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I've got a few *done* but I need to double check them for any errors and shit later on. Or rather when I feel like it.\n\nContinuing the story of Felix, Eliza and the twins is the day Felix and Eliza start going to see a psychologist. Last story had Felix freak out and breakdown at the beach and Nathan went to make an appointment. There is other stuff to it, which will explain the humongus length I made this to be. I'm sorry it's so long, I got lost with making the story a whole day's worth like a dingus. However none of it I felt like I wanted to change so... yeah. Just bare in mind this one is a long one. Also there is a taste of the future selves of Felix and Eliza at the very end. I've been doing these snippits of their adult selves in the next few stories too.\n\nInkbunny preview isn't perfect, so download the .doc for the best experience. And if you have any critique or find any errors please let me know. Thanks.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "With the ref sheets done I can stop being lazy and upload another story. I've got a few *done* but I need to double check them for any errors and shit later on. Or rather when I feel like it.

Continuing the story of Felix, Eliza and the twins is the day Felix and Eliza start going to see a psychologist. Last story had Felix freak out and breakdown at the beach and Nathan went to make an appointment. There is other stuff to it, which will explain the humongus length I made this to be. I'm sorry it's so long, I got lost with making the story a whole day's worth like a dingus. However none of it I felt like I wanted to change so... yeah. Just bare in mind this one is a long one. Also there is a taste of the future selves of Felix and Eliza at the very end. I've been doing these snippits of their adult selves in the next few stories too.

