#but i wont...

Mrs. Simpleton was not wearing her usual uptight cotton-colored outfit, but a small fur coat with a simpler dress fitter for travel. Grace held herself close. Her gloves kept her fingertips warm just barely. Everyone else wore something similar. Cloaks to keep them warm for the weather, and casual get-ups for the occasion.

The Noble wasn’t used to traveling with people casually and especially not when she isn't that well acquainted with them. A good rest day for Grace was staying in her mansion, getting pedicures, watching her telenovelas, and sleeping in! She couldn’t possibly risk going someplace else where anything and everything could go wrong. 

Not to mention, they did not tell her where they were going. A vacation home over to Poseidon for their beautiful waters, sure, but WHERE were they going? She asked her son; he wouldn’t know either. She asked Leonardo; He would not say a word! And every time she insisted on an answer to calm her nerves she would just be excused with “It's a surprise”! Simon might not be bothered, he loves surprises! Grace, on the other hand, dreaded not knowing what to expect.

Is she supposed to believe that they’re just going to… go somewhere? Without any sort of objective? What is she if it’s not for a business reason?? Herself??? She was glad that they all agreed to keep their familiar’s home. But there was a large part of her that wished her beloved sheep was there to comfort her. She just kept quiet to herself and spaced out as the chatter of the adults and children in the cart muffled in her ears. As they left town and entered an open plain, the wind grew colder. 

Leonardo kept to himself the entire carriage ride. Maybe occasionally entertaining his children if they had something to tell him, but even then his answers were mainly short hums, and they knew not to bother him too much. His eyes were closed, and he was honestly spacing out himself in his own right. Only his was much calmer, and he actually enjoyed the carriage ride. He opens his eyes occasionally, sometimes to look outside the window, or to his children chattering and making jokes. Moments like these are what he fights for. 

A small glance to the side though, he spotted Lady Simpleton. She kept to herself as he’d expected, but this time it took his attention. He saw her frown grow nervous. She said that she hasn’t left the Gates for more than a century. The last time she left it was short and a business trip in Poseidon. What did she think was behind The Coven Gates?

Grace was just not comfortable being out in the open like that. Her uptight grip around herself has become less pacifying for her anxiety, but rather, her gloved hands have become shakier, and her breath was warm compared to the cold outside. Though she was wearing a furred coat, it seems it wasn’t enough to withstand the cold on the late nights. 

     “Here. ” Grace turned, and before she knew it, The Red King had reached out his jacket to her. It was a big red jacket, with fur on its hood and sleeves. Thick, fitting for a man Leonardo’s size. It was a little more… rugged than what she was used to, but it looked warm and much thicker than what she had on. She took it hesitantly. Grace was not going to disobey the Ares.

Though, at first, she was having trouble putting it on. Her fluffy white coat would have made it uncomfortable for her to layer. And she didn't have the luggage with her so she can’t just put it away…Leonardo cleared his throat. Which prompted her to look up at him. He still has his hand reached out to her.

     “Come on. I’ll hold it till we get there.”

Grace’s attention went back from him and then the jacket… Why? Why was he offering her so much? He wasn’t her servant, he was quite the opposite. She didn’t pay him to do any of that. Dumbfounded, she moved hesitantly, swiftly folding her jacket and handing it off to him. She saw Leonardo lay it on his lap and revert his attention forward.

The White Maiden looked back at the large jacket. She lifted it to examine it a little more. Yeah, no. Not what she was used to. Very rugged with little tearing. There was a faint dark red stain that ran down the sleeves that she tells herself is paint! There were patches attached to the shoulders: The Red Coven symbol, a Russian flag, and a Piglin with gold. The last thing she noticed were tiny crocheted stitches on the chest of a blue bat, a green flower, and an orange crown.

Putting it on for a few seconds, she could already feel the body warmth Leonardo left over, which would warm her up much faster than she anticipated. It might have been a little too big for her than expected, however. She felt like she was buried in it even after she zipped it close.

     “Alright,” Voiced Catherine, taking everyone’s attention. “Everyone up to date with the buddy system?” 

     “We have a buddy system?” spoke a white-eyed Richman.

     “Of course we do, are you kidding me?” Sheldon snickered. Erma did the same, only hers was a little more playfully mocking. 

     “You might not be used to this because you’re a spoiled brat, but this vacation is private. Do you think we wanna share our location with guards when potential assassins and spies are on the loose?”

