‘tude! Juss saying da truth…vampy can’t have kiddos!

You don’t know that, you just found out that vampires are real * I note and huff softly*

*I blink my eyes at you* Wells…can you?

* I blink softly back at you and huff* I don’t know

*I giggle softly and hug my knees to my chest* You funny grumpy vampy

Yeah yeah keep laughing chuckles * I tease softly and cross my arms*

*I hide my giggles under the covers, my body shaking with my laughs* Chuckles! You funny!

* I sit at the end of the bed and shake my head* sure thing

*I hum softly and reach my hand out toward you*

* I look at your hand and raise a brow* what is… what do you Want? * I murmur and gently take your hand*

*I smile and clutching your large hand with my small one, giving you a soft smile*

You’re not answering my question little one * I murmur and raise a brow*

Juss being nice *I say softly* Is nice….you have big hand!

I do have a big hand I suppose * I mumble* why are you being nice?

You does and why nots? Why I be mean? *I ask you*

It’s not exactly beneficial to you * I say softly and hum*

You grumpy man, need someone to be nice to you *I murmur*

I’m not grumpy * I mumble and frown*

You making frowny face! *I giggle*

No clue why * I grumble softly and shake my head*

*I frown* I annoy you? *I whisper softly as I hide back under the covers, letting go of your hand*

Oh don’t go doing that * I grumble and let out a sigh* I’ll just leave you alone until you’re ready to come out

Okie *I whisper softly as I hide under the covers for a bit*

* I huff softly and go out to another room, though I occasionally pop my head in to check on you*

*I wiggle out a little bit later and stand up, walking around with the blanket still wrapped around me*

* I sit right outside your room, a pout on my face and my arms crossed, as i hear you move i don’t budge*

*I come out and look up at you* I ok now!

Oh great heavens lucky me * i mutter, looking down at you and crooking my head to the side* I was about to start poking you and you just popped up on your own… you still little?

*I tilt my head and hum* Mmmmm no, bigger now

all the way bigger? * i raise a brow and tap my arm* be honest with me now

Not alllllll the wayyyy bigger, but almost *I reply*

*my smile widens slightly* I’m so glad you enjoyed it

Im glad you took me here, it’s really good * I whisper and smile*

*i wiggle my shoulders and grin* Yay! Happy times

I’ve been having more of those lately * I chuckle and smile*

I”m glad, you deserve them, Connor *I smile*

And you deserve them too * I whisper*

*I smile softly* You’re right

I think it’s good that we agree… sometimes it’s hard to think you deserve something…

It is, and tryin got retrain your mind can be hard *I smile*

you seem like you’ve done a good job though * i whisper and smile* it’s nice

Thanks *I whisper* I guess….maybe I’m good at making it look put together on the outside

yeah… sorry i don’t mean to make it sound like you dont go through all the brain stuff * i whisper and fiddle with one of my rings* i-i know you do..

It’s ok *I say softly* I don’t take offense, I promise *I assure you*

Of course you don’t * i look down at my lap and scratch the back of my head* You’re made of something else… or I am… * i chuckle softly and shake my head* you’re just something else Ellie

*I can’t help but giggle softly and tap my chin for a moment* Oh, I like that….I’m something else…I think that works perfectly

“See you soon, Steven,” she smiled and kissed his cheek as she waited for Marc to front.

Steven closed his eyes and waited a moment before Marc fronted “ Hey kiddo you alright? I saw what happened earlier and Steven made me stay in” he said worriedly

Ellie gave him a little smile. “So you didn’t beat Donna up?” She asked then shook her head. “I’m ok, just tired,” she admitted.

“ I would have” Marc said seriously and pulled her into a hug “ I know she’s mean to Steven but you’re just a kid, no need to yell over things you can control”

Ellie relaxed against him. “I know, she’s just…the worst,” she sighed.

“ I know kiddo” he whispered and hugged her tight

Ellie trembled a bit and pushed back some tears, not wanting to crumble just yet.

“Hey hey, you can let it out, everyone that was here is gone,It’s just you and me” Marc whisper and squeezed her tighter.

Ellie felt her lower lip wobble before she burst into tears and clung to Marc.

Marc rubbed her back softly and kissed her head “ I’ve got ya kiddo”

“Thank you…w…will you take me home please?” She whispered softly.

“ Of course… hey I know it’s not gonna fix anything… but if you want I’ll get you some McDonald’s?” Marc offered and rubbed her arms as he led her to the car

Ellie sniffled and gave him a little smile. “That’s really nice of you, Marc and sure, that sounds kinda nice actually,” she said softly.

“ I’ll get you whatever you want” Marc grinned and rubbed her shoulders “ I’ll beat them up if they don’t have a working ice cream machine” he teased softly

She rubbed her face and gave a soft laugh. “Oh that darn ice cream machine, I’m starting to think it’s a scam,” she giggled.