Inkbunny preview isn't perfect, so download the .doc for the best experience. And if you have any critique or find any errors please let me know. Thanks.", "writing": "The day started like the others, since Felix and Eliza moved in with their new family. They had breakfast at the table with Nathan fussing over the twins and being pleasantly social to all around him. However, Felix and Eliza were stressed and anxious, as Nathan had already got an appointment for them to speak to a psychologist. Two days passed from when Nathan convinced them that they should talk to someone who can help them; they didn't know the hoops and effort that Nathan went through to get them their appointment. Nathan quietly observed the two as their moods and behaviour was `off'. Elijah and Tobias ate together doing their normal habit or feeding the other, completely oblivious to the tensions. Once breakfast was done Felix grabbed a cigarette and his lighter and headed outside; Nathan bought him a few packs the day after Felix ran out. Felix's appreciation was a given, but Nathan knew that both Felix and Eliza were stressing out too much. Rita took the twins off to kindergarten, leaving Nathan to brace himself for the day; he too was feeling a ton of pressure and anxiety over the other two. He breathed deeply and walked outside to see Felix and Eliza sitting on the wall; Felix smoking while Eliza kicked her legs about while clutching Mary. \n\n``We'll leave at 10, so you two got time to play the xbox if you need to.'' Nathan said as he walked up to them.\n\n``I really can't focus on it. I just can't.'' Felix said as he blew smoke from his mouth. Eliza nodded back, looking particularly `locked up' in her body language. Her expression was fixed to the same worried look that she first gave Nathan when they first met, her tail wrapped around her right leg and she refused to talk. Nathan walked up to and sat on the wall with them, trying to keep them company and hoping to help them.\n\n``I understand. It's a good idea to be outside then. I forgot to ask, how is the pack, Felix?''\n\n``It's ok, doesn't taste the same as the one I had before.'' Felix exhaled more smoke and looked at Nathan, ``Thank you, again.''\n\n``It's no problem.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.\n\n``I'm terrified. I don't want to go.'' Felix said abruptly, he kicked the wall with his heel. ``Can we not? Not go?'' Nathan's smile turned to an apologetic half smile. ``Please?''\n\n``Felix, Eliza. Nothing bad is going to happen. I know you are scared, but all you two are going to do is talk to the psych'. You two will be together so you won't be apart.''\n\n``I know that.'' Felix snapped. His anxiety spiked; he's heard Nathan say this before. ``It doesn't make it any better.'' Eliza looked at Felix and, in a flash, snatched his hand and held tight, startling him in the process. She frowned momentarily and nodded with erraticism. ``What?'' Felix asked, he couldn't understand what she was saying. She squeezed his hand tighter but Felix was still baffled with what she was trying to say. Frustratedly, Eliza held Mary out in her other hand to speak.\n\n``-We scared; we can do it-.'' Eliza barely managed to say. \n\n``You're a brave girl, Eliza. You are brave too, Felix. I know you two can cope by being together, and I get the feeling Eliza is willing to give it a go.''\n\n``I gathered that.'' Felix sighed. Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately, causing her to smile momentarily. Nathan got off the wall and went back inside, leaving Eliza and Felix alone together. Soon Felix's cigarette burnt out and without anything else he wanted to do got off the wall as well. Eliza got off at the same time as Felix, refusing to let go of his hand as she tensed up; it reminded Felix of the twins, perhaps that's how they feel sometimes? They went inside without a clue on what to do, their nerves were too high strung for them to play the xbox. Felix looked at Eliza and sighed, ``Let's go to the front living room, Nathan is probably watching tv there.'' Felix said in a deadpanned tone, Eliza smiled and nodded before going back into her brace. They walked to the front and sat down on the lounge next to Nathan, who was just checking the news.\n\n``Hey you two, don't mind me I'm just checking the weather.''\n\n``Sun, sun and more sun.'' Felix said with an unamused expression, Nathan chuckled to himself and nodded back.\n\n``Yeah, that's the weather over here. I'll swap the channel to a cartoon for you.'' Nathan changed the channel and looked like he was about to leave them. Eliza in a fit of panic grabbed Mary and began to speak.\n\n``-Don't go-.'' Mary's voice sounded almost like a growl; Nathan leaned back into the couch as he stopped trying to get up.\n\n``Alright, I'll stay. I thought you two wanted to be alone.'' Nathan, Felix and Eliza watched the tv together in silence until 20 minutes later a knock on the front door was heard. Nathan got up and answered the door,\n\n``Hey Nathan. Can we have a bit of help, brother?'' The visitor asked, Felix looked over and saw a red kangaroo on the other side of the flyscreen door. \n\n``Hey Otto, what can I help you with?'' \n\n``Me and the mob need to pick an amp from a cousin, but our truck is busted since Friday.'' The red roo asked.\n\n``How bad is your truck?''\n\n``Aw it's devo mate. It's old and we hit a rock that broke something underneath.''\n\n``Ah bugger. Well, we better hook up your car to the back of mine and get you guys to the repair shop.'' Nathan opened the door and the roo grabbed and shook Nathan's hand.\n\n``Deadly!'' Nathan smiled as he shook hands with otto, he looked back to Felix and Eliza who were watching from the couch.\n\n``I'll be out for about an hour, you two. Keep the doors locked and stay together, I gotta help these fellas out.'' \n\n``Alright.'' Felix replied, Eliza frowned back. Nathan closed the front door and locked it behind him, walking to the car to help out the neighbours. The Nakamarra family was a large family of red kangaroos that got along well with Nathan and Rita. Nathan and Rita enjoyed the banter and the attitudes of the Nakamarras as they also showed respect and a `true blue' attitude back to them. At first when they moved in, the Nakamarras didn't say hi or greet them; as they kept to themselves to avoid any unwanted conflict with an outsider. Nathan made the effort to introduce himself, although nervous. What sealed the deal was when Nathan invited them all over for a BBQ that evening, saying that he wanted to get to know the neighbours better over cooked steaks, sausages and a beer. The Nakamarras, all 7 of them, agreed to come over as free grub wasn't something they wanted to turn down. Only the Nakamarras turned up, due to the short notice preventing the other neighbours to join, so Nathan and Rita got to know them rather well. The family had a grandma whose name was Joy. The mother, who was the daughter of Joy, was Nancy who was married to Shane. They had four kids, three boys and one girl, whose names were Shaun, Otto, Brett and Lisa. As Nathan and Rita chatted with the grandma and parents, the twins and the Nakamarra young adults played backyard soccer together. Nathan and Rita got to learn a lot about their new neighbours, who also learned a bit about them in the process. Otto, Shaun, Brett and Lisa did judge the twins a bit unfairly when they first met them; but warmed up to them with how special they were. It helped that the twins had absolutely no concept of race and treated them as if they were new friends. While Elijah and Tobias were overwhelmed with the amount of new people over, they were kept entertained by the roos who chatted with them and showed them how to kick a ball. As the BBQ went, more family members turned up, who went to visit their family and in turn got invited to join in. An uncle and aunt who brought over two young roos who were more appropriate for the twins to play with.\n\nNathan, no matter how much he wanted to, couldn't remember everything that happened on that night. But it made the two families close. As Nathan backed the car down the driveway slope, he drove to the neighbours, whose truck was positioned in the middle of the yard, thankfully with it facing the right way for Nathan to tow it. The truck itself wasn't as heavy as it seemed and the wheels were fully pumped. Otto and his brother Shaun hooked the truck to the towbar of Nathan's car, took the handbrake off and turned the hazards lights on. Otto, Shaun, their mates Lionel and Tray got in Nathan's car once they were all ready.\n\n``Thanks so much, Nathan.'' Shaun said as he buckled himself up; he sat in the back with Lionel and Tray.\n\n``It's no problem, I'm happy to help you fellas out.'' Nathan slowly drove off as he took them all to town, checking the mirrors to make sure nothing was going wrong behind him. He turned the radio on to the station that the roos loved, an independent radio station with music made by the indigenous races of Australia; most were rock based so Nathan enjoyed them as well.\n\n``So how are you doing, Nathan?'' Otto asked as he sat in the front passenger seat.\n\n``Yeah, I'm alright, looking after the kids. Did you hear that Rita and I adopted two kids?''\n\n``Were they chilling in the back watching the tele?''\n\n``Yeah mate.''\n\n``Ah you're a good bloke, Nathan. Rita too. Couldn't help to notice that one of them was a rooie. Where did he come from?'' Otto asked as he winded down the window to rest his elbow on the windowsill.\n\n``Unfortunately, that's a loaded question. I can tell you though that Felix and Eliza came from America.''\n\n``They're both from America?'' Shaun exclaimed in the backseat. ``What the bloody hell was he doing there?''\n\n``Oy, Shaun. Maybe his mob decided to travel overseas. Not that unheard of.'' Tray added.\n\n``I'm afraid it's a bit darker than that, I'm afraid. Felix and Eliza have come from a really bad home. They're both scarred deep inside, it's why Rita and I adopted them. I can't really be more specific than that, I'm afraid.''\n\n``Oh, why not?'' Lionel asked.\n\n``It's bad stuff, personal stuff. I've told you all I can that won't upset them.''\n\n``Oh, that's fucked.'' Otto said with a sigh. ``Maybe we can help you mob out?''\n\n``Well, I won't say no to something to that can help them.''\n\n``Hey! Maybe we can get something that they can punch. Like, like-a punching bag. That would be a great way to punch out the demons.'' Shaun patted Otto on the arm from his seat behind him, ``You got your old punching bag? You hardly use it anymore.''\n\n``Ah true, Shaun. We can give you a punching bag, mate, and some gloves too. Don't want them to break their hands.''\n\n``Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe we can play soccer someday too, just like we did with the twins.'' Shaun and Otto's enthusiasm were much appreciated by Nathan.\n\n``That sounds like a deadly idea, mates. What a great idea.'' Nathan grinned at Otto and then at the rearview mirror looking at the other three. ``But first let's get your truck at the shop and then get that amp.'' The roos began to cheer as they patted each other excitedly. Once at the mechanics, Otto got out and got Nathan to reverse the truck in to the spare bay. Once it was out of their hands, the 5 took off as Otto directed Nathan to their cousin's house to pick up the amp. The drive was short and once they stopped, all four roos got out of the car to meet up and receive the amp; while Nathan flattened the boot seats down for the amp to fit in. Otto and the other roos carried the amp and shoved it in, carefully, into the boot and closed the boot door. Otto and Shaun waved goodbye as they all got back inside the car for Nathan to take them back home. The drive home was much quicker, due to not towing a vehicle anymore. Nathan pulled up in the Nakamarra's driveway and watched them all carry the amp up to the front door.\n\n``Thanks so much, brother. I knew we could count on ya.'' Otto said as he shook Nathan's hand again. Shaun, Lionel and Tray all shook Nathan's hands too, after another. ``I'll get you that punching bag and gloves later!'' And with that said, Otto and the roos went inside their house. Nathan got his car back into his own driveway and then speed walked to the front door to check on Felix and Eliza as soon as possible. \n\n``Hey! I'm so sorry about that, I'm back now.'' Nathan said out of breath, Eliza smiled silently back as she saw him return. \n\n``What was all that about?'' Asked Felix.\n\n``Our neighbours needed some help; I couldn't say no.''\n\n``Why not?'' Nathan paused and smiled as he held back a laugh.\n\n``One, they're out neighbours and secondly it would be rude to not help them out. They're good friends too. Besides, they're wonderful folks, and I love helping people out.''\n\n``What did they need help with anyway?''\n\n``They had a broken truck and needed help getting it to the mechanics, and also needed to retrieve an amp.''\n\n``A what?''\n\n``An amp. You know of guitars right?''\n\n``Yeah?''\n\n``Well the electric guitars need it, you connect them together so it makes the sound you want, rather than the bland twang, twang sound you'd get without it.''\n\n``Ohh.'' Nathan sat down on the couch and leaned back sighing as he relaxed. \n\n``So, what are you two watching?''\n\n``Sesame Street, apparently.'' Felix paused and looked down, feeling uncomfortable. ``I like it. It's so... happy and carefree.''\n\n``Nothing wrong with liking Sesame Street.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.\n\n``It's for babies though, I shouldn't be watching this.''\n\n``I don't know about that. Sesame Street may be targeted at very young children but that doesn't mean anyone else can't enjoy it. Hell, I've seen Elmo, the Cookie Monster on game shows and, well, other shows. They're an icon, something people can enjoy or find comfort in.'' Nathan's soft words made Felix relax, and strangely enough a pleasant shiver; it felt like Nathan took some weight off his shoulders, for a moment.\n\n``Well. I do like Sesame Street, so long as no one laughs at me I'll be fine.'' Felix smiled slightly as he relaxed to continue watching the TV. Once Sesame Street was over, Nathan checked his watch and saw it was time to go. \n\n``Alright, it's time to get going. Are you two ready?'' Nathan asked as he stood up. \n\n``I guess so.'' Felix got off the couch with Eliza who followed him. They went out to the car while Nathan locked up the house, he came back and opened the car for them to get in. The drive to town to see their psychologist felt strangely long for the two kids. Nathan put the radio on, giving them something to listen to as they drove. They pulled into the parking lot as they arrived, Nathan found a park under some shade and turned off the engine. \n\n``Alright, we're here.'' Nathan unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car, Felix and Eliza with some hesitation. The building had a wheelchair ramp and some stairs that ended at the entrance. Nathan took them in as they followed closely behind him holding hands; both were feeling tense. Once inside the air-con hit them like a gentle hug, but neither Felix or Eliza felt any more comforted. \n\n``Can I help you?'' The receptionist asked, a small female deer sat with a sweet smile.\n\n``Yes please, my kids are here to see Dr Wyld at 10am. Their names are Felix and Eliza.'' Nathan looked over his shoulder and stood aside so the receptionist could see them.\n\n``Oh, hello there, you two are right on time. Take a seat, she will see you two shortly.'' The receptionist turned her attention to Nathan and handed him a form, ``Can you please fill this out?''\n\n``Not a problem.'' Nathan grabbed the clipboard and pen then walked over to sit next to Eliza.\n\n``At least they have air-con.'' Felix said with a nervous tone slipping out, he felt Eliza's grip tighten. ``What is that for?'' Felix asked trying to keep talking to prevent himself from freaking out.\n\n``This is so you two will be in the registry, I'm signing your names and other info in it so it will be easier to make future appointments.'' Nathan turned his head and saw Felix's nerves on breaking point; it hurt Nathan to see him so scared, it felt cruel. ``You two are going to be alright. I promise.'' Eliza looked up at Nathan and nodded with a sniff, Felix exhaled deeply as he bounced his right leg nervously. \n\n``Hello.'' A soft, warm and welcoming voice was heard. Felix was startled and looked in front of him to see a white rabbit standing before them. ``Oh, I'm so sorry that I startled you. Do you need a minute?'' She asked. To Felix her comforting and warm voice was exactly like Nathans, except coming from a woman. \n\n``I'm fine, sorry.'' Felix apologized.\n\n``There's no need.'' She smiled.\n\n``Dr Wyld, thank you for squeezing them in.'' Nathan looked at her with beyond appreciative face. \n\n``It's no problem. Come on now, follow me we'll go into a private room now.'' Eliza stood up with Felix's hesitation to comply; but stood up shakily as he gripped Eliza's hand tighter. ``Mr Skye, do you want to come in with us?''\n\n``That's entirely up to Felix and Eliza. I don't have to be there if they don't want me to.''\n\n``Please come.'' Felix begged as he looked at Nathan with frightened eyes; Nathan really didn't like how Felix looked and sounded. Nathan nodded with a concerned look and stood up.\n\n``Excellent, this way please.'' Dr Wyld took charge and walked down the corridor with Nathan and the two troubled kids followed behind. Once turning a corner and entering a room, the atmosphere was drastically different. It had a small doll house, several plushies, some makeshift toy vehicles and more was neatly placed in the room; most were on a shelf of a wide but short bookshelf. There were butterflies painted on the walls and the general colour was a faded pink. Nathan sat on a seat while Felix and Eliza sat on a couch together as they faced the psychologist. Dr Wyld sat down and exhaled with a smile. ``So how is everyone?'' \n\n``Eliza and Felix are both pretty tense right now. Very nervous.'' Nathan explained as he looked over at them. Dr Wyld nodded and looked at them.\n\n``I'm not that scary, am I? I swear I had a shower and brushed my fur.'' She said with a light hearted tone, Eliza began to smile. \n\n``You're not.'' Felix replied as his right leg started to bounce nervously again. ``This is just scary; I don't want to be here.'' Dr Wyld smiled and exhaled softly.\n\n``I can see that. But this room is a safe place, there's nothing to be afraid of.'' She turned and looked over at the toys. ``If you need something to occupy yourself to calm down, we have some nice toys over there. But I get the feeling you won't want to play with the other bears.'' She smiled back at Eliza, who nervously smiled back nodding her head.\n\n``O-o-ookie...'' Eliza said softly. Comparatively, Eliza was feeling braver than Felix was; something Felix noticed and felt ashamed about.\n\n``Would you like to tell me about yourselves?'' The Dr asked. Eliza looked at Felix and poked him, wanting him to be the first one. Felix's impatience and stress made him grumble at first, but then began to talk about himself. He was blunt, his fear now turning to agitation, as he began to tell details of who he was. Then began to tell details of his family, the homes he had been in and how awful each of them was. Then briefly mentioned he was touched and raped against his will, staring at her as if he was `Is that what you wanted to here?' with an aggressive body language to boot.\n\n``That sounds absolutely dreadful, Felix.'' Dr Wyld replied softly, she clasped her hands together softly as the lowered herself in her chair. ``I can definitely see how upsetting and angry that makes you, and that is perfectly reasonable.'' She grabbed a tissue box and handed it to Felix, ``Take a few, darling.'' She spoke. Felix then only realized he was crying with his nose runny. He grabbed a few and wiped his tears away and blew his nose as he trying to comprise himself. ``What about you, deary?'' Dr Wyld asked Eliza. Eliza's slowly lifted Mary into talking position.\n\n``-Bad homes, bad people. Bad, bad, bad elephant-.'' She looked up at Felix and then back to Dr Wyld, ``-He protects us-.'' Eliza shuddered and withdrew Mary to clutch closely. Dr Wyld nodded with a sympathetic smile and pulled out a bowl of confectionary from underneath the table. \n\n``Thank you for coming in today, you two. Feel free to have some comfort candy.'' She slid the bowl towards them and then looked at Nathan. ``When did you adopt them?''\n\n``Rita and I adopted them about a week and a bit ago. It's been a rough week for them.'' Nathan sighed.\n\n``Well, I'm glad you brought them in today.'' Dr Wyld looked at the two kids who were taking candy from the bowl after another. ``I'm glad you two came here. It's a big, brave thing to come here to speak with me.''\n\n``Because you're a big scary monster?'' Felix said half-mockingly, his tired and emotional tone was something Dr Wyld took into consideration. She laughed and shook her head.\n\n``Oh gee, I bring up that I look scary and get that back huh?'' She laughed, causing Eliza to giggle with. For the next 30 minutes Dr Wyld explained to Felix and Eliza who she was and what can happen in their sessions. Explaining that they are able to yell, scream, cry about whatever is bothering them. The bad memories and their feelings behind them; literally anything that is or has been bothering them. This was something Felix already heard before, but this time he took it in. She expressed how proud she was of them, for being together, for coming in, for talking to her. She made them feel like she was eager to hear just about anything that they had to say, bad things or good things; the comfort candy bowl also certainly helped. Nathan did his best to remain quiet, only answering questions if directly asked to; like that he sees the anger management to go with anxiety and stress being a main factor of Felix. Felix looked at him as if he was being judged, but that dwindled away shortly after. Nathan also expressed that Eliza struggles to speak when stressed and anxious, that speaking through Mary is often how she can communicate. At the end of it all, Nathan admitted great fears and pain seeing the two kids suffer so; that he loves them dearly and would do anything for them. Felix and Eliza looked at Nathan as he expressed that, and felt sad and guilty at Nathan's remark; but felt very thankful to hear that. The rest of the session, Dr Wyld let both Eliza and Felix speak about whatever they wanted. After a slow start they began both eagerly talk about their new home, the video game they get to play, the food they get to eat. Dr Wyld eagerly listened and nodded with them, asking several questions about what they had before coming to live with their new family. Felix and Eliza slowly opened up to her, something both she and Nathan were hoping for. When the session came to a close, Dr Wyld asked them if they wanted to see her again. Both Felix and Eliza said yes but, \n\n``Only if there's more comfort candy.'' She nodded back with a big smile, she directed them back to the foyer, wishing them a good day and hoping that she will see them again. Nathan booked another appointment for them and paid the fee for the session before taking them both back home. The mood in the car was considerably better on the way back, Eliza and Felix still feeling shaky but better than they were going in. \n\n``Did you two like her? Are you two alright?'' Nathan asked as he drove,\n\n``She seems nice, I'm still... jittery but I'm ok. I just want to lie down.'' Felix said with an exhausted sigh.\n\n``I like her.'' Eliza added.\n\n``I'm glad to hear it.'' After a pause as Nathan stopped at a red light, he looked out to a fish and chip shop. ``Would you two like something to eat? Some fish and chips?\n\n``Yes please.'' Eliza said with a toothy smile.\n\n``Yes please.'' Felix eventually replied, his tired smile was noticed by Nathan in the rearview mirror. Nathan stopped off at the fish and chip shop and got some crumbed fish, calamari rings and a decent portion of chicken salted chips; this was Nathan's favourite order when it came to fish and chips. It came wrapped up in paper and sticky tapes to hold it together; he handed it to Felix to hold. Nathan drove to the broken-down vehicles on the side of the road as he pointed out a table underneath the huge tree in the field behind them. \n\n``I've always wanted to eat under that big old tree. Afterwards you two can play over at the broken cars too if you want.''\n\n``Ookie.'' Eliza said as bounced on the seat excitedly, Felix looked over at the giant old tree and felt a sense of wonder. There was another big tree closer at home, but this one was enormous in comparison. Nathan pulled up and got out of the car with Felix and Eliza following. Eliza ran down the field to the huge tree and began to run around it, completely in awe of how big it was. Felix and Nathan walked together at a leisurely pace, upon getting to the table Felix put the paper wrapped food on the table. Nathan smiled and chuckled as he watched Eliza run around the tree.\n\n``Come on now, let's get some tucker in ya.'' Nathan said as he sat down, he opened the paper and, with the paper covering the bottom, opened the food out across the table. He ripped some of the paper off in a reasonable square to act as a plate, he did it three times for them all. \n\n``I've never thought about using paper as a plate before.'' Felix said as he looked at it.\n\n``It saves washing up, I can tell you that.'' Nathan gave each of them a crumbed fish, a couple of calamari rings and let them choose how much chips they wanted. It was a pleasant lunch with a slight breeze blowing; it was cool underneath the tree's shade. Nathan smiled as he watched Felix and Eliza ate, that and the food was damn good. Once they were done, both Felix and Eliza went up to check out the broken-down vehicles again. Nathan watched from underneath the shade, leaving them to play together. Shortly after though, Nathan did come over to check on everything was going alright. Thankfully all was well; Nathan feared about the rust and sharp objects in regards to the kids.\n\n``Oy Nathan.'' Felix called out, as he sat in the big truck's passenger seat. He looked down at Nathan, who's face looked oddly adorable due to how small Nathan looked.\n\n``What's up, Felix?''\n\n``I gotta say, I fucking love these trucks.'' Felix said with emphasis on the words fuck and truck.\n\n``Yeah, yeah, yeah, very good Felix.'' Nathan shook his head amused. ``I'd appreciate you holding off your swears.'' Nathan crossed his arms. \n\n``Yeah, yeah.'' Felix said as he brushed the topic off. \n\n``Hey Dad?'' Eliza called out, as she leaned across Felix.\n\n``Yes, Eliza?''\n\n``Have you driven this?'' She referred to the vehicle type.