     “Okay, you didn’t have to be all rude about it…” Simon muttered under his breath, crossing his arms and leaning back.

     “Everyone experienced with combat is paired with someone who can’t defend themselves.” Boomed Leonardo, having the voice of a soldier. This forced all attention to be given to him.”This is The Coven of Poseidon, but we’re still prone to mobs. “ His stance has changed to become less relaxed. It was now more akin to a commander giving orders.

     “Catherine will be paired with Flint,” Catherine nodded as Flint saluted. “Erma will be paired with Noah, He’s already a hard hitter, but she can provide him with healing if needed. ” Erma shot the small golem a knowing look, which Noah returned with a smile in his eyes. “And The Blacksmith entrusted Sheldon with Wilbert. So there is no argument there.”

     “And? what about Mother and I?” 

     “Son, you are part of the people who can’t defend themselves. ” The entire carriage snickered at the man’s remark. Simon flushed from embarrassment. “I will be taking care of both you and Grace.” Leonardo leaned back, placing his chin on the back of his palm.  And as if he controlled the mood of the situation, everyone in the cart relaxed their bodies and went back on their usual.

Before he completely drifted away, he kept one eye open to take one good look at madame Simpleton. He didn’t realize it then but he noticed the fact that she hadn't uttered a single sentence the entire time they were chatting. She was curled up in her seat; he could barely see her face as she was completely buried in his jacket, But he saw that her eyes were closed, much calmer than it has ever been the whole ride.      Ah, so she fell asleep…      Eh, he’ll tell Simon to fill her in later.

And with that Leonardo closed his eyes, and went back to his usual resting.

Back to the front of the carriage, the four adults chatted as they did most of the ride. Erma was leaning on Sheldon, While Catherine and Simon kept to themselves, though Simon was sitting a little closer than one usually would with a mutual. 

It was just like that: Sheldon was telling stories, Catherine was cracking jokes, Erma was gossiping, and though they were teasing the poor man, Simon still felt welcomed and part of the group. They would all listen if he had anything to add and validate him if needed

     “I don’t understand…Why would he take on the responsibility of Mother and me?”

     “Simon, If anyone can handle two people it’s him.” Simon looked up upon hearing Sheldon’s voice ”People like you drive our father to be stronger.” 

     “Awe..”

     ”Even if it is two filthy capitalists”

     Simon clicked his teeth “Take me seriously for once, won’t you, Blaire!” Sheldon and Erma laughed at that one. The two sounded like they were really proud of themselves. Hmph. Whores.

     “Papa always had a bit of a soft spot for women and their children. He doesn’t treat things like these lightly. “Catherine placed her palm on Simon’s shoulder. “You’re in safe hands, Simon.” 

Simon gave Catherine a soft look in his eyes. He could feel himself melt just by her touch, and her beautiful blue eyes were not helping. Placing his hand on hers, his smile trembled as he looked away. If he stared for a little longer he was sure he would’ve fallen apart there and then. “Of course, Amor..”

     “Mama?” Flint interrupted and took the couple’s attention.

     “Yes, baby?”

     “Wilbert and I need to go pee.” Flint pointed at his friend across him who waved as soon as he was spotted. This took the other adults’ attention as well.

     “I thought I told you to go pee before we left.”

     “With all due respect, Querida, that was hours ago.”

     “Ahhh…” Sheldon turned to his father at the back, who already overheard the situation. ”Papa, can we take a break?” 

     “I could use some sleep. There should be a motel nearby. Erma, is there any on the map?”

     “Uhh, yeah, I think so! Hold on…” The purple Witch pulled out a book from her jacket. Her eyes glowed white upon opening it at a certain page under Zeus. In the middle of the page, it simulated a map in the air made of light. She zoomed in to show them that they were at an open clearing near a forest. A lone building was nearby along the road under the name of ‘The Fimafeng Motel’. The map reflected a red arrow near it that seemed to be moving.  “Nothing short of a mile away, Shouldn’t be that far!” 

     “Flint, Wilbert, do you think you can hold it?” 

     Erma interrupted, chuckling deeply as she put the book back. “No pressure… but if we leave the carriage now, a zombie might come at you and eat you.”

     Simon gasped “Don’t tell them that!”

     It was too late, however. Flint’s eyes were wide open while Wilbert looked like he had seen a ghost. “N..nuh-uh! We’re good, we can wait!”