“ I’ll go to all the ones in London if it means you get what you want” Marc said softly and smiled

Ellie chuckled softly. “Thank you, Marc, but a happy meal sounds really good to me right,” she grinned.

“ We can do a happy meal for sure” Marc grinned and started the car, heading to the nearest McDonald’s

Ellie was feeling a little bit better by the time they got to McDonald’s and ordered a chicken nugget happy meal with a sprite, bouncing on her feet a bit.

Marc also got them a McFlurry just for good measure before driving up and grabbing everything for her “ There you go kiddo, and dessert if you want it”

“Thanks, Marc,” she smiled at him as she held the food and tray in her lap. “It’s nice having you and Steven in my life.”

“ we’re glad to be in it” Marc said softly and gave her a small smile, sipping on the Coke he got himself

“Do you wanna come up for a bit?” She offered once they arrived at her place.

“ Sure if you’ll have us” Marc said softly as he got to her apartment building “ I don’t get to spend too much time with you anyways”

“I’d be very happy to have you,” she smiled and took them up, putting the food on the table then checked on Blossom. “I’ll let you out of the cage once I’m done.”

Marc snickered softly and sipped some more on his soda “ that sounds oddly familiar, I’ve said it to Steven jokingly” Marc said with a small smile

Ellie giggled softly. “Very cheeky,” she teased as she washed her hands than sat down to eat. “Mmmm.”

Marc sipped on his drink some more and sat with her quietly “Blossom adjust well?”

Ellie nodded her head. “She’s being doing well! Which makes me really happy.”

“ That’s good, she seems right at home” Marc grinned and gave the bunny a little finger wave

“I put her in the cage while I work but when I’m home she can hop around or be in the pen,” Ellie smiled.

“ so you can let her out now?“ Marc asked curiously

“Yep, I just wanted to eat first,” Ellie smiled then got up to let Blossom out, the little bunny hopping around

“ Okay, no rush” Marc said softly and smiled “ I just… she’s a cute ass bunny” he admitted

Ellie laughed softly. “She really is, she’s just pure happiness,” she grinned. “Very curious too.”

“ That’s adorable, you have the same thing about you both” Marc said and gave a small shrug. “ you feel like you are good for each other”

Ellie giggled and blushed a bit. “I guess we really are,” she smiled then rubbed at her face a bit.

Marc reached out and rubbed her shoulder gently “ You need bathing before I start heading out?”

“I’m good, thank you, probably just gonna curl up in bed with Blossom and watch TV, call it an early night,” she whispered.

“That makes enough sense, I’ll leave you two to your evening then” Marc gave her a soft smile and squeezed her shoulder

“Thank you, Marc,” she smiled and kissed his cheek as she hugged him. When he left, she scooped blossom up and wiggled under her covers, going into her little space.

“ Be good” Marc murmured and left the apartment, driving him and Steven back home for the evening

The next morning, Ellie called out sick to work, mustering up the strength to be big for a few minutes before she slipped into little space again.

Steven was not scheduled to work that morning, but got the call to see if he could cover for Ellie’s shift. He declined doing so and gave Ellie a call

Ellie heard her phone ring and saw Steven’s name pop up. She sniffled softly and wiped under her nose before she picked up. “H…hey,” she said softly.

“ You alright, Dove? Word is you called out and I know it’s unlike you, Ned anything? Soup? Medicine?”

“Hi Steven….I’m kinda ok…I just needed a mental health day,” she whispered.

“ you need me to bring anything over? A friend to talk to?” Steven offered, the worry clear in his voice

“You can come over if y…you want, but you don’t have to bring anything,” she replied softly.

“ Alright Dove, we’ll be over in a tick, and if you think you may need anything at all just give us a ring” Steven said softly. “ We’ll be there in ten minutes tops, probably sooner

“Ok sounds good, see you soon,” Ellie said before she hung up and waited for Steven to come over, sinking back into little space again.

Marc and Steven made their way over, completely cocon as they knew they had to take care of Ellie. Steven was the one who called to her from the buzzer “ Hey dove, what’s going on?”

Ellie wiggled out of bed and pressed the buzzer for him to come up. She opened the door and threw herself into his arms. “Stebin!!!”

Steven gasped softly and chuckled, holding onto her and rubbing her back “ Stebin? That my new name now? How are you feeling dove, you seem in a chipper mood”

Ellie nodded her head as she held onto him. “Mhmm you Stebin…you nice and big Ellie sad…she need a bweak.”

Steven raised his eye brows a bit as he realized what was going on and gave her an extra squeeze “ ahh I see, well hello little Ellie! Doing a little better?”