\n\n``I've never driven a big truck, no.'' Nathan chuckled to himself, ``It's not my type of vehicle.'' Nathan put a foot on the step to climb up while holding onto the rusted, opened truck door. ``I gotta say though, these broken cars and trucks are a great place explore; so long as no one gets any cuts. You can catch a really nasty infection that requires a jab at the doctors.'' \n\n``A jab?'' Eliza looked concerned.\n\n``Yeah, they get a syringe and jab you in the arm to prevent really nasty symptoms. So long as you two don't get any cuts, you'll be right.'' Nathan smiled but it didn't put Eliza at ease.\n\n``I won't get any cuts.'' She declared.\n\n``That's a great start.'' Nathan chuckled. ``Anyway, would you two like to go home now? Are you still feeling exhausted, Felix?'' Felix looked at Nathan with a tired, hot smile and blinked.\n\n``Honestly I do, I just didn't want to upset Eliza.'' Felix grabbed Eliza's hand and looked at her, she smiled back and grabbed Mary in her other hand. Nathan stepped down, letting them out of the truck before leading them back to the car to go home. ``Why do I get so tired just being outside anyway? Am I like a vampire, or something?''\n\n``It's the heat, mate. It's why wearing a hat helps a bunch, but even then, it only makes it a little better. Doesn't work when you're sitting under in a rusted truck though.'' They sat in the car, buckled up as Nathan turned the car on to turn on the air-con as soon as he could. ``We'll just sit here for a bit for the cold to set in, eh?'' Nathan looked back at the kids with a smile; he knew they were ok with it. After a few minutes, Nathan reversed the car out and drove them home. The drive home felt like a flash to Felix as the next he knew he was already home, Nathan turned off the car and got out, which got Felix and Eliza to do the same. Once inside all three sighed together, for each of them was relieved to get back to rest. Felix and Eliza went to Felix's room to lie down; this time Eliza turned the fan on before committing to lying down.\n\n``Thanks Eliza.'' Felix yawned, he put an arm over her. \n\n``It's good.'' Eliza yawned. \n\n``As much as I love our new home, I wish it wasn't always so fucking hot.'' Felix complained. Nathan walked down the corridor with 2 cold bottles of water for them both, Felix turned his head and smiled in appreciation. ``Oh, thanks Dad.'' \n\n``Not a problem, best to drink to help cool down better.'' Nathan handed them the bottles of cold water, to which they gulped it down in a split second. ``Also, I couldn't help but hear you were complaining about the heat. Rita and I were discussing last that that we probably should invest in actual air-conditioners.'' Felix stared wide eyed,\n\n``Why haven't you guys got air-con before though?''\n\n``Mate,'' Nathan smiled as he felt like chuckling, not because it was funny, as it wasn't, but because kids didn't understand how bills worked. ``Air-con can be quite expensive. As of late we need to save money, but if we get air-cons then we'll all benefit from it in the long run. It will take a bit for them to be installed.''\n\n``Will I get one?''\n\n``Yes Felix, you'll get one. We'll all get air-conditioners in our bedrooms, the living rooms too. We'll have to put away the pedestal fans though. Well, actually no we can't.''\n\n``Why not?'' Eliza asked as she rested her head on her arm.\n\n``Because, well. We all use them to fall asleep. Not just because of the sensation of wind, but it's more so the sound they make.''\n\n``The sound? Do you guys need the sound or something?'' Felix asked, his expression looking drained from the heat.\n\n``Yeah, we do; especially the twins. They're so accustomed to the sound of the fan that if they didn't hear anything, they'd be unable to sleep. It's like... our family lullaby in a way.'' Nathan chuckled.\n\n``Well, I like the sound of the fan too. When I hear silence sometimes, I hear a really piercing high pitched sound; it's honestly really fucking annoying.''\n\n``Ahhhh... yes that's the other reason. The twins have the same thing, so do I. And yeah, it really, really sucks.''\n\n``I don't.'' Eliza said looked confused.\n\n``Good.'' Both Nathan and Felix replied. \n\n``For me it's a bit bad at times, just thinking of it triggers it.'' Nathan groaned and shook his head, ``Like now. It goes away after a while but otherwise it's there. Anyway, I should leave you two to rest for now. But before I go completely do either of you two want more cold water?''\n\n``Yes please.'' Felix replied, Eliza shook her head momentarily before quickly changing to a nod.\n\n``Are you sure, Eliza?''\n\n``Yes.''\n\n``Alright, give me those bottles and I'll be right back with two other ones.'' Nathan grabbed the bottles and walked away down the hallway. Shortly he came back with two more bottles, he smiled lovingly as he handed them over and left closing the door behind him. \n\nThe days that passed often felt like they went in circles, Felix and Eliza would end up resting during the day after a stressful incident. Thankfully this time it was on a more positive note, although Felix couldn't help but notice the pattern. He closed his weary eyes and exhaled as he drifted away asleep. The room got hotter than normal as Felix was woken up sweating, he sat up and wiped sweat away from his forehead. The breeze from the fan wasn't helping either as the air was uncomfortably warm. He looked at Eliza and saw sweat over her face as she laid there, he also could tell she was awake by the tone of her breathing; if she was asleep, she would be softly snoring.\n\n``Eliza, it's too fucking hot. Let's get out of here.'' Felix said tiredly. Eliza opened her eyes and looked at him with a disappointed look.\n\n``I hope dad and mum gets air-con.'' She mumbled.\n\n``I agree.'' Felix exhaled and wiped more sweat off of himself. ``Fuck it's hot in here.'' Felix got off the bed with Eliza following as she slugged behind him. Walking down the hallway was already cooler than staying in Felix's room. ``Want to play Star Wars?''\n\n``Yeah.'' They talked as they walked; they headed their way to the living room hoping it will be cooler in there. The room was much cooler than Felix's room as they sat down on the lounge, turning the fan and the xbox on so they can play comfortably. As the game finished loading there was a knock on the front door. They could hear Nathan greeting a couple of people, all with enthusiasm sounded like they were good mates with Nathan. Soon Nathan walked the guests down to the living room where Felix and Eliza were; it was the roos from before.\n\n``Felix, Eliza, we got guests.''\n\n``Hello!'' Said the two roos carrying something large together. \n\n``I'm Otto,''\n\n``I'm Shaun. We got yous something, your father said you needed something to punch. So, we got this punching bag here.'' Felix blinked as everything was happening so fast, being tired didn't help. Nathan directed the two to the backyard, showing them the spot that was most suitable to hang it up. As they were setting it up, Eliza nudged Felix and stood up; Felix reluctantly got up with her as they went to check out what the hell was going on. Felix and Eliza stood as they watched the two adult roos hang it up, they bantered to each other. \n\n``You're holding it too up, Otto.''\n\n``And you're making it hard to hang it. Stop fighting me and start helping.''\n\n``I am helping!''\n\n``Then help better ya mug.''\n\n``Don't make me drop this on ya if you gonna egg me on.''\n\n``You won't. Now, come on we're close!'' They yabbered at each other as they tried to work together, it put a smile of Eliza's face while Felix kept himself from showing any amusement. Soon the roos put up the bag and then started pushing it about and punching it.\n\n``We done it, ah finally.'' The roos gave each other a side hug as they congratulated each other. \n\n``Thanks so much, Shaun and Otto.'' Nathan said as he wiped his glasses clean. \n\n``No problem, Nathan. We're happy to help.''\n\n``Besides Otto wasn't using it anyway.''\n\n``Yeah, not since going to gym and playing footy.'' Otto looked at Felix and then grabbed the boxing gloves. ``Oh yeah you're gonna have to put these on when you wanna beat this bag.'' Felix blinked silently until nodding back slowly.\n\n``Alright.'' Felix said tiredly and detachedly. Otto then gave one glove to Felix before putting the other on to show Felix how to do it. Felix put the glove on and felt it tightening over his hand, it was a completely new feeling to Felix as this encumbersome glove was over his hand. Otto gave the other glove to Felix as he put his elbow on his brother's shoulder watching. \n\n``Alright, now punch the bag.''\n\n``What is this even for?'' Felix said, he was still feeling confused; he completely missed the point of this.\n\n``Felix, whenever you get angry, whenever you have painful memories, you punch this bag. Beat it up.'' Nathan explained, he then looked at Eliza with an encouraging smile. ``You too, Eliza. When one of you is punching the bag, the other should hold it.'' Felix listened and looked down at the gloves once more.\n\n``We can't punch it at the same time?'' Eliza asked with some pronunciation issues. \n\n``Not unless you want to punch with your offhand.'' \n\n``Yeah, sorry Eliza, we only have one set of gloves.'' Shaun said as he stood with his brother. ``When it comes to your birthday or Christmas, we can get another pair for ya.''\n\n``Oy that's a brilliant idea, Shaun.'' Otto then grabbed the bag and stared at Felix. ``Go on, smash it.'' Felix sighed and accepted the situation as he put his fists up. Bam! Thump! Felix punched the bag as Otto held it still. ``That's it. Now you hold it still, Eliza.'' Otto said as he let go of the bag, Eliza moved over and hugged the bag. ``Yeah nah, that's not how to do it. Hold it like this, and hold it firmly; Felix is going to punch it and we don't want you to fly off into la-la-land.'' Eliza gave Mary to Nathan to hold as she began to fix her posture. She stood grabbed bag firmly and had her legs and feet into position; just like Otto. Otto gave her the thumbs up and stepped back.\n\n``Give it another couple punches yeah, Felix.'' Shaun said as he crossed his arms with a grin. Felix punched it hard and Eliza was pushed back a bit, but she got back into position and became determined. Nathan nodded at Felix as if to say `do it again', so he did but this time Eliza stood firm with determined eyes.\n\n``Eyyyy you did it! What a strong girl you are.'' Otto said as Shaun clapped. ``Same to you, Felix. Good punching. You should come out and punch this bag whenever you're bored too, it certainly kept me busy.''\n\n``Thanks.'' Felix said as he tried to rub an eye with the boxing glove, he felt perpetually tired and now he felt sick.\n\n``You're tuckered out there, Felix.'' Shaun remarked.\n\n``I was tired when you guys turned up.'' Felix then looked at Nathan. ``It's hot as hell in my room.'' \n\n``Ahh. That's why you two were in the living room. I'm sorry Felix, we'll get air-con as soon as we can.'' Nathan apologised to Felix, who tiredly smiled back.\n\n``I sure as hell look forward to it.'' Felix took the gloves off and placed it on the ground nearby. ``I'm going to go back to the couch with the fan.'' \n\n``That sounds like a good idea, thanks for coming outside Felix.'' Nathan said as Felix went back inside. Eliza looked at Nathan with a stressful look that also looked like she was yearning for something; it didn't take Nathan long to figure what she wanted. He gave back Mary and Eliza embraced it as she quivered in happiness.\n\n``Thanks Dad.'' Eliza said mumbling softly, Nathan heard it well enough and knelt down before her.\n\n``Not a problem.'' Nathan's nurturing smile got Eliza to come in for a hug, rubbing her face into his chest. Otto and Shaun watched as Eliza hugged Nathan, Otto and Shaun waved goodbye to Eliza as she let go of Nathan to go join Felix; she smiled cautiously at them back.\n\n``They're nice kids, Nathan.'' Shaun said. ``There's definitely some bad stuff lurking over them though, I can feel it.''\n\n``Yeah, me too. Like a bad and evil spirit is looming over them.''\n\n``Are you sure that's not because I told you two that they've been through a really rough time?'' Nathan said as he stood up once more.\n\n``It's in their body language, the way they look, the way they react.'' Shaun said as he pulled out a cigarette and a lighter. ``Can I smoke, Nath?''\n\n``Yeah of course, I would prefer if you would by the wall over there. I get Felix to smoke there when he needs to.''\n\n``The young fella smokes?'' Shaun's face was shocked as he stuck the cigarette between his lips. Nathan nodded as he walked to the wall to sit upon, both Otto and Shaun sat next to each other alongside him. ``No doubt he got that from stealing, our ma never let us smoke, she whacked me good when she caught me one day.''\n\n``Did you steal?''\n\n``Nah, I got it from a mate. But ma was still pissed anyway.''\n\n``I remember that, I think you got it from Kev didn't ya?'' Otto remarked as he too took out a cigarette and a lighter.\n\n``Yeah, from your mate Kev.'' The roos smoked and waved their hands around to scare off any flies that were bothering them. ``How is kev anyway, Otto?''\n\n``Yeah, he's fine yeah, working at one of the mines I think.'' Otto then looked at Nathan as he scratched himself. ``I hope the bag works out.''\n\n``Me too, Otto. Thank you two again so much.''\n\n``It's no problem at all. Afterall our truck is getting repaired and we're going to play some rock at the folk club tomorrow. More than happy to help.''\n\n``How's your ma and pa?'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.\n\n``Pa is coming down sick, we're gonna have to get him to the doctors next week. As for ma she's a fucking trooper.''\n\n``More like a drill sergeant.'' The roos laughed. ``She still smacks us to wake up when we sleep in.''\n\n``Well, I hope your pa is going to be alright. If I'm home and you guys got an earlier day for him to see the doc, just knock on my door.''\n\n``Aw that's deadly Nathan, thank you.'' Shaun patted Nathan on the back. \n\n``Thank you, brother.'' Otto smiled. Otto and Shaun smoked until their cigarettes died out, they shook Nathan's hands and gave him a quick hug before they made their way back home. Otto and Shaun waved goodbye at Eliza and Felix, who in return waved back as well. Nathan sat down with Eliza and Felix on the couch as they played, silently watching them play as he relaxed. Some time passed and Eliza looked at Nathan as if she had a question she was embarrassed to ask.\n\n``What's birthdays like?'' Nathan was stumped as he heard her question.\n\n``Birthdays are... a day of celebration. Where the birthday boy, or girl, are given presents by their parents, other relatives, siblings and friends. At the end of it there is a birthday cake, and the birthday boy or girl gets to blow out the candles.'' Nathan carefully and sweetly explained while his heart died inside.\n\n``That sounds amazing.'' Eliza said showing great excitement and joy. ``I want my birthday.''\n\n``I only ever saw birthdays be given by piece of shit siblings.'' Felix growled, clearly holding a grudge. ``I never got anything for my birthday.''\n\n``Well, we are more than happy to celebrate your birthdays in this household. I just don't know when you were born.'' Nathan admitted as he exhaled long and softly. \n\n``My birthday was like, the 14th of March, or May.'' Felix shrugged, ``I can't remember which.'' Eliza was completely silent as she tried to think of her birthday, but she was completely stumped.\n\n``I don't know my birthday.'' Eliza said looking and sounding down, she kicked her feet as she sat.\n\n``If I recall Felix it was March for you. But unfortunately, I have no idea of your birthday, Eliza.'' Nathan said as he rubbed Eliza's back softly trying to comfort her. \n\n``What if Eliza's birthday is also my birthday?'' Felix said offhandedly, Eliza looked up at him and grinned widely.\n\n``That sounds like a sweet and considerate idea, Felix. Are you happy with that, Eliza?''\n\n``Yes!'' Eliza nodded happily and excitedly, she scooted closer to Felix and rested her head against him; Felix could really feel how appreciative Eliza was, it made him feel so good inside.\n\n``That settles it. Next month on the 14th there will be two birthdays to celebrate. Which means two cakes too.'' Nathan folded his arms as he crossed a leg over the other as he laid back on the couch, his smile was beyond sincere and sweet. \n\n``By the way, why were they so nice to us?'' Felix said with a suspicious look.\n\n``Because I told them very vague, little detail about where you two come from. I told them you two came from a very bad place. They noticed you were a roo and asked about you, I told them it was a loaded question.''\n\n``Loaded question?''\n\n``A question that is complex, controversial or personal. I told them that you two came from America, aside from the really bad place you two came from. I didn't get any more specific or detailed than that.'' Nathan explained. ``They were very interested about you, because you were a roo.''\n\n``Right, ok.'' Felix handed the controller to Eliza and crossed his arms. \n\n``I hope the punching bag will help you out. I wish I had a punching bag when I was little.'' Nathan said as he began to remember his childhood, he blinked and snapped out of the uncomfortable nostalgia and checked his watch. ``Oh, it's about time I go and pick up the twins. I need you two to hold down the fort and don't let anyone enter in unless you know them.''\n\n``Including our neighbours?''\n\n``Yes, I want you two to be safe so stick together, alright?''\n\n``Alright.'' Felix looked back at the TV, leaning into the chair tiredly.\n\n``Ookie.'' Eliza replied. Felix and Eliza watched Nathan get up and head off, leaving them together alone. Nathan locked the house and drove off to the kindergarten, hoping to himself that the twins haven't had another incident. As he drove, Nathan couldn't help but feel so thankful for the neighbours. The Nakamarras support felt wonderful considering Felix was the same race as them, he thought to himself that someday they all can go to a dance ceremony for Felix to experience his culture. Hoping that Felix finding his roots will give him extra sense of wellbeing and strength. He parked the car and went inside the kindergarten, meeting the staff who were being quiet watching all the kids sleep.\n\n``Hey, how's it going?'' Nathan asked softly.\n\n``Hello Nathan. Today was a good day, your boys thankfully didn't get into a fight.'' One of them whispered back, Nathan put a hand on his chest and sighed relieved.\n\n``I'm so glad, I never like hearing them causing or being involved in conflicts.'' Nathan looked into the room and saw the twins sleeping together with their thumbs in the other's mouth, he smiled in adoration as he folded his arms.\n\n``Are you taking them now?'' The staff whispered.\n\n``I really should. I do hate waking them up but I need to get them home before they do get into a fight later on.''\n\n``It's no problem to let them sleep a bit longer, Nathan.'' One of the staff replied softly.\n\n``Nah, I need to get them home so the other two is supervised.'' Nathan began to creep into the room to the twins, kneeling down and maintaining his silence. He rubbed both their shoulders softly, causing them to wake up blinking and dazed. ``Gidday you two.'' Nathan whispered, he bent down further and kissed them each on the forehead. ``It's time to go home.'' Elijah smiled as Tobias removed his thumb from Elijah's mouth, Tobias closed his eyes once more trying to fall back asleep. Nathan sighed as he picked Elijah up before trying to pick up the stubborn Tobias. One of the staff came over to help but Nathan held his hand out to her with `stop' on his lips; the twins never really cared for being touched by other people than family and close friends. With some difficulty Nathan did pick up Tobias and got him to hold onto him, the lady who came over helped Nathan stand up with both boys in each of his arms and resting on each of his shoulders. ``Sorry, Leanne. Best for me to pick them up.'' Nathan apologized to her, she nodded understandingly. Nathan carried the two boys, one sleeping and the other barely awake, to the foyer and farewelled the women who looked after the kids. Leanne, the Lama, followed Nathan out to assist with opening the car for Nathan to put the boys in. Nathan allowed her to grab the keys from his belt so she could open the car and then lift up the boot. Once the boys were in their seats and buckled up, Leanne gave Nathan's keys back and smiled.\n\n``I sorry too, I really wanted to help. You and Rita have such trouble carrying these big growing boys.'' She smiled. Nathan chuckled shaking his head.\n\n``I appreciate it, Leanne. But I do have to say, these boys won't be growing bigger any time soon. I'm an oddity to my race, Fennec foxes don't tend to grow as big as me. More than likely they'll be normal height.''\n\n``Ohhh. I thought there was something odd about you being unusually tall for your kind. But anyway, I'm glad I could help. I'm so close to finishing my degree, so I'm putting extra effort for the sake of it.'' She smiled excitedly; Nathan returned the smile back.\n\n``That's great news, I'm happy for you. Will you be getting permanency here?''\n\n``I reckon so, or at least hope. Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate hearing your appraisal. I'll see your boys in 2 days' time.'' She waved at Nathan and went back inside, Nathan waved back and hopped into the car. He and Rita knew the staff well with how often they take the twins to kindergarten, and the times the twins get into or dragged into conflict. Leanne was a good sort, just trying to get paid while also doing a good job; Nathan and Rita could see that in her. Along the way home, Tobias woke up slightly as the bumps and turning of the car was felt. Tobias looked at Elijah, who looked back at him and patted his head and they began talking in their special language. After a while Nathan heard Tobias ask a question.\n\n``Dad I want to hug Elijah but the seats make it hard to hug. Are there seats that make hugging easier?'' Nathan was stunned for a moment; the question was out of nowhere and he didn't know the answer.\n\n``I can see why you are asking, Tobias. But, sorry I don't know. I will look up to see if there is.'' \n\n``Thanks Dad.'' The twins said in unison. Nathan prided himself that he may not know everything but he won't pretend that he does; he hoped that example would nurture the boys. As they got home and inside, the twins ran on their tippy toes down to where Felix and Eliza were; Nathan had no clue where they got that energy.\n\n``Hi!'' Elijah called out waving with one hand while he held Tobias with his other hand, Eliza turned and waved back with a happy smile. Felix looked over but he couldn't muster a fake smile let alone a real one; he has been feeling gradually sicker since waking up before.\n\n``Hello.'' Eliza said with a tooth smile. They all then heard Nathan exclaim in pleasant shock, the twins turned around caught completely offguard and went off to see what happened. As they ran off a moment passed before Eliza and Felix could hear Elijah screaming in joy; Danny and his mother had turned up in the driveway.\n\n``Hello, Lauren! A pleasure to see you two over.'' Nathan called out as he went outside.\n\n``Hello, Nathan! I hope you don't mind me bringing Danny over for the afternoon on short notice. There was some house cleaning and it still needs some time to air out.''\n\n``Ahh I see, good thing you took him over here to wait with the twins.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly as Danny walked up next to his mum up to the front door.\n\n``Danny!'' Elijah called out from inside the house looking through the window with Tobias.\n\n``Gidday Danny, you best come in to keep Elijah from losing his voice.'' Nathan chuckled, Danny smiled and walked past quickly to see the twins.\n\n``Thank you so much Nathan, I'm so sorry for the no warning.''\n\n``Hey it's alright Lauren, Rita and I said come on over whenever and we meant it. It means a lot to the twins that they get to see Danny as well.'' Nathan reassured Lauren, Lauren sighed relieved and smiled sincerely back. ``Do you want to stay for a cuppa?''\n\n``You know what, that would be lovely.'' With that said, Lauren and Nathan went inside to go to the kitchen and passed the twins hugging Danny between them. After Nathan and Lauren got a coffee they went to the front living room to chat and relax, leaving the twins and Danny to go back to Eliza and Felix\n\n``Hello Felix.'' Danny said with a shy smile. Felix almost didn't notice it, but was baffled that Danny said hi to him in particular; he didn't say hi to Eliza until she said hi first.\n\n``Hi Danny.'' Eliza said waving at him, \n\n``Hi Eliza.'' \n\n``Hey.'' Felix finally replied, he put the controller on the couch and felt his stomach and head ache with queasiness. \n\n``How are you two?'' Danny asked while directly looking at Felix.\n\n``I'm good!''\n\n``I'm feeling sick.'' Felix said as he rubbed his stomach, ``I'm going to lie down, I don't feel so good. I need to be alone.'' Felix said with a wobble and got up; Eliza watched Felix leave with concern but with Danny over she tried to not get too worried so she could hang out with them. \n\n``Oh... I'm sorry.'' Danny said as Felix left.\n\n``It's not your fault,''\n\n``You did not do anything wrong.'' The twins said after another.\n\n``Is Felix going to be ok?'' Danny asked Eliza.\n\n``I think so.''\n\n``Hey Danny?'' Elijah asked.\n\n``Yeah?'' \n\n``Do you want to play dress up?'' Elijah was excited while Tobias smiled very slightly, Danny's eyes open wide in a pleasant surprise.\n\n``Do I!?''\n\n``Can I join?'' Eliza asked as she clutched Mary close, fearing of rejection and wanting to be included.\n\n``Sure! We have a special dress you could wear.'' Elijah said bouncing up and down, Eliza's face smiled at first and then turned to an almost disgusted look.\n\n``I don't want to wear dresses though.'' Eliza then pointed at Danny; whose clothes was relatively boyish. ``I want to wear something like that.''\n\n``That's strange, I'm the same but backwards.'' Danny said shyly and partially blushing.\n\n``I got a dress that I don't like, you can wear it if I can wear your clothes.''\n\n``Sure.'' Danny smiled.\n\n``We're going to get dressed, no peaking in our room until we're done.'' Tobias said, the twins took off to their room and closed the door behind them as Eliza took Danny to her room. Eliza opened her wardrobe and pulled out the dress she had. \n\n``That's a nice dress.'' Danny said marvelling it while coughing from a distance.\n\n``I don't like it. I don't like dresses.''\n\n``Why do you have it?''\n\n``Because mum bought it.'' Eliza frowned and looked down as she gave it to Danny. ``I didn't want to make her sad.''\n\n``Ah I understand.'' Danny smiled, he took his shirt and pants off and stepped aside to put the dress on. Because Eliza was a small monkey, she was able to fit perfectly into Danny's pants and shirt. Once they were finished, they stared at each other with a sense of wonder. ``Wearing this dress feels nice, really nice.'' Danny said as he felt down the dress with his hands.\n\n``I like your clothes.'' Eliza smiled as she looked down herself, she turned to the mirror on the wardrobe and stared at herself. \n\n``You should ask your mum to get clothes like mine.'' Danny said as he stood next to her facing the mirror.\n\n``I will! I hate dresses, I love clothes like these.'' Eliza began to giggle, she turned around and left the room to run down the hallway with Danny following behind with a fast walk. She knocked on the twin's door and heard Elijah call out,\n\n``We're not ready yet!''\n\n``When are you ready?'' Eliza asked, Danny finally caught up to her. The door opened after a brief moment with Elijah and Tobias wearing a matching red and white checked gingham dress.\n\n``We're ready now.'' Tobias said as he held Elijah's hand. Danny's was stunned in amazement, he never thought the twins had a dress, let along matching ones. The way the top of their chest was barely visible was something that Danny wished he had as well.\n\n``I didn't know you two had a dress.'' Danny coughed in amazement; Elijah smiled blissfully with wide eyes as Tobias's had a slight smile with relaxed narrow eyes.\n\n``We glad you like it.'' Elijah said, he then turned to Eliza. ``You like?''\n\n``It's alright, it looks good on you.'' Eliza replied politely, fearing that they would get upset if she didn't sweeten the compliment; only because she didn't like dresses. Elijah bobbed up and down without leaving the ground, enjoying the sensation of pressing his feet up. \n\n``You look nice too.'' Elijah smiled at Eliza.\n\n``Danny's clothes look better on you.'' Tobias added, catching Eliza off guard pleasantly. Eliza gave a wide toothy smile and hugged Tobias.\n\n``Thank you!'' Eliza giggled in joy, then feeling how stiff Tobias was. Tobias withdrew when Eliza let go of him and he went behind and hugged Elijah. Elijah looked shocked as Eliza stood back feeling confused and increasingly upset. ``I'm sorry?'' A moment passed and Elijah smiled blissfully again and Tobias stood next to Elijah once more holding hands.\n\n``We glad you are happy.'' Elijah said as he and Tobias locked eyes with each other, Tobias mouthing the words to Elijah as he spoke; it was like a puppet show to Danny.\n\n``I'm sorry you didn't like that. I'm sorry.'' Eliza said as she felt herself backing down, Elijah and Tobias then gave a confused look back, tilting their heads to emphasise how clueless they were. Eliza saw how confused they were and felt even more confused, then felt Danny poke her side.\n\n``We're gonna go back to Eliza's room, ok?'' Danny said. The twins nodded back, one more enthusiastic than the other, and closed their door. Danny looked at Eliza with strong empathy, he could feel how hurt and confused she was. When they got back into Eliza's room Danny began to explain. ``My mummy and daddy told me the twins don't like being hugged.'' Eliza looked at him even more confused.\n\n``But they hug each other all the time though... they like hugging me and Felix, and mummy and daddy to.'' Eliza sat on her bed feeling overwhelmed in her confusion.\n\n``I think they like hugging when they do it. But I've seen them be hugged and be fine after but... I don't know. I'm still learning things about them every time I see them, I thought they would have been fine but... I too was wrong.'' Danny crossed his legs as he stood before Eliza in a mix of sadness and empathy. ``I'm sorry they upset you, they didn't mean it. I think you got them off guard.'' Danny said as he tried to comfort Eliza. Eliza looked up as she hugged Mary close and smiled slightly, feeling like she was going to cry but the sadness was fleeing. \n\n``I see, I can relate.'' Eliza smiled, quivering slightly. ``I still feel bad.''\n\n``I know, but, don't feel bad. They aren't hurt or angry, or upset. Elijah smiled. I think everything is fine if Elijah smiles.''\n\n``Ok.'' Eliza said smiling sadly at Danny. Danny sat next to her looking down at his feet before looking back. \n\n``Would you like a hug?'' Danny asked sweetly as he coughed.\n\n``Sure.'' Eliza smiled brighter as she hugged Danny, who also felt better hugging her back. ``Thank you, you're nice Danny.'' Eliza said as they stopped hugging.\n\n``I like you and Felix a lot too.'' Danny said, his thoughts then trailed to Felix as he smiled back. ``I hope he's alright.''\n\n``I think he's fine. We can check on him if you want.''\n\n``I don't want to bother and anger him though.'' Danny looked down. Eliza frowned slightly and looked down, before feeling confidence rise that everything would turn out fine.\n\n``It should be fine.'' Eliza said as she got off the bed, Danny looked at her feeling unsure. ``I'm sure, come on!'' Her smile now giving Danny a sense of certainty. Eliza left her room with Danny following behind, she knocked on Felix's door and heard a mumble. ``Felix, are you ok?'' Eliza asked, she heard more mumbles and then heard a reply.\n\n``I'm not feeling so good. Could be worse.'' Eliza then opened the door seeing Felix sitting up on the bed with his head hung over. Felix looked up and for a moment Danny felt like Felix gave an ``Oh it's you'' look. \n\n``Hey Felix, are you ok?'' Danny asked shyly. Felix didn't reply at first as he sickly looked back, he wiped sweat off his forehead and groaned as he laid down; not only was he sweating and burning up but he had a nasty headache too.\n\n``I'm feeling sick, to be honest. You two should go, don't-'' Felix recoiled as he held back a vomit. ``I don't want you two to get sick.'' A moment passed and Felix finally took notice about what they are wearing. ``Are they... is that your dress, Eliza?'' Pointing at Danny, Eliza nodded back.\n\n``Yep. I'm wearing his clothes.'' She smiled excitedly; Danny then saw the sick looking roo smile as he saw how happy Eliza was. \n\n``You look good.'' Felix said as he moved his hand over his mouth, ``I mean it. Don't take my sick reaction to be anything related to you.'' Felix said trying to cover his ass, Eliza began to laughed before getting concerned. \n\n``I'm going to get Dad.'' Eliza said, she then turned to Danny. ``Stay here.'' Eliza then ran off to get Nathan. Danny stood still, awkward and silent as he tried to not over stare at Felix; he couldn't get the image of Felix smiling sweetly at Eliza. \n\n``I'm sorry you are sick.'' Danny eventually said, trying to talk to Felix.\n\n``It's not your fault.'' Felix said, as he wiped his own forehead; the sweat getting annoying.\n\n``I think you are hot-, I mean I think you are too hot!'' Danny said nervously. Felix didn't reply as he lazily stared back as he tried to not throw up. Danny then heard and felt footsteps behind him.\n\n``Excellent observation Danny, thank you.'' Nathan said as he turned up, he rubbed Danny's back affectionately and quickly before going to Felix. He didn't need to check over Felix to know what to do. ``Alright Felix, forgive me but I'm going to pick you up and carry you to my room. It's much cooler in there for you to lie down, alright?'' Nathan said as articulated and firmly as possible, Felix slightly nodded back. Nathan carefully picked up Felix, putting Felix's arms around him and resting his head on his shoulder as Nathan supported the rest of him. As Nathan walked down the corridor Felix gurked and then vomited down Nathan's back and onto the floor. \n\n``Sorry.'' Felix coughed.\n\n``It's alright mate, come on let's get you somewhere cooler.'' Nathan said as he kept walking. Lauren was down the hallway when she witnessed that and walked to the kitchen.\n\n``I'll clean the mess off the floor, Nathan!'' \n\n``Thank you, Lauren.'' Nathan replied. As Nathan and Felix disappeared, Eliza looked immensely worried and began to quiver. Danny touched Eliza's arm to try to comfort her, causing her to jump momentarily. She then hugged Danny firmly as he quivered, Danny hugging her back looking down the hallway with his mum coming with a small bucket of water and some paper towels. Nathan put Felix on Rita's side of the bed, because it was the closest, and turned all the fans on. The room was already a huge improvement for Felix as he laid on the bed, Nathan walked around the bed to the ensuite with a vomit trail on his back; Felix couldn't help but hate himself for doing that. Nathan grabbed a clean and empty icecream container and came back to Felix holding it out before him. ``If you need to chuck, throw up in this, alright?'' Nathan said, Felix nodded back feeling sick and gross. Felix grabbed the container and held it on his belly, Nathan went back into the ensuite and came back with a cold wet cloth. He wiped Felix's mouth clean of vomit, and then left the room swiftly. Felix laid on the bed sweating and huffing as his stomach ached for another release. Nathan returned with a cup of cold water a different clean cloth wrapped over his wrist and an icepack wrapped in a dish towel. ``Drink some, swish it in your mouth and then spit it into the container.'' Nathan instructed as he knelt down before Felix. Felix complied and took a drink before swishing and spitting it out into the bucket. ``There we go. That gets the yucky taste and stuff out of your mouth, now drink the rest Felix.'' Nathan gave the cup to Felix who gulped it down. Nathan then wiped the wet cloth over Felix's head before putting the icepack on his head. ``Keep that icepack on and keep lying down, alright?'' Nathan said soothingly, Felix nodded with a cough. Nathan sighed with a sorry look. ``We'll get the air-con in your room first, as soon as we can, alright?''\n\n``What's wrong with me?'' Felix groaned.\n\n``You got heatstroke, Felix. All you need to do is stay cool and relax. I'll get you more water, alright?'' Felix could really feel how loving Nathan was being right now. \n\n``Alright.'' Felix replied, Nathan smiled comfortingly at Felix before getting up and leaving. The cold pack on his forehead already helping with the headache he was feeling. Soon Nathan came back with a big bottle of water, pouring Felix's cup and handing it back to Felix. Felix drunk the water and looked at Nathan as if he still needed more, so Nathan gave him more water. \n\n``Are you feeling any better?'' Nathan asked softly.\n\n``A bit.''\n\n``That's good.'' Nathan then took his attention to himself as he left the room taking off his shirt. He stuck it in a bucket in the laundry, filled it with water and soap and washed it before draining the water and leaving it behind. He walked past Lauren and then gave an apologetic look. ``Sorry, Lauren.''\n\n``It's alright,'' She smiled back, ``How is he doing?''\n\n``He just needs time to stay cool and relax.'' Nathan then saw Eliza and Danny walk around him from behind.\n\n``He is ok?'' Eliza asked looked concerned. \n\n``He will be, he just needs to chill.'' Nathan then bent down and softly pressed the back of his three fingers against Eliza's forehead. ``Well, I'm glad you are doing fine, Eliza.''\n\n``I am?''\n\n``Felix got heatstroke, spent too long in the heat and unable to cool down. I'm surprised, happily surprised, that you are fine.'' Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately smiling. Eliza looked more concerned as she frowned at Nathan.\n\n``Can I see him? Will I get sick?''\n\n``If you really want to you can see him, and no you won't get sick. It just might not smell nice if he starts vomiting.'' Nathan paused and chuckled, ``I'm going to have a shower or get some nice perfume on me now that I mention it.'' The front door opened and there was a perplexed Rita.\n\n``Nathan! What are you doing shirtless in the middle of the kitchen?'' She called out humorously as she entered. Eliza and Danny began to laugh at how Rita called out with Nathan chuckling along.\n\n``Hey Rita, good to see you.'' Nathan smiled lovingly over to her, he stood up straight and walked over with Lauren peering from the kitchen.\n\n``Hi Rita.'' Lauren waved; Rita waved back as she kissed Nathan on the cheek.\n\n``So, what's going on here?'' Rita said as she softly smacked Nathan on the stomach with the back of her hand. Nathan explained in a quick summary of what happened today, from the Nakamarras coming over to Felix getting heatstroke. When he finished Rita embraced Nathan before coming over to Eliza, who she also gave a hug. ``Sounds like a big day, yeah? Well, you best go see him, he'll get lonely.'' Rita said looking at Eliza, Eliza smiled and was about to leave when Rita blinked and coughed amazed. ``What are you wearing? Are those Danny's clothes?''\n\n``You only noticed now?'' Eliza laughed out loud.\n\n``Was this a game?''\n\n``Danny and I wanted to wear each other's clothes.''\n\n``Yeah. To be honest I like dresses, and she likes my clothes.'' Danny added shyly, Rita ahhhhh'd as she now understood.\n\n``You like boy clothes? Why didn't you say so?''\n\n``I didn't want to upset you.'' Eliza said as she clutched Mary close.\n\n``I'm annoyed, but I'm not upset. It does mean I'll have to take you shopping again though. Next time Eliza you need to speak up. I won't know what you want if you don't say so. Alright?'' Rita smiled and Eliza slowly nodded smiling slightly. ``Good girl.'' Rita kissed Eliza on the forehead before standing up once more. Danny looked to his mum and she smiled shaking her head.\n\n``You do look pretty, my boy.'' Lauren smiled, bending down and kissing Danny on the cheek.'' The twins turned the corner, oblivious to what has happened. They were wearing lipstick, each the colour of the other's hair.\n\n``Hi Danny!'' Elijah called out excitedly, Danny turned around and saw the twins; they looked even better now. Danny walked over, who was then grabbed and hugged together by the twins. \n\n``What's that smell?'' Tobias asked, his face scrunching up. Rita looked at Nathan and crossed her arms.\n\n``You need to have a shower.'' Rita laughed at Nathan who sighed back, the twins and Danny went into the twin's room to play together to get away from the smell.\n\n``Yes hun, I'm going to have a shower.'' Nathan walked to the bedroom to get clean clothes and have a shower. Nathan checked on Felix, who threw up a little more but all of it got into the bucket. Nathan got his clothes and went to have a shower. Eliza entered the room and waved slightly at Felix who looked exhausted, hot and sick lying down. \n\n``Hi Felix.'' Eliza said as she softly walked in.\n\n``Hey Eliza, I'm ok.'' Felix waved back; Eliza found it hard to believe him based on how awful he looked.\n\n``Are you ok?''\n\n``Yeah, I am. I just feel like crap.'' Felix blinked and groaned once more as he rested his head against the pillow more. Eliza saw how uncomfortable and miserable Felix looked as laid there, the smell wasn't that terrible and she really wanted to keep him company. She walked around the other side of the bed, laid down on her side facing Felix as she held Mary close. ``Thanks for being here.'' Felix mumbled as he rested his check against the bed as he faced her.\n\n``It's ok. -The smell isn't that bad-.'' Eliza said as she swapped to Mary's voice too, she smiled concernedly as her tail wrapped around her own leg. Felix turned his head back to the container and he hurled some more, Eliza found the sound upsetting to hear but it didn't deter her to leave. Felix washed his mouth out with water, spitting it in the bucket before looking back at Eliza. ``I don't like seeing you like this.'' Eliza frowned, the ensuite door opened and Nathan stepped out sighing as he felt reinvigorated and clean; wearing new clothes and only slightly damp Nathan walked up to Eliza, who now faced him.\n\n``I don't think any of us do, Eliza. But it's going to be alright, keep him company and call out if Felix's icepack is no longer cold. Can you do that for me?''\n\n``Sure!'' \n\n``Thank you so much.'' Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately. ``Now let's see how much is in the bucket...'' Nathan walked around and stared at the container, it had plenty of space left but he wanted to dump what was in there, give it a quick clean before giving it back. ``Ok Felix, do you feel like throwing up right now?''\n\n``No, thankfully.'' Felix mumbled.\n\n``That's good to hear. Now, I'm going to take that container off you for now; don't worry I'll give it back shortly. I am going to dump what's in there, give it a quick rinse and then I'll give it back, alright?''\n\n``Yes please, I hate looking at it.'' Felix allowed Nathan to take the icecream container away to the ensuite, both Felix and Eliza could hear the disgusting sound of it landing in the basin and followed up with a flush. In no time at all Nathan had rinsed it and came back, handing it to Felix with a sympathetic smile.\n\n``It's perfectly fine if you stay here for a while, don't stress yourself out by feeling bad by being on my bed, or throwing up on me before. What happened, happened and that's alright. I want you to relax and chill, alright?'' Nathan softly spoke as he leaned over Felix with a compassionate smile, Felix nodded back.\n\n``Alright.'' Felix blinked at Nathan before exhaling deeply, coughing as he began to breathe in again. Nathan checked the icepack, to be sure it was still cool, before comfortingly stroking Felix's forehead; Felix felt himself relax more as he felt loved by the gesture, something he never expected to accept or remotely like. Nathan put the pack on Felix's head, feeling it was still quite cold. ``Dad?'' Felix asked as he stared at Nathan.\n\n``Yes Felix?''\n\n``Thank you, again.'' Felix then coughed as he felt apprehension suddenly come back. ``Please get the air-con asap.'' Nathan contained his laughter, the wind from his nose delicately brushing Felix in the process.\n\n``Abso-fucking-lutely mate. I'm going to get calling right now.'' Nathan stood up straight and left the room with the door opened. Eliza giggled while Felix smiled sickly, they looked at each other with an amazed look; they did not expect Nathan to say something like that.\n\n``I think he really means it.'' Felix coughed as he sickly laughed.\n\n``Yeah.'' Eliza and Felix didn't say much for the rest of the afternoon, aside from Eliza calling out that the icepack is warm that is. Nathan spent the rest of the afternoon calling up and ordering 5 separate air-conditioners to be installed tomorrow; after chatting to Rita about the finance, who gave the all clear. Danny and his mother Lauren took off when it came to 6pm, the twins waved a sad goodbye; even with Nathan promising that they'll see Danny again soon. Nathan went into the bedroom to check on Felix who was on his 5th icepack, looking much better than he was before while feeling the part. To keep them entertained, Nathan had turned on the tv so they had something to watch as they laid together. \n\n``How are you going, Felix?'' Asked Nathan as he checked over him.\n\n``Much better, my headache is gone and I don't feel like throwing up.'' Felix smiled feeling relieved, hoping that he actually is better as he waited for Nathan to give his verdict. \n\n``You definitely look better. Do you still need to lie down?''\n\n``No, I really want to do something else.''\n\n``Alright mate.'' Nathan took the icecream container off to be thoroughly cleaned, which had fresh in it. ``Keep the icepack for now.'' Nathan suggested as he left the room to take the container away, Felix and Eliza got off the bed and walked out of their parent's bedroom. They walked to the back living room to play the xbox, sitting on the couch and turning it on. ``Felix?'' Nathan called out.\n\n``What?'' Felix called back.\n\n``You should wash your mouth out and brush your teeth.''\n\n``Why?'' \n\n``Because it is a healthy thing to do after being sick, for your teeth I mean. Plus, it will get all the bacteria out of your mouth.'' Nathan instructed from a few rooms away, Felix sighed.\n\n``Fine.'' Felix complained as he got up to do what Nathan said. Felix completed his task and got back to the couch for Eliza to hand him the controller, he softly shook his head and he got comfortable. ``I'd prefer if you play.''\n\n``Okie! Are you sure?''\n\n``Yeah, I just want to chill here.'' Felix smiled tiredly and watched Eliza play. Nathan made dinner, comprising of tomato soup with cruskits (a light, puffed and toasted biscuit) to soak up the tomato soup or eat on its own. The twins loved getting half of the cruskits soaked and then feed the other that bit. It was something Felix could eat too, if not the blandest dinner he's had at his new home; but the cruskits soaked in tomato soup was surprisingly good. Nathan chose this dinner as it was light, hoping that Felix will be able to keep it down. Once dinner was finished, Eliza and Felix left to sit on the couch again, Felix again only wanting to watch. Eliza gladly played the game as Felix watched, they were nearing the end and the excitement was felt between both of them. Nathan came around with a cold drink for Felix, before going to his room. Rita laid in bed watching the TV as Nathan went to the toilet, looking up at the calendar on the wall. A sudden hit of remorse and grief took a hold of him as he saw an upcoming date, the day of his friend's suicide murder. Once Nathan was done in the ensuite he came and laid down in bed, he had a noticeable silence to him that Rita could tell.\n\n``Nath? What's up?'' Rita asked as she stretched.\n\n``March 24. We're about a month away.'' Nathan looked at Rita and mustered enough to control and seem normal. ``I'm. Well, I didn't realise it was so close again.''\n\n``Aw Nathan.'' Rita replied, she moved over and kissed him on the cheek. ``You're strong, I'm sure when the day comes, you'll handle it.''\n\n``Thanks Rita. I do worry about how it will go still, with Eliza and Felix now living with us.''\n\n``You don't tell them the details, Nathan. You will just say `This is the day I lost a friend'. If they ask then you just say you'd rather not.''\n\n``I know, I just. I will be able to do that, but I do know just being around them will impact me poorly because of what happened to Corey.''\n\n``Then you stay a couple of nights away from home.''\n\n``Are you going to be alright though? With the twins, Eliza and Felix alone?''\n\n``Of course, Nathan.'' Rita grinned at Nathan, ``What do you take me for?''\n\n``Not for granted that's for sure.''\n\n``Nathan, it's going to be alright.'' As Rita reassured him Nathan reached a hand out to her, she grabbed and held it tight ad she smiled at him encouragingly. Nathan loved Rita so much, her easy going and confident attitude was much appreciated. He moved in closer and embraced her, feeling the loving, warm embrace of his strong wife. People who knew of Nathan and Rita often commented on how backwards their roles were in their marriage. Rita was strong, resolute. She repaired, she had the skill to fix the things without calling the repairs or service. The way she carried herself and the way she was, a friend called her the father of the house. While Nathan himself was the nurturing, caring, kids chasing one. Cleaning the house, doing the washing, doing the shopping and teaching the kids. He strived to be the caring and loving individual, the kind of person he wished he had as a child. The same friend who called Rita the father of the house also called Nathan the mother of the house. Both Rita and Nathan felt complimented by their friend, feeling proud that the way they are and how they want to be, has been recognized. In the end, their age difference made Nathan feel so protected and loved by Rita, like she was watching over him perpetually. Nathan couldn't describe how loved and secure he felt being married to an older woman, Rita couldn't express how much she loved having a younger man too. ``You're gonna be alright, Nathan.''\n\n``I love you too.'' Nathan chuckled. Nathan got up to go help the twins wash and prepare for bed, also checking on Felix from a distance while he was at it. He helped wash the twins, then dry and dress them for bed. Elijah and Tobias would not stop talking about dressing up, wearing makeup and then playing with a tea set in their room with Danny. Nathan smiled as he listened to them, while it was monotonous to hear at times, he was still glad it made them happy. Worry did set in as he got thinking about how bad it might be for the twins in the future, when it stops being a cute kid thing and people start treating it like a political topic. He kissed Elijah and Tobias on the forehead once they were dried and dressed, Elijah's big smile being too endearing for Nathan to ignore and Tobias's slight smile gave Nathan hope that Tobias can emote more in the future. They pleaded to Nathan to read a bedtime story, so Nathan grabbed the one book they loved the most and read it to them twice; doing all the voices that the twins loved as well. Finally, Nathan had put them to bed as they began to sleep, having to go kiss them again on the forehead as per their request. Nathan left their room and walked into the kitchen for a cold glass of water to drink. Eliza was still playing the xbox with a zoned out but happy looking Felix watched. With his cup of cold water, Nathan walked over to sit with Eliza and Felix as they chilled on the couch.\n\n``Hey Dad? Look at what we've got to.'' Eliza said excitedly, her words failing her slightly as she spoke quickly. Eliza bobbed a bit while sitting cross-legged on the couch, looking at Nathan and back at the screen as she directed him to what she wanted to show. She showed him the equipment that she had, the skills and feats they unlocked and what they did too. Nathan did his best to follow what she was showing him as he smiled listening to her. \n\n``How close are you to the end?''\n\n``We don't actually know, we thought we were at the end before but it's still going.'' Eliza giggled.\n\n``I think we're close.'' Felix added.\n\n``I hope so.''\n\n``What? Why do you want it over?'' Felix asked Eliza.\n\n``So, we can start again, silly. This time going down the light side.''\n\n``Oh right.'' Felix then groaned in what sounded like dramatic agony. ``Oh fffffuck. I don't want to go through the beginning again. Why can't we just start being a jedi?'' Eliza laughed at Felix's displeasure as he also covered his face with his hands.\n\n``It's not that bad.'' Eliza laughed.\n\n``Then you play it, last time I did most of it.''\n\n``Fine.''\n\n``Good.'' As Felix and Eliza bickered Nathan huffed in amusement, smiling in adoration of the two. Eliza turned to Nathan and smiled back.\n\n``Hug!'' Demanded Eliza, Nathan put his cup down, scooting over slightly and hugged Eliza, who pressed her face into him.\n\n``I'm always open for a hug.'' Nathan said as he rubbed and patted her back. ``And I'm glad you two are having fun. How are you feeling, Felix?''\n\n``I feel kinda shit still, but like. Not as bad like before.''\n\n``Well, that's good at least, an improvement is better than getting worse.'' Eliza let go of Nathan as he sighed. ``I feel like I didn't take the heat into more consideration today, the weather said it was going to be extra hot today.''