She nodded her head and took a step back. “I’m ok!!! Big Ellie needs to rest for a bit, she too stressed. Oh Stebin….have you seen Blossom yet?” She asked excitedly

“I have met her, yes!! I was there when big Ellie got her” he explained with a big smile

“Ohhh yayyyy, she’s so cute,” Ellie smiled as she got the little bunny out of the cage.

“She is very cute! Isn’t she!! She’s almost like a bunny version of you dove!!” Steven grinned Marc observing the situation as well

“She’s the cutest eva,” Ellie smiled then gasped. “You really fink so!!!!??”

“ I really really do!! You’re practically the same, sans the long ears” Steven chuckled and tapped her nose

Ellie bounced on her toes as she held Blossom in her arms. “Tank you…..ooooo can you help me eats, Stebin? I not ‘posed to do certain fings when I little,” she told him.

“ Oh of course poppet! What is it you need help with then? Let me now so I can help”

Ellie put Blossom down in the pen before she skipped over to the counter and handed Steven a box of white Mac and cheese. “It easy, but I not ‘posed to touch the stove,” she told him.

Steven took the box and looked at it a moment before Marc quickly fronted “ Hey kiddo it’s Me, like you’re not supposed to touch the stove, Steven isn’t either” he teased softly

“Ohhhh ok, and hi Marc!” Ellie giggled. “Me and Stebin not ‘lowed to touch the stove,” she giggled as her tummy gave a little growl.

“ Don’t worry, I’ll get ya Mac and Cheese in no time; you just hold tight” Marc murmured and read the directions, starting to make the food

“Yayyyyyy,” Ellie cheered happily as she sat at the table and began to draw, her tongue poking out of the side of her mouth.

Marc smiled softly as he saw her and made she the Mac and cheese was perfect for her “ what are you doing there?”

She held up her drawing to show him. “When we had da picnikkkkkkkk, it was so fun,” she giggled, letting him see all the stick figures she had drawn.

“ ahhh I see, so did good kiddo, I like your art stuff” Marc grinned as he served up the Mac and cheese

“Thank you and mmmmm, Mac and cheese!!!” She grinned and pushed her coloring supplies aside before she began to eat.

“ I hope you like it” Marc grinned and ruffled her hair

“Mhmm it yummy, tank you,” she grinned and swung her legs as she ate the whole bowl.

“ You’re welcome” Marc grinned and ate from his own bowl, humming happily

“Is good, yeah? Mac and cheese is da best!” Ellie cheered.

“ It’s not my favorite, but it’s really good” Marc chuckled softly and gave her a soft look

“Is mine so big ellie always make sure we have it!” Ellie grinned.

“Ahh I see, she’s very responsible and it’s much appreciated” Marc grinned and took the plates to clean

“Mhmm she is, we has a wittle book we share,” Ellie giggled. “For when I tinie.”

“ Maybe you can show us? If it helps us out at all when it comes to taking care of you” Marc suggested and gave her a soft look

“Yeah!!!” Ellie smiled and bounced off, getting it off the table to show to Marc.

Marc took the book and gave it a look, Steven right there to take things in as well. They occasionally made notes to each other to remember certain things

It just laid out simple things, mostly what little Ellie liked to eat and things she wasn’t supposed to do in little space so she didn’t get hurt. The biggest thing was little Ellie didn’t like thunderstorms.

“ Aw yeah I see this is a pretty good list to have it is” Steven murmured both men flowing in and out of the front. “ yeah it’s real easy to follow” mumbled Marc

Ellie’s jaw dropped a bit. “Whooooaaaaa is both of you,” she said with a little giggle.

Marc raised his brows and nodded a bit, chuckling “ Yeah I guess when we’re both interested that happens”

Ellie giggled and walked over, hugging Marc from behind. “Ellie loves you both!”

Marc chuckled and rubbed her arm “ And we love you too” Murmured Marc

She kissed his cheek then turned on the TV to a little kid’s show, hugging her knees to her chest while she watched.

Marc blushed a bit and sat with her, ruffling her hair a bit and smiling

She leaned into him a bit, her little hand taking hold of his gently while they watched TV. Ellie would let out soft giggles.

Marc looked over and smiled, just happy Ellie was giggling and happy in one way or another

She ended up falling asleep against him, waking up later and rubbing her eyes. “Mmm.”

“ Hello there dove, how are we feeling after a nap?” Asked Steven, rubbing her arm gently

“Umm better, thanks,” Ellie said softly. “Sorry, she needed to come out for a bit.”

“ No need to apologize dove, she’s more than welcome to make herself known, especially if we can help” he said with a small smile

“Thanks, both sides trust you and Marc a great deal,” Ellie said softly.