\n\n``So, it's your fault?'' Felix asked.\n\n``Well, I'd say it's mostly the weather who is to blame. But I didn't get you two to wear hats, I didn't plan on us going to get fish and chips at the car wrecks. At the same time, I'm sorry we didn't have air-con today. Tomorrow it will be installed so that's something to look forward to.'' Nathan said, trying to not overly blame himself. Felix nodded softly as he tiredly blinked.\n\n``Well, it's my fucking fault for going to lie down again when just before it was making me sick.'' Felix grumbled to himself. ``Can't believe I was that fucking stupid.''\n\n``Felix you are not stupid, you didn't know and you made a mistake. All we can do is learn from it.'' Nathan sternly replied.\n\n``Yeah, yeah.'' Dismissed Felix.\n\n``Don't be like that, Felix.''\n\n``You're saying I'm not stupid when I haven't ever been to school?''\n\n``That does remind me though. I need to sign you two up for school.'' Nathan said as he changed the subject slightly. Felix and Eliza looked startled and got silent. \n\n``I'm scared of going to school.'' Eliza muttered, she put the controller down and hugged Mary close.\n\n``School isn't so bad.'' Nathan smiled reassuringly. ``You won't be in a normal class; you'll be in the same one the twins are in. For kids with learning disabilities and delayed learning. You'll have the twins for company, as well as myself. Oh, and Danny.''\n\n``You'll be there?'' Eliza asked.\n\n``I'm the teacher's assistant.''\n\n``What do you do?''\n\n``Well, I help kids learn. I help the teacher teach too. They're up in front while I go around helping kids figure out the answers. When a kid puts their hand up for assistance, to ask a question, I come around to help.''\n\n``Do the twins ask for help often?'' Felix asked.\n\n``Sometimes they ask for help. To be honest though most of the time they can work well, so long as Elijah is being sensible and Tobias is focused. Half the time Elijah puts his hand up and I ask him what's up he just wants attention.''\n\n``Ok.'' Felix looked down as he hugged himself into a ball. ``Why is Danny in the class? I thought he's just sick not a retard.''\n\n``Felix, don't say that word. It's offensive, especially when used to describe someone.'' Nathan's smile of reassurance turned stern and cross.\n\n``Ok, ok. I'm sorry.''\n\n``There are kids who call the twins that, don't be someone who calls someone that.'' Felix then made eye contact with a sorry look.\n\n``Fuck.'' Felix sighed. ``I'm sorry. I just, heard people say that word a lot.''\n\n``So long as you know it's a bad word and not say it, we'll be fine, Felix. To answer your question about Danny, no he isn't a kid with learning difficulties. I recommended Danny to be in the class because it is less stressful for him, some days he can't come in because of his health but most of all it's a safer classroom for him to be in.''\n\n``Ahh.'' Felix said as he wiped his forehead. ``Please don't tell him I called him that, that was a mistake and I didn't mean it.''\n\n``That it was a mistake, and no I won't tell him. From what I can tell he's very fond of you Felix, and you too Eliza.''\n\n``I can tell.'' Felix then exhaled softly as he began to groan. ``Does this mean we have to wear stupid uniforms?''\n\n``Yes, you will have to wear the school uniform. Boys get a yellow shirt and green pants, girls get a yellow shirt and a green skirt.'' As Nathan finished Eliza frowned. ``Don't worry Eliza, there are pants for girls. Just most of the girls wear skirts.''\n\n``I don't like skirts.'' Eliza complained.\n\n``I can see that, Eliza. I understand.''\n\n``How much time do we have anyway? Before we lose our freedom.'' Felix complained.\n\n``Felix don't be like that. School isn't that bad; besides you get to learn. Isn't that something you want?''\n\n``I do, but then I don't get to stay home all day.''\n\n``Such as life, Felix. I understand where you are coming from but to be honest you won't be going to school every day. The twins go to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and occasionally Fridays. I don't want to leave you two without me being around at school on those days. So on Tuesdays and ThursdaysI will be teaching you two at home.'' Relief and happiness popped up on Felix and Eliza's face. ``But you two `will' have to bear with me, you will sit and learn. You will have break times, but when it's time for learning I will need your cooperation you two.''\n\n``I promise.'' Eliza smiled.\n\n``Some days I might have to take you all home early too, depending on how the twins are.''\n\n``Why only about them though? What if we need to come home early?''\n\n``Well, that depends on what happens at school now isn't it? In the case of the twins, some days they really are unable to learn, disruptive and uncooperative. It doesn't happen that often anymore, but there are days where the twins don't do anything. Not because they choose to, but because their unable to. It's part of their autism as far as I know, and I don't think they would mislead me.''\n\n``So when would we go to school? Like I asked that just a minute ago.''\n\n``Latest will be next week, earliest will be at the end of the week. We'll see, as I will have to put forward my recommendation that you two are to join the same class. So, don't stress about it for now, you two.'' Nathan exhaled as he smiled, he grabbed his water and drunk it as Eliza picked up the controller again and continued playing. Then out of nowhere cries were heard from the twin's room, Nathan was startled as he just finished drinking and put the cup on the coffee table before him. Elijah and Tobias ran out of their room and dived into Nathan on the couch, Elijah crying in a fit of panic and fear as Tobias shook with silent tears. ``Boys, boys, what's up?'' Nathan said trying to not panic, Elijah's crying got worse as he pressed his face into Nathan's abdomen.\n\n``We had a bad dream.'' Tobias muttered as he climbed and hugging Nathan tight.\n\n``We died!'' Elijah mumbled in distress into Nathan, both their tails were between their legs as their bodies shivered. Elijah's crying got more emotional by the second, Nathan moved in and kissed Elijah's head, who shook his head in added discomfort.\n\n``No kisses? Alright, just back pats and stroking.'' Nathan said as he rubbed the boys' backs as they clung to him. ``Everything is alright, it was just a dream. You are safe, you are here with me, each other and your brother and sister. Your dream can't hurt you.'' Nathan spoke softly and comfortingly to the twins. Eliza and Felix couldn't stop watching, with empathy now impacting the sick Felix. \n\n``I'm going to go to bed.'' Felix said as stood up with a wobble.\n\n``Have a bath, or a shower and brush your teeth.'' Nathan instructed as he looked at Felix in the corner of his eyes. ``The water is probably cold now; all you need to do is add hot water and it should be alright.''\n\n``Ok.'' Felix said as he walked off, Eliza swiftly saved the game and almost was too impatient to wait until it was finished. Eliza turned the xbox off, put the controller down. Eliza looked with sympathy at the twins, Elijah now quieting down to a murmur as he cried into Nathan. \n\n``Are you alright, Eliza?'' Nathan asked with concern, Eliza nodded with some hesitation. ``Love you.'' Nathan added, Eliza smiled slightly back. ``Now go and be with Felix.'' Nathan rubbed his check against Tobias's head, Eliza left feeling emotional but stable enough. Eliza met with Felix in the bathroom as the water was warm enough, after stripping of their clothes they got into the bath together. \n\n``Are you ok?'' Felix asked as he leaned back against the tub.\n\n``I think so. Are you ok?'' Eliza said as she looked at Mary, who was sitting on the floor near the tub.\n\n``I still feel blegh. But seeing the twins, hearing the twins just now. I feel like my mind has jumped back a year.'' Felix said sadly, his heart pounding. ``It was nice to see Dad comfort them though. I wish we had that.'' Felix said with tears forming.\n\n``Their cries hurt me.'' Eliza said as she softly moved her arm over her. \n\n``Honestly, same.'' Felix felt the warmth of the water and suddenly feeling a little too warm. ``Hey, I need to turn the cold water on. It's too hot.'' Said Felix, Eliza nodded back and let Felix turn the cold water on. Felix felt the differences of the cold water colliding with the warm with his hand, as the water got cooler Felix felt better. ``Thanks. I still feel abnormally hot.''\n\n``What's it like?''\n\n``I don't really fucking know? I do know it makes it hard for me to think right now though.'' The two got silent as they sat in the bath, Felix looked at Eliza with vulnerable and tired eyes. ``I really didn't like hearing them cry, that... that made me think of things.'' Eliza didn't reply, she looked back concernedly. ``...I don't think we should talk about it now.''\n\n``Ok.'' Eliza said, a cheeky smile grew as she flicked some water at Felix.\n\n``Sorry, I'm not in the mood.'' Eliza could hear Felix's heavy breathing as he closed his eyes.\n\n``Okie.'' Eliza and Felix sat in the bath for a little longer, after washing themselves they hopped out together and dried next to each other. Felix exhaled as he held his hand out before him, he felt his belly and felt distinct warmth, he wiped his forehead with his towel and continued to dry himself. As they were dry, dressed and brushed their teeth, Felix and Eliza went to the kitchen for a drink; the twins and Nathan no longer in the living room. Eliza drunk some cold water from the fridge and went to the twin's room to eavesdrop.\n\n``...everything is going to be fine. You are fine.''\n\n``Don't leave.'' Elijah whined.\n\n``I'll stay with you two until you fall asleep. I'll be sitting here watching over you.'' Nathan's comforting, warm voice made Eliza smile. A moment of clumsiness had Eliza bump her head against the door as she lost her balance, causing Elijah to shriek.\n\n``What was that scary noise?'' Cried Elijah.\n\n``It's the monster.'' Tobias added, his voice only trembling.\n\n``No, no I don't think it was. I'll go check the door, that's where the sound came from.'' Nathan said hushing the boys. As Nathan got up Eliza felt panic, stepping back and felt like running away; but she stood still bracing and hoping she wasn't going to get in trouble. Nathan opened the door, saw Eliza and smiled warmly as he saw her. ``Hello Eliza.''\n\n``H-h-hi, I-I-I'm s-sorry.'' Eliza stammered, she grabbed Mary and held it out in front of her like a shield.\n\n``Eliza it's alright, you're not in trouble.'' Nathan said as he bent down before her, he had his arms out for a hug; a welcomed sign for Eliza to calm down. Eliza moved in and allowed Nathan to embrace her. ``Would you like to come in?''\n\n``Yes please.'' Eliza said stiffly, Nathan let go of Eliza to stand up straight as he walked back into the twin's room. Nathan sat down on the chair next to their bed, the twins looking over from under the sheets. Eliza waved slowly at the twins as she slowly walked into the room. ``Sorwy for scaring you...'' Eliza apologized, Elijah looking still jittery back with Tobias looking noticeably calmer. \n\n``We forgive you.'' Tobias replied, ``We're still scared from our bad dream.'' \n\n``I know.''\n\n``And that's why I'm here. I'm going to be sitting guard over them as they sleep, gotta protect them from bad dreams.'' Nathan smiled tiredly as he crossed a leg over while crossing his arms, he looked at the twins and his eyes squinted in sweetness and adoration. Eliza smiled slightly and began to feel awkward, something Nathan quickly picked up upon. ``Want to hug your brothers goodnight?'' \n\n``Yeah.'' Eliza clutched Mary close as she walked over to Elijah, he looked at her and smiled, feeling comforted and slightly more confident. Eliza opened her arms and Elijah opened his, Elijah sat up and hugged his big sister with his shivering body. Eliza and let go of Elijah and moved around the bed and looked at Tobias, hesitation and apprehension taking over as she remembered hours before. She opened her arms feeling the same shiver that Elijah was feeling as she waiting for Tobias to hug her back, Tobias sat up and hugged Eliza; Eliza could feel and hear Tobias take a deep breath as he sniffed her. They let go of each other so Tobias could lie down next to his brother once more, Eliza faced the twins and Nathan as she waved goodnight at them. ``Goodnight.'' She said with her voice trembling.\n\n``Goodnight Eliza.'' Nathan replied, his sweet and comforting tone making Eliza feel better. Eliza left the room, closing the door behind her and saw Felix sitting on his bed across the hallway; his door wide open for her to see him. Eliza rushed down the hall to Felix and once she got there, she felt like she could breathe easier.\n\n``You went to check on the twins?'' \n\n``Yeah.''\n\n``Alright.'' Felix turned the fan on and looked breathless as he stared at it as it blew on his face. \n\n``...Do you want me to sleep in my bed tonight? So you don't get too hot again?'' Asked Eliza softly, hoping and fearing that Felix would say yes.\n\n``I think it would be the smart option.'' Felix turned to Eliza with a look of need. ``But I think I need your company tonight; I think I'll be alright anyway. Night isn't as hot like the day.'' Eliza smiled back at Felix in relief as Felix smiled tiredly back. ``Now let's fucking sleep, I'm exhausted.'' Felix climbed in bed, Eliza turned off the light and laid next to Felix. They held hands as they laid together, Eliza could feel how hot Felix's hand was. No issues happened in the night as they slept, even the twins fell asleep properly with a weary Nathan creeping out of the room to go back to his bed. The next day the air-conditioners were installed, everyone was over the moon about them once they were set up. Nathan laid down ground rules about the air-con to the kids,\n\n``You can turn it on if there is two or more of you in the room. Do not change the temperature as what is set is good enough. Close your windows and shut the blinds, that way it gets cooler faster. Don't forget to turn it off when you leave the living-room for the night.'' All four kids heard and understood the rules, following them so they can get to lying down under the air-con already. As the week neared a close and the twin's stayover at Danny's got the twins more excited, Nathan spent his lunchtime and afterschool talking to the principle and the head of the special needs class about Eliza and Felix joining. Nathan managed to convince them that Eliza and Felix is to be placed in the class as Nathan gave, limited but factual, information about the two kids as proof that they had to be in the same class and needed extra help. As Nathan drove home, he sighed in exhaustion and pure bliss as he successfully achieved doing Eliza and Felix good. He just hoped school life was something they could handle, and he was going to do his damn best to help them.\n\n=====\n\nFelix laid underneath a car as he worked on it with his co-workers, his work shirt was mucky and greasy, as well as his arms, but he didn't give a shit about that. Felix enjoyed his work at the mechanics, being around cars was something he developed since moving here. The car was just about ready for some oil changes, but that was Jake's job as Felix's job ended in 5 minutes. Felix came out from underneath the car standing up and tall, wrench in hand and accidentally wiping some of the grease on his jeans. Jake, an Emu, walked up and patted Felix on the back.\n\n``Good work down there, providing you didn't fuck up.''\n\n``I'm sure I didn't fuck it up.''\n\n``Well, I hope you're right.'' Jake then coughed into a laughter, ``Otherwise we'll be labelled as those dodgy car mechanics, that'll fuck us all up. Anyway, btw bruh, how goes your course?''\n\n``Final assignment and exam coming up next month, Jake. I reckon I'm going to pass it, no problem.''\n\n``I hope so. I don't want that dickhead Gareth getting the full-time job.''\n\n``Nah mate, he won't get it. The bludger hardly comes into work anyway.''\n\n``Yeah, but he's the boss's nephew.''\n\n``Yeah, yeah, yeah... relax Jake.'' Felix leaned back and pressed his long tail against the ground as he stretched his back, then in the corner of his eye he saw Eliza walk into the waiting room. Eliza wore his receptionist uniform with a cap being the only thing that wasn't a part of it.\n\n``Hey Felix.'' Eliza called out waving at him.\n\n``I gotta go now, I'll see you tomorrow Jake.'' \n\n``No prob bruh, take care.'' Felix walked past hi-fiving Jake as he headed to Eliza, who was far cleaner than him. Felix and Eliza left to the carpark so Felix could drive them home, Eliza sat in the passenger seat and took his hat off exhaling as he leaned back. Felix turned the engine on so the air-con could blast them in the face.\n\n``So, how was your day?'' Eliza asked looking at Felix.\n\n``Tiring, but it was good. How about yours?''\n\n``Oh, it was alright, still getting grannies who get confused about my name.'' Eliza shook his head bemused.\n\n``Of course, there's always more grannies that don't know.'' Felix began to reverse out of the park and shortly after he began to drive home. \n\n``Janet was really nice to me though, she's like, the one who tries the best to get my pronoun right. We even went for a coffee on our break at the pie shop nearby.''\n\n``The one with the really fucking good pies?''\n\n``Of course! As if I'd go to fucking, what's it called... Bob's Bakery?''\n\n``Just making sure, she could have taken you to that one instead.''\n\n``Nah, she loves the good pie shop. Did you know they still call their thickshakes `milkshakes' still?''\n\n``Ugh, stop. You're making me hungry.'' \n\n``Then go there and meet me at lunch time.'' Felix shook his head defiantly.\n\n``Nah. Because I hang out with Jake and we always go and get a burger.''\n\n``Okie. Then don't complain to me about making you hungry for delicious pies AND totally not thickshakes.'' Teased Eliza, Felix scoffed as he looked at him, going with the teasing at hand. Once they arrived home, they rushed inside with Felix going to show and get a fresh change of clothes, while Eliza sat down on the couch. Eliza kicked his shoes off and sighed as he stretched, the day was long as he was still feeling unsatisfied and out of place at his job. Nathan helped him get the job this year, something Eliza was very grateful for. But the problem that Eliza felt was because he isn't female, despite how life and god decided his fate; he was still transitioning as far as he was concerned. His co-workers were overall kind to him, but because he was new and transitioning, he felt like they were being patronising at times; except for Janet. Here he was working with a bunch of women where he wished he was some kind of sports coach teaching boys to play AFL, soccer or cricket. No matter how friendly and accommodating the other receptionists were Eliza just felt out of place. Despite that feeling he did however like his job, helping out the doctors and nurses while signing patients in; the aforementioned moments when a granny or grandpa confused or shocked that Eliza is male. Hanging out with Janet was the cherry on top of the cake too, a lovely zebra who was incredibly supportive, accepting and understanding of Eliza. Janet has a son and a daughter who are queer, one being trans as well. Even though Eliza feels out of place being a receptionist, he doesn't want to quit, not unless a better opportunity comes up or a staffer having issues with him. Eliza felt the urge to check his own chest, lifting up his shirt to see the faded scars from his top surgery years ago. It made him so happy that it was done and so soon as when he asked for it, he knew he could count of Nathan to push for it. Then again, Nathan was always eager to help him and Felix out whenever the opportunity came about; that was one of the best things about Nathan. \n\n``Do you reckon the scars will completely disappear?'' Felix asked as he came back from a shower and in new, clean clothes.\n\n``Nah, they'll always be some scars here. But, that's alright.'' Eliza smiled looking at Felix. ``Now sit down so I can get cuddles.'' Eliza playfully demanded. Felix sat down next to Eliza wearing slacks and a singlet, he put an arm around Eliza who cuddled into him sighing. \n\n``When do you wanna go to the pub?'' Felix asked as he held Eliza close.\n\n``At 7. Are we going to the Pier hotel?''\n\n``Yeah, that way we get something to eat as well.''\n\n``I want chippies.''\n\n``Me too.'' Felix slouched a bit so he could rest his head on Eliza's. ``I don't like bringing this up, but because I'm curious and shit. But have you thought about a new name?''\n\n``Honestly, I think I'll stick with Eliza. That'll confuse the grannies and Karens.''\n\n``Really?'' Felix asked, sounding surprised.\n\n``Yeah. I mean, IF I were to change my name it wouldn't be right. Cause I'd choose Elijah, and well, we can't have two Elijahs. And looking at a big ass list of names, none of them really spoke to me. Besides, I love my name.''\n\n``A trans not changing their name? Is that uncommon or something?''\n\n``I mean, it depends on the name and situation. But like I said, I love my name. Mum and Dad really solidified that to me.''\n\n``Well, if you aren't going to change your name then that's awesome. I too like your name, but I also would have done my best to call you by your new name, if you got one. Also, Nathan probably did most of the work in regards to your name. He always had this pleasant and loving smile when he called us by our names.''\n\n``Mum did too, but nowhere near as much as he.''\n\n``Backward roles, ho!'' Felix cheered, causing Eliza to laugh. Felix sighed and got quiet as he began to think of Mum and Dad. ``I want to see them again, but I don't want to be the one to call them.''\n\n``Why not?''\n\n``Honestly, I'm not sure. Embarrassed, I guess. Like I would love if they called and came over, but I don't want to be the one asking them to.''\n\n``Is this because of an age thing, or a thing that you don't want to seem dependent on them anymore?''\n\n``Like I said, I don't know. I definitely love living away from them, although I do wish the twins someday get their own flat or home.''\n\n``Well, that's why we're going to the pub, yeah?''\n\n``Yeah.'' Every Saturday night, the twins would spend it intimately with each other; If Danny was there, he too would be involved. As the twins loved fairness and routine, every time it happens the roles are cycled. If Danny was there, one time he would be in the middle, the other time Elijah will be in the middle, and of course the next time will have Tobias in the middle. Because of how vocal Elijah is, Eliza and Felix opt to go to the pub so they don't hear `everything'. Felix hopes that someday Danny will get Elijah to tone it down, since he basically parents the twins these days. Felix and Eliza relaxed on the couch and saw the twins arrive home, walking back home from the bus. Once they came inside, Elijah embraced Tobias longingly, swaying each other in silence.\n\n``Hey Elijah, hey Felix.'' Eliza smiled and waved with his left hand; the twins turned slightly as they held each other so that Elijah can face them. Elijah smiled tiredly as he rubbed Tobias's lower back, resting his head on Tobias's shoulder.\n\n``Hellooo.'' \n\n``How was your day?''\n\n``It was long. Mr Austin came and went in the wrong lane, talked to Tobias.''\n\n``He's a moron, a horrible, horrible moron. How can he not know that Elijah's lane is the chatting one and mine is the quiet one?''\n\n``Because he's a stubborn asshole.'' Felix retorted, causing Eliza and Elijah to laugh.\n\n``From where I was, the lady behind him was cranky. I think she even told him to shut up and move on already.'' Elijah said as he let go of his significant brother. \n\n``Anyway, it was awful. Kept asking about whether we do anything together and that sin will ruin our lives, that it isn't too late to repent and change our wicked ways.'' Tobias then sighed and walked over to Eliza and Felix to hug them. ``I don't understand the logic of his book. How are Elijah and I wicked?''\n\n``Don't let him bring you down, yeah? He's a cunt. Recently he got into Eliza for transitioning and that pissed me off.''\n\n``Yeah, I told him that he doesn't know me and that he shouldn't pretend that he knows best. Before I told him to fuck off that is.'' Eliza chuckled, he got up and hugged Tobias; Elijah came over and joined in.\n\n``I wish we could speak to him like that.'' Tobias said flatly. ``Whenever he shows up, all the words in the world disappears and I just have to let him speak until he gets tired.''\n\n``We can practice together, no problem.'' Eliza said with a pat on Tobias's side. ``Together, you two and me. If it doesn't work out at first then we'll have to keep trying yeah?''\n\n``Ok.'' Tobias smiled slightly at Eliza before becoming expressionless once more. ``We're going to lie down now.''\n\n``Okie.'' The twins held hands and waved goodbye with their other hands as they left. Eliza sat down once more and cuddled up to Felix once more.\n\n``You know, Felix, you really do look hot when you're dirty from work. It's a good thing you washed and got changed, but it really is an awesome sight.''\n\n``I'm glad you like it, not sure if I do really because I'm the one with grease stains. But I do see the appeal.'' Felix kissed Eliza on the forehead, causing Eliza look up, grab Felix's face and kissed him on the mouth. They were happy together, so happy. Bound by abuse and neglect in life; but now they are truly living, together.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "The day started like the others, since Felix and Eliza moved in with their new family. They had breakfast at the table with Nathan fussing over the twins and being pleasantly social to all around him. However, Felix and Eliza were stressed and anxious, as Nathan had already got an appointment for them to speak to a psychologist. Two days passed from when Nathan convinced them that they should talk to someone who can help them; they didn't know the hoops and effort that Nathan went through to get them their appointment. Nathan quietly observed the two as their moods and behaviour was `off'. Elijah and Tobias ate together doing their normal habit or feeding the other, completely oblivious to the tensions. Once breakfast was done Felix grabbed a cigarette and his lighter and headed outside; Nathan bought him a few packs the day after Felix ran out. Felix's appreciation was a given, but Nathan knew that both Felix and Eliza were stressing out too much. Rita took the twins off to kindergarten, leaving Nathan to brace himself for the day; he too was feeling a ton of pressure and anxiety over the other two. He breathed deeply and walked outside to see Felix and Eliza sitting on the wall; Felix smoking while Eliza kicked her legs about while clutching Mary.

``We'll leave at 10, so you two got time to play the xbox if you need to.'' Nathan said as he walked up to them.

``I really can't focus on it. I just can't.'' Felix said as he blew smoke from his mouth. Eliza nodded back, looking particularly `locked up' in her body language. Her expression was fixed to the same worried look that she first gave Nathan when they first met, her tail wrapped around her right leg and she refused to talk. Nathan walked up to and sat on the wall with them, trying to keep them company and hoping to help them.

``I understand. It's a good idea to be outside then. I forgot to ask, how is the pack, Felix?''

``It's ok, doesn't taste the same as the one I had before.'' Felix exhaled more smoke and looked at Nathan, ``Thank you, again.''

``It's no problem.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.

``I'm terrified. I don't want to go.'' Felix said abruptly, he kicked the wall with his heel. ``Can we not? Not go?'' Nathan's smile turned to an apologetic half smile. ``Please?''

``Felix, Eliza. Nothing bad is going to happen. I know you are scared, but all you two are going to do is talk to the psych'. You two will be together so you won't be apart.''

``I know that.'' Felix snapped. His anxiety spiked; he's heard Nathan say this before. ``It doesn't make it any better.'' Eliza looked at Felix and, in a flash, snatched his hand and held tight, startling him in the process. She frowned momentarily and nodded with erraticism. ``What?'' Felix asked, he couldn't understand what she was saying. She squeezed his hand tighter but Felix was still baffled with what she was trying to say. Frustratedly, Eliza held Mary out in her other hand to speak.

``-We scared; we can do it-.'' Eliza barely managed to say.

``You're a brave girl, Eliza. You are brave too, Felix. I know you two can cope by being together, and I get the feeling Eliza is willing to give it a go.''

``I gathered that.'' Felix sighed. Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately, causing her to smile momentarily. Nathan got off the wall and went back inside, leaving Eliza and Felix alone together. Soon Felix's cigarette burnt out and without anything else he wanted to do got off the wall as well. Eliza got off at the same time as Felix, refusing to let go of his hand as she tensed up; it reminded Felix of the twins, perhaps that's how they feel sometimes? They went inside without a clue on what to do, their nerves were too high strung for them to play the xbox. Felix looked at Eliza and sighed, ``Let's go to the front living room, Nathan is probably watching tv there.'' Felix said in a deadpanned tone, Eliza smiled and nodded before going back into her brace. They walked to the front and sat down on the lounge next to Nathan, who was just checking the news.

``Hey you two, don't mind me I'm just checking the weather.''

``Sun, sun and more sun.'' Felix said with an unamused expression, Nathan chuckled to himself and nodded back.

``Yeah, that's the weather over here. I'll swap the channel to a cartoon for you.'' Nathan changed the channel and looked like he was about to leave them. Eliza in a fit of panic grabbed Mary and began to speak.

``-Don't go-.'' Mary's voice sounded almost like a growl; Nathan leaned back into the couch as he stopped trying to get up.

``Alright, I'll stay. I thought you two wanted to be alone.'' Nathan, Felix and Eliza watched the tv together in silence until 20 minutes later a knock on the front door was heard. Nathan got up and answered the door,

``Hey Nathan. Can we have a bit of help, brother?'' The visitor asked, Felix looked over and saw a red kangaroo on the other side of the flyscreen door.

``Hey Otto, what can I help you with?''

``Me and the mob need to pick an amp from a cousin, but our truck is busted since Friday.'' The red roo asked.

``How bad is your truck?''

``Aw it's devo mate. It's old and we hit a rock that broke something underneath.''

``Ah bugger. Well, we better hook up your car to the back of mine and get you guys to the repair shop.'' Nathan opened the door and the roo grabbed and shook Nathan's hand.

``Deadly!'' Nathan smiled as he shook hands with otto, he looked back to Felix and Eliza who were watching from the couch.

``I'll be out for about an hour, you two. Keep the doors locked and stay together, I gotta help these fellas out.''

``Alright.'' Felix replied, Eliza frowned back. Nathan closed the front door and locked it behind him, walking to the car to help out the neighbours. The Nakamarra family was a large family of red kangaroos that got along well with Nathan and Rita. Nathan and Rita enjoyed the banter and the attitudes of the Nakamarras as they also showed respect and a `true blue' attitude back to them. At first when they moved in, the Nakamarras didn't say hi or greet them; as they kept to themselves to avoid any unwanted conflict with an outsider. Nathan made the effort to introduce himself, although nervous. What sealed the deal was when Nathan invited them all over for a BBQ that evening, saying that he wanted to get to know the neighbours better over cooked steaks, sausages and a beer. The Nakamarras, all 7 of them, agreed to come over as free grub wasn't something they wanted to turn down. Only the Nakamarras turned up, due to the short notice preventing the other neighbours to join, so Nathan and Rita got to know them rather well. The family had a grandma whose name was Joy. The mother, who was the daughter of Joy, was Nancy who was married to Shane. They had four kids, three boys and one girl, whose names were Shaun, Otto, Brett and Lisa. As Nathan and Rita chatted with the grandma and parents, the twins and the Nakamarra young adults played backyard soccer together. Nathan and Rita got to learn a lot about their new neighbours, who also learned a bit about them in the process. Otto, Shaun, Brett and Lisa did judge the twins a bit unfairly when they first met them; but warmed up to them with how special they were. It helped that the twins had absolutely no concept of race and treated them as if they were new friends. While Elijah and Tobias were overwhelmed with the amount of new people over, they were kept entertained by the roos who chatted with them and showed them how to kick a ball. As the BBQ went, more family members turned up, who went to visit their family and in turn got invited to join in. An uncle and aunt who brought over two young roos who were more appropriate for the twins to play with.