“ We appreciate it” he said softly, though it was clear that both Marc and Steven were both right there listening to her

“You two are really special to me, I’m glad to have you in my life.”

“ We’re glad to be in it, I think you actually keep us young” teased Steven

Ellie giggled softly. “Really? Neither of you are very old, I mean older than me, but not old.”

“ Yeah well Marc had the soul of a grumpy old man, I like to think I’m very youthful”

“You are, and well Marc is nice to me, you both are,” she smiled.

“ and I’ll have you know Marc isn’t nice to people like that” Steven teased “ you’re lucky”

“That’s good to know,” she smiled. “But I’m lucky to have you both.”

“ We’re lucky, Steven. Don’t tease the girl” butted in Marc with a small huff

Ellie giggled softly and gently poked Marc’s cheek. “I can’t imagine not having you both.”

“Yeah well we’re a package deal who happen to be a two for one right at this moment, sometimes it’s a mix of us both at the front and it gets weird”

Ellie let her head rest on his shoulder. “I bet, and well you have me and Little Ellie too when she pops out. So at least none of us will have to be alone.”

“ Exactly” He blinked and took a moment for try and get more grounded “ Sorry sorry, we’re both right there so it’s fuzzy”

“It’s ok, you don’t have to apologize for these things,” Ellie assured him.

“Yeah but I’m sure it’s weird to see” mumbled Marc as he rubbed his eyes. “ okay I think it’s just me now”

Ellie shrugged. “Maybe a little bit, but…it’s a part of you and not always something you can control,” she said softly.

“ Still, I won’t lie and try and force someone to be used to it, I’m not used to it myself”

She nodded. “Makes sense, but it doesn’t bother me or upset me or freak me out,” she offered.

“ That’s relieving to say the least… it’s not that way for some people”

“I’m sure….people aren’t very understanding or don’t even try to understand,” she sighed.

“ that’s why people don’t know” Marc chuckled and rubbed his face as he sighed

“Now that I can understand, I imagine it’s not easy to tell people because you never know what you might be risking,” Ellie replied.

“ let’s just say it’s not something we risk often”Marc said softly

“That makes sense, I can understand that. I hardly let anyone see my little side,” she said softly.

“ yeah it’s like that in it’s own way” Marc grinned “you’re smart kiddo”

“I’ve got brains in here,” she teased. “I’m glad we found each other.”

“ yes you do kiddo, no doubts about it, okay?” Grinned Marc “ and we are too, trust me”

“I do, I trust you, a lot, a lot, a lot,” she grinned.

“ we trust each other, that’s important and we have it”

“It really is,” she smiled and let her head rest on his shoulder.

Marc smiled at the sight and just sighed happily

Blossom came hopping over so Ellie picked her up and placed her on the couch.

Marc reached over and gave her a soft pet “ That bunny is real soft you know”

“She really is, so soft and comforting,” Ellie smiled as Blossom’s nose twitched.

“ I’m sure she’s helpful for that anxiety thing if yours” Marc notes

“She’s a special god send for me. She helps out a lot,” Ellie grinned.

“ I’m glad to know that this critter helps you, maybe we should get one” chuckled Marc

“Yeah! I can always help take care of them if you need it!” Ellie grinned.

“ Im sure you’d do a great job too kiddo” chuckled Marc

“Thanks…I just try my best you know? I’ve been looking out for myself for awhile,” Ellie said.

“ Well it’s still good to do that, but you’ve got us now, so you’re not all on your own” grinned Marc

“And you two have me! Which means none of us never have to be alone,” she smiled.

“Yes we do, so that’s nice to think about… though we don’t really get the alone thing too much” chuckled Marc

“Sometimes you do need some space where it’s just you,” Ellie hummed.

“ Trust me kiddo, we agree fully, it’s just easier said than done in our case” explained Marc

“I understand,” she said kindly as she patted Marc’s leg. “You’re doing the best you can!”

“ and you’re very understanding of it which is way more than anyone has ever given us, we appreciate it”

“I get what it’s like to have a different kinda life you know? Especially with something you can’t really control.”

“ they’ve got their similarities and differences Im sure” chuckled Marc who shook his head

“Absolutely, I’m certainly not implying with have the same thing at all,” Ellie smiled.

“ You’re all good kiddo, I know what you mean” smiled Marc

“Ok good,” she smiled and let her head rest on his shoulder.

Marc reached over to pet her hair and closed his eyes a moment. “ I don’t think I can remember the last time we both care about someone like this” murmured Marc with a hint of Steven poking through

“that makes me feel extra special….I haven’t had anyone care about me in a long time, it feels nice,” Ellie murmured.

“It may sound off… but it’s been a long time since I’ve cared about someone” whispered Marc “ other than us caring about ourselves”

“I get it….when you’ve been through stuff, it’s hard,” she said softly.