Nathan, no matter how much he wanted to, couldn't remember everything that happened on that night. But it made the two families close. As Nathan backed the car down the driveway slope, he drove to the neighbours, whose truck was positioned in the middle of the yard, thankfully with it facing the right way for Nathan to tow it. The truck itself wasn't as heavy as it seemed and the wheels were fully pumped. Otto and his brother Shaun hooked the truck to the towbar of Nathan's car, took the handbrake off and turned the hazards lights on. Otto, Shaun, their mates Lionel and Tray got in Nathan's car once they were all ready.

``Thanks so much, Nathan.'' Shaun said as he buckled himself up; he sat in the back with Lionel and Tray.

``It's no problem, I'm happy to help you fellas out.'' Nathan slowly drove off as he took them all to town, checking the mirrors to make sure nothing was going wrong behind him. He turned the radio on to the station that the roos loved, an independent radio station with music made by the indigenous races of Australia; most were rock based so Nathan enjoyed them as well.

``So how are you doing, Nathan?'' Otto asked as he sat in the front passenger seat.

``Yeah, I'm alright, looking after the kids. Did you hear that Rita and I adopted two kids?''

``Were they chilling in the back watching the tele?''

``Yeah mate.''

``Ah you're a good bloke, Nathan. Rita too. Couldn't help to notice that one of them was a rooie. Where did he come from?'' Otto asked as he winded down the window to rest his elbow on the windowsill.

``Unfortunately, that's a loaded question. I can tell you though that Felix and Eliza came from America.''

``They're both from America?'' Shaun exclaimed in the backseat. ``What the bloody hell was he doing there?''

``Oy, Shaun. Maybe his mob decided to travel overseas. Not that unheard of.'' Tray added.

``I'm afraid it's a bit darker than that, I'm afraid. Felix and Eliza have come from a really bad home. They're both scarred deep inside, it's why Rita and I adopted them. I can't really be more specific than that, I'm afraid.''

``Oh, why not?'' Lionel asked.

``It's bad stuff, personal stuff. I've told you all I can that won't upset them.''

``Oh, that's fucked.'' Otto said with a sigh. ``Maybe we can help you mob out?''

``Well, I won't say no to something to that can help them.''

``Hey! Maybe we can get something that they can punch. Like, like-a punching bag. That would be a great way to punch out the demons.'' Shaun patted Otto on the arm from his seat behind him, ``You got your old punching bag? You hardly use it anymore.''

``Ah true, Shaun. We can give you a punching bag, mate, and some gloves too. Don't want them to break their hands.''

``Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe we can play soccer someday too, just like we did with the twins.'' Shaun and Otto's enthusiasm were much appreciated by Nathan.

``That sounds like a deadly idea, mates. What a great idea.'' Nathan grinned at Otto and then at the rearview mirror looking at the other three. ``But first let's get your truck at the shop and then get that amp.'' The roos began to cheer as they patted each other excitedly. Once at the mechanics, Otto got out and got Nathan to reverse the truck in to the spare bay. Once it was out of their hands, the 5 took off as Otto directed Nathan to their cousin's house to pick up the amp. The drive was short and once they stopped, all four roos got out of the car to meet up and receive the amp; while Nathan flattened the boot seats down for the amp to fit in. Otto and the other roos carried the amp and shoved it in, carefully, into the boot and closed the boot door. Otto and Shaun waved goodbye as they all got back inside the car for Nathan to take them back home. The drive home was much quicker, due to not towing a vehicle anymore. Nathan pulled up in the Nakamarra's driveway and watched them all carry the amp up to the front door.

``Thanks so much, brother. I knew we could count on ya.'' Otto said as he shook Nathan's hand again. Shaun, Lionel and Tray all shook Nathan's hands too, after another. ``I'll get you that punching bag and gloves later!'' And with that said, Otto and the roos went inside their house. Nathan got his car back into his own driveway and then speed walked to the front door to check on Felix and Eliza as soon as possible.

``Hey! I'm so sorry about that, I'm back now.'' Nathan said out of breath, Eliza smiled silently back as she saw him return.

``What was all that about?'' Asked Felix.

``Our neighbours needed some help; I couldn't say no.''

``Why not?'' Nathan paused and smiled as he held back a laugh.

``One, they're out neighbours and secondly it would be rude to not help them out. They're good friends too. Besides, they're wonderful folks, and I love helping people out.''

``What did they need help with anyway?''

``They had a broken truck and needed help getting it to the mechanics, and also needed to retrieve an amp.''

``A what?''

``An amp. You know of guitars right?''

``Yeah?''

``Well the electric guitars need it, you connect them together so it makes the sound you want, rather than the bland twang, twang sound you'd get without it.''

``Ohh.'' Nathan sat down on the couch and leaned back sighing as he relaxed.

``So, what are you two watching?''

``Sesame Street, apparently.'' Felix paused and looked down, feeling uncomfortable. ``I like it. It's so... happy and carefree.''

``Nothing wrong with liking Sesame Street.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.

``It's for babies though, I shouldn't be watching this.''

``I don't know about that. Sesame Street may be targeted at very young children but that doesn't mean anyone else can't enjoy it. Hell, I've seen Elmo, the Cookie Monster on game shows and, well, other shows. They're an icon, something people can enjoy or find comfort in.'' Nathan's soft words made Felix relax, and strangely enough a pleasant shiver; it felt like Nathan took some weight off his shoulders, for a moment.

``Well. I do like Sesame Street, so long as no one laughs at me I'll be fine.'' Felix smiled slightly as he relaxed to continue watching the TV. Once Sesame Street was over, Nathan checked his watch and saw it was time to go.

``Alright, it's time to get going. Are you two ready?'' Nathan asked as he stood up.

``I guess so.'' Felix got off the couch with Eliza who followed him. They went out to the car while Nathan locked up the house, he came back and opened the car for them to get in. The drive to town to see their psychologist felt strangely long for the two kids. Nathan put the radio on, giving them something to listen to as they drove. They pulled into the parking lot as they arrived, Nathan found a park under some shade and turned off the engine.

``Alright, we're here.'' Nathan unbuckled his seatbelt and got out of the car, Felix and Eliza with some hesitation. The building had a wheelchair ramp and some stairs that ended at the entrance. Nathan took them in as they followed closely behind him holding hands; both were feeling tense. Once inside the air-con hit them like a gentle hug, but neither Felix or Eliza felt any more comforted.

``Can I help you?'' The receptionist asked, a small female deer sat with a sweet smile.

``Yes please, my kids are here to see Dr Wyld at 10am. Their names are Felix and Eliza.'' Nathan looked over his shoulder and stood aside so the receptionist could see them.

``Oh, hello there, you two are right on time. Take a seat, she will see you two shortly.'' The receptionist turned her attention to Nathan and handed him a form, ``Can you please fill this out?''

``Not a problem.'' Nathan grabbed the clipboard and pen then walked over to sit next to Eliza.

``At least they have air-con.'' Felix said with a nervous tone slipping out, he felt Eliza's grip tighten. ``What is that for?'' Felix asked trying to keep talking to prevent himself from freaking out.

``This is so you two will be in the registry, I'm signing your names and other info in it so it will be easier to make future appointments.'' Nathan turned his head and saw Felix's nerves on breaking point; it hurt Nathan to see him so scared, it felt cruel. ``You two are going to be alright. I promise.'' Eliza looked up at Nathan and nodded with a sniff, Felix exhaled deeply as he bounced his right leg nervously.

``Hello.'' A soft, warm and welcoming voice was heard. Felix was startled and looked in front of him to see a white rabbit standing before them. ``Oh, I'm so sorry that I startled you. Do you need a minute?'' She asked. To Felix her comforting and warm voice was exactly like Nathans, except coming from a woman.

``I'm fine, sorry.'' Felix apologized.

``There's no need.'' She smiled.

``Dr Wyld, thank you for squeezing them in.'' Nathan looked at her with beyond appreciative face.

``It's no problem. Come on now, follow me we'll go into a private room now.'' Eliza stood up with Felix's hesitation to comply; but stood up shakily as he gripped Eliza's hand tighter. ``Mr Skye, do you want to come in with us?''

``That's entirely up to Felix and Eliza. I don't have to be there if they don't want me to.''

``Please come.'' Felix begged as he looked at Nathan with frightened eyes; Nathan really didn't like how Felix looked and sounded. Nathan nodded with a concerned look and stood up.

``Excellent, this way please.'' Dr Wyld took charge and walked down the corridor with Nathan and the two troubled kids followed behind. Once turning a corner and entering a room, the atmosphere was drastically different. It had a small doll house, several plushies, some makeshift toy vehicles and more was neatly placed in the room; most were on a shelf of a wide but short bookshelf. There were butterflies painted on the walls and the general colour was a faded pink. Nathan sat on a seat while Felix and Eliza sat on a couch together as they faced the psychologist. Dr Wyld sat down and exhaled with a smile. ``So how is everyone?''

``Eliza and Felix are both pretty tense right now. Very nervous.'' Nathan explained as he looked over at them. Dr Wyld nodded and looked at them.

``I'm not that scary, am I? I swear I had a shower and brushed my fur.'' She said with a light hearted tone, Eliza began to smile.

``You're not.'' Felix replied as his right leg started to bounce nervously again. ``This is just scary; I don't want to be here.'' Dr Wyld smiled and exhaled softly.

``I can see that. But this room is a safe place, there's nothing to be afraid of.'' She turned and looked over at the toys. ``If you need something to occupy yourself to calm down, we have some nice toys over there. But I get the feeling you won't want to play with the other bears.'' She smiled back at Eliza, who nervously smiled back nodding her head.

``O-o-ookie...'' Eliza said softly. Comparatively, Eliza was feeling braver than Felix was; something Felix noticed and felt ashamed about.

``Would you like to tell me about yourselves?'' The Dr asked. Eliza looked at Felix and poked him, wanting him to be the first one. Felix's impatience and stress made him grumble at first, but then began to talk about himself. He was blunt, his fear now turning to agitation, as he began to tell details of who he was. Then began to tell details of his family, the homes he had been in and how awful each of them was. Then briefly mentioned he was touched and raped against his will, staring at her as if he was `Is that what you wanted to here?' with an aggressive body language to boot.

``That sounds absolutely dreadful, Felix.'' Dr Wyld replied softly, she clasped her hands together softly as the lowered herself in her chair. ``I can definitely see how upsetting and angry that makes you, and that is perfectly reasonable.'' She grabbed a tissue box and handed it to Felix, ``Take a few, darling.'' She spoke. Felix then only realized he was crying with his nose runny. He grabbed a few and wiped his tears away and blew his nose as he trying to comprise himself. ``What about you, deary?'' Dr Wyld asked Eliza. Eliza's slowly lifted Mary into talking position.

``-Bad homes, bad people. Bad, bad, bad elephant-.'' She looked up at Felix and then back to Dr Wyld, ``-He protects us-.'' Eliza shuddered and withdrew Mary to clutch closely. Dr Wyld nodded with a sympathetic smile and pulled out a bowl of confectionary from underneath the table.

``Thank you for coming in today, you two. Feel free to have some comfort candy.'' She slid the bowl towards them and then looked at Nathan. ``When did you adopt them?''

``Rita and I adopted them about a week and a bit ago. It's been a rough week for them.'' Nathan sighed.

``Well, I'm glad you brought them in today.'' Dr Wyld looked at the two kids who were taking candy from the bowl after another. ``I'm glad you two came here. It's a big, brave thing to come here to speak with me.''

``Because you're a big scary monster?'' Felix said half-mockingly, his tired and emotional tone was something Dr Wyld took into consideration. She laughed and shook her head.

``Oh gee, I bring up that I look scary and get that back huh?'' She laughed, causing Eliza to giggle with. For the next 30 minutes Dr Wyld explained to Felix and Eliza who she was and what can happen in their sessions. Explaining that they are able to yell, scream, cry about whatever is bothering them. The bad memories and their feelings behind them; literally anything that is or has been bothering them. This was something Felix already heard before, but this time he took it in. She expressed how proud she was of them, for being together, for coming in, for talking to her. She made them feel like she was eager to hear just about anything that they had to say, bad things or good things; the comfort candy bowl also certainly helped. Nathan did his best to remain quiet, only answering questions if directly asked to; like that he sees the anger management to go with anxiety and stress being a main factor of Felix. Felix looked at him as if he was being judged, but that dwindled away shortly after. Nathan also expressed that Eliza struggles to speak when stressed and anxious, that speaking through Mary is often how she can communicate. At the end of it all, Nathan admitted great fears and pain seeing the two kids suffer so; that he loves them dearly and would do anything for them. Felix and Eliza looked at Nathan as he expressed that, and felt sad and guilty at Nathan's remark; but felt very thankful to hear that. The rest of the session, Dr Wyld let both Eliza and Felix speak about whatever they wanted. After a slow start they began both eagerly talk about their new home, the video game they get to play, the food they get to eat. Dr Wyld eagerly listened and nodded with them, asking several questions about what they had before coming to live with their new family. Felix and Eliza slowly opened up to her, something both she and Nathan were hoping for. When the session came to a close, Dr Wyld asked them if they wanted to see her again. Both Felix and Eliza said yes but,

``Only if there's more comfort candy.'' She nodded back with a big smile, she directed them back to the foyer, wishing them a good day and hoping that she will see them again. Nathan booked another appointment for them and paid the fee for the session before taking them both back home. The mood in the car was considerably better on the way back, Eliza and Felix still feeling shaky but better than they were going in.

``Did you two like her? Are you two alright?'' Nathan asked as he drove,

``She seems nice, I'm still... jittery but I'm ok. I just want to lie down.'' Felix said with an exhausted sigh.

``I like her.'' Eliza added.

``I'm glad to hear it.'' After a pause as Nathan stopped at a red light, he looked out to a fish and chip shop. ``Would you two like something to eat? Some fish and chips?

``Yes please.'' Eliza said with a toothy smile.

``Yes please.'' Felix eventually replied, his tired smile was noticed by Nathan in the rearview mirror. Nathan stopped off at the fish and chip shop and got some crumbed fish, calamari rings and a decent portion of chicken salted chips; this was Nathan's favourite order when it came to fish and chips. It came wrapped up in paper and sticky tapes to hold it together; he handed it to Felix to hold. Nathan drove to the broken-down vehicles on the side of the road as he pointed out a table underneath the huge tree in the field behind them.

``I've always wanted to eat under that big old tree. Afterwards you two can play over at the broken cars too if you want.''

``Ookie.'' Eliza said as bounced on the seat excitedly, Felix looked over at the giant old tree and felt a sense of wonder. There was another big tree closer at home, but this one was enormous in comparison. Nathan pulled up and got out of the car with Felix and Eliza following. Eliza ran down the field to the huge tree and began to run around it, completely in awe of how big it was. Felix and Nathan walked together at a leisurely pace, upon getting to the table Felix put the paper wrapped food on the table. Nathan smiled and chuckled as he watched Eliza run around the tree.

``Come on now, let's get some tucker in ya.'' Nathan said as he sat down, he opened the paper and, with the paper covering the bottom, opened the food out across the table. He ripped some of the paper off in a reasonable square to act as a plate, he did it three times for them all.

``I've never thought about using paper as a plate before.'' Felix said as he looked at it.

``It saves washing up, I can tell you that.'' Nathan gave each of them a crumbed fish, a couple of calamari rings and let them choose how much chips they wanted. It was a pleasant lunch with a slight breeze blowing; it was cool underneath the tree's shade. Nathan smiled as he watched Felix and Eliza ate, that and the food was damn good. Once they were done, both Felix and Eliza went up to check out the broken-down vehicles again. Nathan watched from underneath the shade, leaving them to play together. Shortly after though, Nathan did come over to check on everything was going alright. Thankfully all was well; Nathan feared about the rust and sharp objects in regards to the kids.

``Oy Nathan.'' Felix called out, as he sat in the big truck's passenger seat. He looked down at Nathan, who's face looked oddly adorable due to how small Nathan looked.

``What's up, Felix?''

``I gotta say, I fucking love these trucks.'' Felix said with emphasis on the words fuck and truck.

``Yeah, yeah, yeah, very good Felix.'' Nathan shook his head amused. ``I'd appreciate you holding off your swears.'' Nathan crossed his arms.

``Yeah, yeah.'' Felix said as he brushed the topic off.

``Hey Dad?'' Eliza called out, as she leaned across Felix.

``Yes, Eliza?''

``Have you driven this?'' She referred to the vehicle type.

``I've never driven a big truck, no.'' Nathan chuckled to himself, ``It's not my type of vehicle.'' Nathan put a foot on the step to climb up while holding onto the rusted, opened truck door. ``I gotta say though, these broken cars and trucks are a great place explore; so long as no one gets any cuts. You can catch a really nasty infection that requires a jab at the doctors.''

``A jab?'' Eliza looked concerned.

``Yeah, they get a syringe and jab you in the arm to prevent really nasty symptoms. So long as you two don't get any cuts, you'll be right.'' Nathan smiled but it didn't put Eliza at ease.

``I won't get any cuts.'' She declared.

``That's a great start.'' Nathan chuckled. ``Anyway, would you two like to go home now? Are you still feeling exhausted, Felix?'' Felix looked at Nathan with a tired, hot smile and blinked.