“ but hey, you brought out the best in us, that takes someone special” grinned Marc

“I guess you’re right about that and I’m honored,” she grinned.

“ we’re honored” Marc grinned and pat her head

She gave his cheek a soft kiss. “I don’t wanna go back to that museum though,” she sighed.

“I don’t understand why Steven goes back there either, we have a cash flow but he insists” mumbled Marc

“I know he loves it, he’d be a really good tour guide if that dumb bitch Donna didn’t pick on him so much,” Ellie said, blushing then covering her mouth. “Sorry.”

Marc laughed loudly and shook his head “ don’t apologize you’re right, and it’s also fun actually hearing you curse”

She giggled softly. “I don’t do it a lot, but she’s just horrid! She doesn’t even like Egyptian stuff, Steven loves it. She’s just a big stupid bully.”

“ Believe me kiddo you’re preaching to the choir here, she absolutely is but he makes sure my self isn’t there”

“I’d bet you’d knock her ass clear across the room, but you don’t wanna be known as a man the beating up on women so yeah it’s definitely for the best,” Ellie said kindly.

“ i mean… i could but i think I would just make him quit” laughed Marc “ loving the attitude though”

“You probably could, but I’m not sure he’d like that,” Ellie pouted.

“ he wouldn’t which is why I don’t do it” Marc shrugged “So he can’t say I don’t care”

“You don’t strike me as the type who doesn’t care,” Ellie said kindly.

“ sometimes he thinks it…. I don’t blame him” Marc said softly and shrugged “ it’s a thing”

“Well I know you both care about me,” she smiled. “You’re both super important to me.”

“ and don’t ever think you’re not important to us kiddo, you really are. One of the best parts of our lives for sure”

“Oh I know I am, I promise. It’s nice to have you both worry over me and care for me,” she grinned.

“ you know, Steven is making a ruckus about a group hug right now” chuckled marc

“I support Steven in this…I think a group hug sounds great!” She cheered.

“ He’s up here now, I guess just hug me when you want” chuckled marc with a shrug who awkwardly opened his arms to the girl

Ellie smiled and moved in, wrapping her arms around his neck and snuggled in close.

“ aww there you go dove, we’ve got you” mumbled steven who managed to push his way to the front

“Mmm thank you,” she smiled as she snuggled her face into his neck.

“ You’re welcome dove” Steven whispered and rubbed her back, squeezing her close

“It’s nice being your dove, makes me all warm and fuzzy,” she whispered.

“I like having a dove at all, though poppet is a close second”

“Poppet is very nice too,” Ellie giggled.

“ you’re both though so you win no matter what” Steven murmured and laughed

“You’re right about that, lucky me,” she smiled.

“ We consider ourselves luckier but thank you kindly” chuckled steven

“I’m glad…we’re all lucky then,” she giggled.

“ We’re one hell of a trio” chuckled steven as he smiled and gave her an extra tight squeeze

“We really are, it’s rather nice,” Ellie hummed.

“ i feel like a buy one get one free offer” Steven teased with a laugh

“Sort of,” she giggled. “It’s pretty cool.”

“ Cept it’s get one friend the other comes too!! More friends!” Steven chuckled and shook his head

Ellie laughed softly. “All the friends,” she said. “I’ll take it.”

“ I tend to believe that having friends is great, not an odd thing but I still think it” Steven chuckled and smiled

“I think so too, I don’t have many so I’m glad to have you and marc and blossom,” she smiled.

“ we’re all here for you dove” whispered steven with a big smile

“I know, just like I’m here for all of you,” she smiled.

“ you mean all of us” Steven winked and giggled “ how cool is that”

“It’s very cool, the best if I dare so say,” Ellie said.

“ Well not everyone has this kinda a situation if you know what I mean, so I think it’s fair to say it is the best!!”

“You’re right about that, I think we just look at the good things we have right now. You, Marc and Blossom are all very good things,” she beamed.

“ I’m glad we can be a good thing in your life… a good thing in somebody’s life” Steven whispered

“Me too, it’s really nice, I’m glad we all found each other,” Ellie said.

“ Me too, it really is a great thing we have” Steven grinned and pulled away a bit

“It absolutely is,” Ellie smiled as she kissed his cheek then stood up to check on Blossom.

Steven blushed softly and smiled “ sorry I just sort of popped out of no where, I quite enjoy hugs”

“It’s ok!” Ellie smiled and gave Blossom some treats. “Hugs are great and sometimes you need a break from the hugs!”

“ Marc does like them too believe it or not” Steven teased and smiled “ as much of a headass he pretends to be”

“I believe it, I think he’s secretly a softie,” Ellie laughed.

“ i would believe it wholeheartedly, he is in all honesty, don’t tell him I told you though” chuckled Steven

“I won’t, I’ll keep it our secret,” she chuckled, hearing her phone vibrate and checked the message. She sighed softly.

“ What’s got you sighing over there?” Steven asked softly with a small frown

“I got a text from my dad, he’s going to be in Europe for a bit and wants to see me,” she said softly.

“ Oh love” Steven frowned softly and reached to take her hand, Marc quickly fronting “ you know you don’t have to see him”

“I know,” she whispered as she held onto their hand. “It’s easier sometimes you know? Just to say yes so he doesn’t come tracking me down.”

“ We gotta work on getting you away for him for good” Marc mumbled and squeezed her hand

“I know,” she said softly as she squeezed Marc’s hand. “Hopefully soon, once the trust is officially mine.”

“Absolutely, you get that money and disappear from his life, we’ll help you as much as we can” marc said softly

“Thank you, that means a lot to me,” Ellie told him softly.

“ it means a lot that we can help you… I mean we’re not two for no reason now” marc admitted with a sad smile

Ellie gently cupped Marc’s cheek and kissed his forehead. “I know, and I’m sorry you went through that, I don’t know the details and you don’t even need to tell me, but I know it couldn’t have been good.”

“We really appreciate it kiddo, and you don’t worry about us. We’ve gotten some help and now we actually know each other which is a step up” grinned Marc

“That’s really good!” Ellie praised. “Sometimes it really does help you a great deal.”

“ and because of that we both get to know you, which is also pretty cool” marc grinned and held her shoulders “ you’re great kiddo”

“Thanks,” Ellie smiled. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me great before.”

“ Well I think that means that even me and Steven waited too long” marc said with a small smile

“Nah, I think you told me just at the right time,” she smiled.

“Im glad you think so kid” marc whispered and gave her a little squeeze

“We’re a little ragtag team, but I like it,” she smiled.

“ The best teams usually are, atleast in movies they are” marc smirked a bit

“That’s true, they are scrappy and end up winning in the end,” she grinned.

Marc laughed softly and sighed, rubbing his face a bit “ yeah they do, we’ll win”

“Exactly,” she grinned. “You don’t have to hang with me the whole day, I don’t wanna keep you from anything,” she said softly.

“ Not that you’re not nice to be around, though it makes it more special when I haven’t had a turn with you…. You make me soft kid”

Ellie blushed a bit and hid her face. “That’s really sweet, I like that.”

“ You’ve got something special in that heart of yours… don’t let Steven know I’m getting all soft now”

“I won’t, I’ll keep it our secret,” Ellie smiled. “I like to think my heart is full of love and butterflies.”

“ Your heart is good that way” chuckled Marc “ keep it that way as long as you can”

“I promise to always do my best,” she smiled and crossed her heart.

“ good to hear kiddo” grinned marc “ we try our best too”

“I know you do, I can definitely tell,” she said.

“ so you let us know if you need anything” he said softly and squeezed her shoulders

“I will, thank you for taking care of me when I needed it,” she smiled and kissed his cheek.

Marc blushed softly and gave her nod “ my pleasure”

She gently squeezed his hands. “don’t let me keep you, I know I’ll be seeing you and Steven soon.”

“ Don’t stress about us kid, we’ve got you, you do what you need to do” whispered marc

She gave him a tight hug. “Thanks…for everything!”

“ You’re very welcome” Marc whispered and squeezed her super close

She hugged him close and sighed happily, a soft smile on her face.

“ You can do anything, remember that…. Don’t do just anything though” Marc teased with a wink

Ellie laughed softly and nodded her head. “I won’t,” she promised.

“ You’re certainly smarter than I was” chuckled marc who rubbed her shoulders

“Eh sometimes maybe, other times, not so smart,” she laughed.

“ Trust me kid, so long as you’re not in the place we’re in, you’re smart”

“I will keep that in mind,” she said softly. “though I don’t think of you or Steven as dumb.”

“ I personally disagree, I’m not saying we’re dumb, but I personally have not been very smart in the past” chuckled marc

Ellie laughed softly. “That’s ok, I’ve had my own moments.”

“ You’re right” Marc chuckled and let his hands up in defense “you ultimately make good decisions though, don’t downplay that”

“I will try and keep that in mind,” she smiled.

“ good, now you go seize the day or whatever encouraging thing Steven would say” chuckled marc

Ellie laughed softly. “Ok I will!”

“ Be good kiddo” Marc whispered “good luck with your dad” he said softly, standing up and grabbing his jacket and heading out

“Thanks, take care of yourself, you and Steven,” she smiled as she showed him out.

Marc gave her shoulder a soft squeeze, a small nod before leaving, a part of him still worrying for Ellie and her father

Ellie texted her father back to let him know she couldn’t do dinner with him and sighed, hoping things wouldn’t explode on her.

“ Hey poppet!! Hope things go well for you, sorry I didn’t get to say bye -Steven” Steven texted to her, hoping she was okay

Ellie smiled when she saw the text. “That’s ok, I understand and I’m doing ok. I told my dad no.”

“ i gotcha, probably for the best, let us know if you need anything at all” grinned steven to himself as he sent the text, feeling proud of Ellie

“I will, and it was, I need to make boundaries,” Ellie texted back.

“ You’re a strong girl for that, we’re proud of you”

Ellie beams to herself. “thank you! That means a lot to me.”

“ Let us know if you need anything, if not I’ll see you at work!”

“I’ll see you soon! Xoxo Ellie.” She smiled as she texted back then went to feed Blossom.

Steven got himself ready to go to work the next day, showing up a couple minutes late as usual “ Ello ello!!”

“Hi Steven!” Ellie grinned and walked over to give him a hug.

“ Hey dove, how’s your morning been then?” Steven asked softly and hugged her back, giving her a gentle squeeze “everyone treating you alright?”

Ellie smiled and nodded. “Oh yeah it’s been fine, even Donna has been minding her own business!”

“that’s good to know now it is, guess it’s just been lucky then” grinned Steven “ at the very least i think you’ve been a good luck charm”

Ellie smiled and flushed a bit. “I like that! Being a good luck charm, I think you and Marc are mine as well.”

Ellie sniffled and looked down, giving Digby a pet. “What is it, buddy?” she asked while she followed him over to the box, shocked to see that Blossom was alive. Her pink little nose twitched as shock grew across Ellie’s face. “W….what?”

“ I found her…. Um… yes” mumbled The Pie Maker, unable to make up a good excuse in time “ Your bunny”

“I thought she was….oh no…I was gonna bury her alive,” Ellie sniffled as she gathered Blossom into her arms and hugged her close. “I’m horrible, maybe she was just sleeping.”

“ N-no you’re not horrible whatsoever, it’s a weird…. Rabbit thing that occurs with her breed…. I had a friend who had the same thing happen to him” Admitted The Pie Maker whose hands were practically glued to his pockets

“R…really?” She asked softly as she stroked Blossom’s soft fur. “I’m glad your doggie came to let me know,” she smiled. “She’s my best friend, she’s kinda my only friend.”

“ I’m quite similar with Digby here” Admitted The Pie Maker, rocking on his heels “ I have more so, acquaintances than anything else… coworkers as well”

Ellie nodded her head as she slowly stood up. “Yeah, same here. Well I suppose I should get her back home. Thank you both…for letting me know,” she smiled.

“ Yes of course… be well Ellie, and remember the fact that you are indeed a wonderful person to be around and you are quite the opposite of terrible” Blurted out the Pie Maker

“Thank you, Ned, you’re so sweet,” Ellie smiled as she headed back to her apartment to put Blossom back in her cage, getting her settled before she headed back down to the Pie Hole.

The Pie Maker let out a long deep breath, glad he wasn’t discover by the shy young girl. As he got back to making his pies, he spotted her and tried to act cool and inconspicuous

She smiled and gave him a little wave, placing her order with Olive and having a friendly little chat with her.

The Pie Maker gave her a small smile and nodded, serving her pie and sending it to Olive and going over to sit with her “ Hello”

Ellie swallowed down her bite of peach a la mode and wiped at her mouth. “Hi Ned!”

“ How is your once dead but not dead bunny rabbit doing” Asked the pie maker with wide eyes “ and more importantly how are you feeling”

“She’s doing well, she’s upstairs in her cage now with a fresh carrot and some straw. Ummm….I feel a little off but ok,” Ellie told him.

“ Perhaps it would help to explain what a little off means in this context?” Suggested the pie maker, trying to find out if she had any suspicions

Ellie’s cheeks turned a little pink. “Oh just my mood, that’s all,” she said, not wanting to get into too many details.

“ You don’t have to divulge the full details, though my work with detectives tends to lend me to understanding people more” Blurted out the Pie Maker “ though as long as you’re feeling better”

“Wow! I didn’t know you work with detectives, that’s really cool! And I am, I decided to take a personal day from work,” she replied.

“ and your pie is on the house, I’ll have you know. See it as a pie on top of a pie as the shop is a giant pie. I wouldn’t want to have been the cause of any distress so this is rather important for me

“Thank you, that’s really sweet,” she smiled. “You’re so nice, and I can’t believe I haven’t come here before, it’s so yummy.”

“ I’m rather glad you think so, good reviews are good for business. Good Pies are good for the stomach. I just attempt to be good in these way” Ned shrugged

“You’re right they are…but these are better than good. I think this might be the best pie I ever tasted,” she grinned.

“ I’ll take that review to heart” grinned the pie maker “ I always take the reviews seriously whether they are from customers or friends”

“I’m glad cause I meant every word,” she grinned. “I don’t have a lot of friends, but I’ll tell the ones I do have about this place.”

“ an amount of friends doesn’t matter per say but I will say that having places for yourself that you enjoy is good. I suppose I meant that as you are both a friend and a customer at times”

She gave him a smile. “You’re right about that….on both accounts. Quality over quantity and yeah, I’m a customer and a friend now,” she replied. “I swear….you put magic in these pies.”

“ I suppose if that is one way you wanted to put it you could… though I do use the obvious flour and sugar and fruit as well”

“Of course, but there is something very special about these pies,” Ellie smiled. “I choose to believe it has some magic in it.”

“ As I said, I do not think I would render you entirely incorrect with that assumption, though I would say it is certainly not the magic of close up variety. I would say I abhor that magic” mumbled the pie maker “ that was rather a lot my apologies”

“No it’s ok and duly noted. I was referring to that magic you can’t quite explain, not the rabbit out of the hat kind. But that spark in your fingertips, fluttering in your heart, and colorful swirls in your head kind magic,” she smiled.

“ I happen to prefer that magic., though one of those examples tends to tickle my heart in a certain way, I won’t divulge into which, so do with that information what you will” murmured the pie maker.

Ellie leaned her chin on her hand. “I bet I could figure it out. You seem like…a romantic,” she grinned.

“ I’m certain definition of the world I reckon I could most certainly be described as such” grinned the pie maker

“You also have a way with words, they sound very pretty and smart,” she grinned

“ i simple speak as I wish to, I enjoy being able to express myself in however many words it may take” the pie maker laughed and smiled

Ellie giggled softly. “I like that. You’re really nice, Ned,” she smiled.

“ I try to be, when I Can that is” grinned the pie maker “ want some coffee?”

“I would love some coffee, thank you! I’m a big coffee fan,” she smiled.

“ of course, on the house again” grinned the pie maker as he poured her a mug

“Thank you,” she smiled, scrunching her nose as she added a little bit of cream.

“ you’re welcome Ellie, enjoy and let me know if you want more” said the pie maker softly.

“I will, thank you,” she smiled as she enjoyed her coffee and pie.

“ good, I’ll see you then” grinned the pie maker as he head to the back of his shop with more pies and her pet bunny on the mind

Ellie finished up and left a nice tip for Olive before she headed about her day, doing her little shift at the local bookstore before heading home.

Ned came into the book store later, checking out some of the vintage recipe books

Ellie hummed softly as she restocked some of the little bins in the front with various Knick knacks and smiled when she saw Ned. “Hi Ned!” She said softly as she approached him.

“ Good evening Ellie, how are things going here?”

“Kinda quiet, but that’s ok, can I help you find anything?”

“ perhaps, I was researching recipes from the fifties of you had any books from that era or inspired by”

“Oooo very cool! Yeah, hold on,” she said and pulled a couple titles out of the cooking section for him to look at.

“ Thank you, I’m looking to do more variations of Pies, I figured that it would be a good place to see”

“That sounds like a lot of fun, I can’t wait to see what you come up with!”

“ I’ll be sure to call you first to see what you think of my new recipes” grinned the pie maker

“Really? I’d love that…oh I love the pies back then that had the fancy crusts….always so pretty,” she smiled as she did a little twirl.

“ I am not always the best of artists but I know I will make my best attempt” grinned Ned.

“My mom used to make them that way, I wish I had learned more from her,” she said.

“ that sounds wonderful… my mother also taught me in my love for pie making. I suppose this place is a tribute to her in a way” explained the pie maker

“That’s really sweet,” Ellie said with soft eyes. “Is she….still alive? My mom died when I was ten.”

“ Unfortunately she is not…. She… when I was eight. This shop is my homage to her” explained the pie maker with a solemn look on his face

“I’m sorry, Ned,” she said gently, giving his arm a soft squeeze.

The Pie Maker looked over at the girl’s hand and gently smiled. “ Thank you Ellie, I appreciate it”

“You’re welcome, Ned, it sucks…being in the Dead Mom club,” she sighed.

The Pie Maker gave the girl a small smile and Pat her shoulder “ At least it’s not a lonely club”

“True, I’ll be at the register if you need anything else!” She smiled as she headed back to check out a few guests.

“ Thank you” whispered the pie maker, choosing a few of the books and bringing them up

Ellie gave him a smile as she rang them up and put them into a cute paper bag for him. “Here you are!”

“ Thank you Ellie, say hello to your bunny for me” grinned the Pie Maker as he paid

“I will, Ned, have a good night. I’ll see you around!” She chirped happily after him