``Honestly I do, I just didn't want to upset Eliza.'' Felix grabbed Eliza's hand and looked at her, she smiled back and grabbed Mary in her other hand. Nathan stepped down, letting them out of the truck before leading them back to the car to go home. ``Why do I get so tired just being outside anyway? Am I like a vampire, or something?''

``It's the heat, mate. It's why wearing a hat helps a bunch, but even then, it only makes it a little better. Doesn't work when you're sitting under in a rusted truck though.'' They sat in the car, buckled up as Nathan turned the car on to turn on the air-con as soon as he could. ``We'll just sit here for a bit for the cold to set in, eh?'' Nathan looked back at the kids with a smile; he knew they were ok with it. After a few minutes, Nathan reversed the car out and drove them home. The drive home felt like a flash to Felix as the next he knew he was already home, Nathan turned off the car and got out, which got Felix and Eliza to do the same. Once inside all three sighed together, for each of them was relieved to get back to rest. Felix and Eliza went to Felix's room to lie down; this time Eliza turned the fan on before committing to lying down.

``Thanks Eliza.'' Felix yawned, he put an arm over her.

``It's good.'' Eliza yawned.

``As much as I love our new home, I wish it wasn't always so fucking hot.'' Felix complained. Nathan walked down the corridor with 2 cold bottles of water for them both, Felix turned his head and smiled in appreciation. ``Oh, thanks Dad.''

``Not a problem, best to drink to help cool down better.'' Nathan handed them the bottles of cold water, to which they gulped it down in a split second. ``Also, I couldn't help but hear you were complaining about the heat. Rita and I were discussing last that that we probably should invest in actual air-conditioners.'' Felix stared wide eyed,

``Why haven't you guys got air-con before though?''

``Mate,'' Nathan smiled as he felt like chuckling, not because it was funny, as it wasn't, but because kids didn't understand how bills worked. ``Air-con can be quite expensive. As of late we need to save money, but if we get air-cons then we'll all benefit from it in the long run. It will take a bit for them to be installed.''

``Will I get one?''

``Yes Felix, you'll get one. We'll all get air-conditioners in our bedrooms, the living rooms too. We'll have to put away the pedestal fans though. Well, actually no we can't.''

``Why not?'' Eliza asked as she rested her head on her arm.

``Because, well. We all use them to fall asleep. Not just because of the sensation of wind, but it's more so the sound they make.''

``The sound? Do you guys need the sound or something?'' Felix asked, his expression looking drained from the heat.

``Yeah, we do; especially the twins. They're so accustomed to the sound of the fan that if they didn't hear anything, they'd be unable to sleep. It's like... our family lullaby in a way.'' Nathan chuckled.

``Well, I like the sound of the fan too. When I hear silence sometimes, I hear a really piercing high pitched sound; it's honestly really fucking annoying.''

``Ahhhh... yes that's the other reason. The twins have the same thing, so do I. And yeah, it really, really sucks.''

``I don't.'' Eliza said looked confused.

``Good.'' Both Nathan and Felix replied.

``For me it's a bit bad at times, just thinking of it triggers it.'' Nathan groaned and shook his head, ``Like now. It goes away after a while but otherwise it's there. Anyway, I should leave you two to rest for now. But before I go completely do either of you two want more cold water?''

``Yes please.'' Felix replied, Eliza shook her head momentarily before quickly changing to a nod.

``Are you sure, Eliza?''

``Yes.''

``Alright, give me those bottles and I'll be right back with two other ones.'' Nathan grabbed the bottles and walked away down the hallway. Shortly he came back with two more bottles, he smiled lovingly as he handed them over and left closing the door behind him.

The days that passed often felt like they went in circles, Felix and Eliza would end up resting during the day after a stressful incident. Thankfully this time it was on a more positive note, although Felix couldn't help but notice the pattern. He closed his weary eyes and exhaled as he drifted away asleep. The room got hotter than normal as Felix was woken up sweating, he sat up and wiped sweat away from his forehead. The breeze from the fan wasn't helping either as the air was uncomfortably warm. He looked at Eliza and saw sweat over her face as she laid there, he also could tell she was awake by the tone of her breathing; if she was asleep, she would be softly snoring.

``Eliza, it's too fucking hot. Let's get out of here.'' Felix said tiredly. Eliza opened her eyes and looked at him with a disappointed look.

``I hope dad and mum gets air-con.'' She mumbled.

``I agree.'' Felix exhaled and wiped more sweat off of himself. ``Fuck it's hot in here.'' Felix got off the bed with Eliza following as she slugged behind him. Walking down the hallway was already cooler than staying in Felix's room. ``Want to play Star Wars?''

``Yeah.'' They talked as they walked; they headed their way to the living room hoping it will be cooler in there. The room was much cooler than Felix's room as they sat down on the lounge, turning the fan and the xbox on so they can play comfortably. As the game finished loading there was a knock on the front door. They could hear Nathan greeting a couple of people, all with enthusiasm sounded like they were good mates with Nathan. Soon Nathan walked the guests down to the living room where Felix and Eliza were; it was the roos from before.

``Felix, Eliza, we got guests.''

``Hello!'' Said the two roos carrying something large together.

``I'm Otto,''

``I'm Shaun. We got yous something, your father said you needed something to punch. So, we got this punching bag here.'' Felix blinked as everything was happening so fast, being tired didn't help. Nathan directed the two to the backyard, showing them the spot that was most suitable to hang it up. As they were setting it up, Eliza nudged Felix and stood up; Felix reluctantly got up with her as they went to check out what the hell was going on. Felix and Eliza stood as they watched the two adult roos hang it up, they bantered to each other.

``You're holding it too up, Otto.''

``And you're making it hard to hang it. Stop fighting me and start helping.''

``I am helping!''

``Then help better ya mug.''

``Don't make me drop this on ya if you gonna egg me on.''

``You won't. Now, come on we're close!'' They yabbered at each other as they tried to work together, it put a smile of Eliza's face while Felix kept himself from showing any amusement. Soon the roos put up the bag and then started pushing it about and punching it.

``We done it, ah finally.'' The roos gave each other a side hug as they congratulated each other.

``Thanks so much, Shaun and Otto.'' Nathan said as he wiped his glasses clean.

``No problem, Nathan. We're happy to help.''

``Besides Otto wasn't using it anyway.''

``Yeah, not since going to gym and playing footy.'' Otto looked at Felix and then grabbed the boxing gloves. ``Oh yeah you're gonna have to put these on when you wanna beat this bag.'' Felix blinked silently until nodding back slowly.

``Alright.'' Felix said tiredly and detachedly. Otto then gave one glove to Felix before putting the other on to show Felix how to do it. Felix put the glove on and felt it tightening over his hand, it was a completely new feeling to Felix as this encumbersome glove was over his hand. Otto gave the other glove to Felix as he put his elbow on his brother's shoulder watching.

``Alright, now punch the bag.''

``What is this even for?'' Felix said, he was still feeling confused; he completely missed the point of this.

``Felix, whenever you get angry, whenever you have painful memories, you punch this bag. Beat it up.'' Nathan explained, he then looked at Eliza with an encouraging smile. ``You too, Eliza. When one of you is punching the bag, the other should hold it.'' Felix listened and looked down at the gloves once more.

``We can't punch it at the same time?'' Eliza asked with some pronunciation issues.

``Not unless you want to punch with your offhand.''

``Yeah, sorry Eliza, we only have one set of gloves.'' Shaun said as he stood with his brother. ``When it comes to your birthday or Christmas, we can get another pair for ya.''

``Oy that's a brilliant idea, Shaun.'' Otto then grabbed the bag and stared at Felix. ``Go on, smash it.'' Felix sighed and accepted the situation as he put his fists up. Bam! Thump! Felix punched the bag as Otto held it still. ``That's it. Now you hold it still, Eliza.'' Otto said as he let go of the bag, Eliza moved over and hugged the bag. ``Yeah nah, that's not how to do it. Hold it like this, and hold it firmly; Felix is going to punch it and we don't want you to fly off into la-la-land.'' Eliza gave Mary to Nathan to hold as she began to fix her posture. She stood grabbed bag firmly and had her legs and feet into position; just like Otto. Otto gave her the thumbs up and stepped back.

``Give it another couple punches yeah, Felix.'' Shaun said as he crossed his arms with a grin. Felix punched it hard and Eliza was pushed back a bit, but she got back into position and became determined. Nathan nodded at Felix as if to say `do it again', so he did but this time Eliza stood firm with determined eyes.

``Eyyyy you did it! What a strong girl you are.'' Otto said as Shaun clapped. ``Same to you, Felix. Good punching. You should come out and punch this bag whenever you're bored too, it certainly kept me busy.''

``Thanks.'' Felix said as he tried to rub an eye with the boxing glove, he felt perpetually tired and now he felt sick.

``You're tuckered out there, Felix.'' Shaun remarked.

``I was tired when you guys turned up.'' Felix then looked at Nathan. ``It's hot as hell in my room.''

``Ahh. That's why you two were in the living room. I'm sorry Felix, we'll get air-con as soon as we can.'' Nathan apologised to Felix, who tiredly smiled back.

``I sure as hell look forward to it.'' Felix took the gloves off and placed it on the ground nearby. ``I'm going to go back to the couch with the fan.''

``That sounds like a good idea, thanks for coming outside Felix.'' Nathan said as Felix went back inside. Eliza looked at Nathan with a stressful look that also looked like she was yearning for something; it didn't take Nathan long to figure what she wanted. He gave back Mary and Eliza embraced it as she quivered in happiness.

``Thanks Dad.'' Eliza said mumbling softly, Nathan heard it well enough and knelt down before her.

``Not a problem.'' Nathan's nurturing smile got Eliza to come in for a hug, rubbing her face into his chest. Otto and Shaun watched as Eliza hugged Nathan, Otto and Shaun waved goodbye to Eliza as she let go of Nathan to go join Felix; she smiled cautiously at them back.

``They're nice kids, Nathan.'' Shaun said. ``There's definitely some bad stuff lurking over them though, I can feel it.''

``Yeah, me too. Like a bad and evil spirit is looming over them.''

``Are you sure that's not because I told you two that they've been through a really rough time?'' Nathan said as he stood up once more.

``It's in their body language, the way they look, the way they react.'' Shaun said as he pulled out a cigarette and a lighter. ``Can I smoke, Nath?''

``Yeah of course, I would prefer if you would by the wall over there. I get Felix to smoke there when he needs to.''

``The young fella smokes?'' Shaun's face was shocked as he stuck the cigarette between his lips. Nathan nodded as he walked to the wall to sit upon, both Otto and Shaun sat next to each other alongside him. ``No doubt he got that from stealing, our ma never let us smoke, she whacked me good when she caught me one day.''

``Did you steal?''

``Nah, I got it from a mate. But ma was still pissed anyway.''

``I remember that, I think you got it from Kev didn't ya?'' Otto remarked as he too took out a cigarette and a lighter.

``Yeah, from your mate Kev.'' The roos smoked and waved their hands around to scare off any flies that were bothering them. ``How is kev anyway, Otto?''

``Yeah, he's fine yeah, working at one of the mines I think.'' Otto then looked at Nathan as he scratched himself. ``I hope the bag works out.''

``Me too, Otto. Thank you two again so much.''

``It's no problem at all. Afterall our truck is getting repaired and we're going to play some rock at the folk club tomorrow. More than happy to help.''

``How's your ma and pa?'' Nathan smiled pleasantly.

``Pa is coming down sick, we're gonna have to get him to the doctors next week. As for ma she's a fucking trooper.''

``More like a drill sergeant.'' The roos laughed. ``She still smacks us to wake up when we sleep in.''

``Well, I hope your pa is going to be alright. If I'm home and you guys got an earlier day for him to see the doc, just knock on my door.''

``Aw that's deadly Nathan, thank you.'' Shaun patted Nathan on the back.

``Thank you, brother.'' Otto smiled. Otto and Shaun smoked until their cigarettes died out, they shook Nathan's hands and gave him a quick hug before they made their way back home. Otto and Shaun waved goodbye at Eliza and Felix, who in return waved back as well. Nathan sat down with Eliza and Felix on the couch as they played, silently watching them play as he relaxed. Some time passed and Eliza looked at Nathan as if she had a question she was embarrassed to ask.

``What's birthdays like?'' Nathan was stumped as he heard her question.

``Birthdays are... a day of celebration. Where the birthday boy, or girl, are given presents by their parents, other relatives, siblings and friends. At the end of it there is a birthday cake, and the birthday boy or girl gets to blow out the candles.'' Nathan carefully and sweetly explained while his heart died inside.

``That sounds amazing.'' Eliza said showing great excitement and joy. ``I want my birthday.''

``I only ever saw birthdays be given by piece of shit siblings.'' Felix growled, clearly holding a grudge. ``I never got anything for my birthday.''

``Well, we are more than happy to celebrate your birthdays in this household. I just don't know when you were born.'' Nathan admitted as he exhaled long and softly.

``My birthday was like, the 14th of March, or May.'' Felix shrugged, ``I can't remember which.'' Eliza was completely silent as she tried to think of her birthday, but she was completely stumped.

``I don't know my birthday.'' Eliza said looking and sounding down, she kicked her feet as she sat.

``If I recall Felix it was March for you. But unfortunately, I have no idea of your birthday, Eliza.'' Nathan said as he rubbed Eliza's back softly trying to comfort her.

``What if Eliza's birthday is also my birthday?'' Felix said offhandedly, Eliza looked up at him and grinned widely.

``That sounds like a sweet and considerate idea, Felix. Are you happy with that, Eliza?''

``Yes!'' Eliza nodded happily and excitedly, she scooted closer to Felix and rested her head against him; Felix could really feel how appreciative Eliza was, it made him feel so good inside.

``That settles it. Next month on the 14th there will be two birthdays to celebrate. Which means two cakes too.'' Nathan folded his arms as he crossed a leg over the other as he laid back on the couch, his smile was beyond sincere and sweet.

``By the way, why were they so nice to us?'' Felix said with a suspicious look.

``Because I told them very vague, little detail about where you two come from. I told them you two came from a very bad place. They noticed you were a roo and asked about you, I told them it was a loaded question.''

``Loaded question?''

``A question that is complex, controversial or personal. I told them that you two came from America, aside from the really bad place you two came from. I didn't get any more specific or detailed than that.'' Nathan explained. ``They were very interested about you, because you were a roo.''

``Right, ok.'' Felix handed the controller to Eliza and crossed his arms.

``I hope the punching bag will help you out. I wish I had a punching bag when I was little.'' Nathan said as he began to remember his childhood, he blinked and snapped out of the uncomfortable nostalgia and checked his watch. ``Oh, it's about time I go and pick up the twins. I need you two to hold down the fort and don't let anyone enter in unless you know them.''

``Including our neighbours?''

``Yes, I want you two to be safe so stick together, alright?''

``Alright.'' Felix looked back at the TV, leaning into the chair tiredly.

``Ookie.'' Eliza replied. Felix and Eliza watched Nathan get up and head off, leaving them together alone. Nathan locked the house and drove off to the kindergarten, hoping to himself that the twins haven't had another incident. As he drove, Nathan couldn't help but feel so thankful for the neighbours. The Nakamarras support felt wonderful considering Felix was the same race as them, he thought to himself that someday they all can go to a dance ceremony for Felix to experience his culture. Hoping that Felix finding his roots will give him extra sense of wellbeing and strength. He parked the car and went inside the kindergarten, meeting the staff who were being quiet watching all the kids sleep.

``Hey, how's it going?'' Nathan asked softly.

``Hello Nathan. Today was a good day, your boys thankfully didn't get into a fight.'' One of them whispered back, Nathan put a hand on his chest and sighed relieved.

``I'm so glad, I never like hearing them causing or being involved in conflicts.'' Nathan looked into the room and saw the twins sleeping together with their thumbs in the other's mouth, he smiled in adoration as he folded his arms.

``Are you taking them now?'' The staff whispered.

``I really should. I do hate waking them up but I need to get them home before they do get into a fight later on.''

``It's no problem to let them sleep a bit longer, Nathan.'' One of the staff replied softly.

``Nah, I need to get them home so the other two is supervised.'' Nathan began to creep into the room to the twins, kneeling down and maintaining his silence. He rubbed both their shoulders softly, causing them to wake up blinking and dazed. ``Gidday you two.'' Nathan whispered, he bent down further and kissed them each on the forehead. ``It's time to go home.'' Elijah smiled as Tobias removed his thumb from Elijah's mouth, Tobias closed his eyes once more trying to fall back asleep. Nathan sighed as he picked Elijah up before trying to pick up the stubborn Tobias. One of the staff came over to help but Nathan held his hand out to her with `stop' on his lips; the twins never really cared for being touched by other people than family and close friends. With some difficulty Nathan did pick up Tobias and got him to hold onto him, the lady who came over helped Nathan stand up with both boys in each of his arms and resting on each of his shoulders. ``Sorry, Leanne. Best for me to pick them up.'' Nathan apologized to her, she nodded understandingly. Nathan carried the two boys, one sleeping and the other barely awake, to the foyer and farewelled the women who looked after the kids. Leanne, the Lama, followed Nathan out to assist with opening the car for Nathan to put the boys in. Nathan allowed her to grab the keys from his belt so she could open the car and then lift up the boot. Once the boys were in their seats and buckled up, Leanne gave Nathan's keys back and smiled.

``I sorry too, I really wanted to help. You and Rita have such trouble carrying these big growing boys.'' She smiled. Nathan chuckled shaking his head.

``I appreciate it, Leanne. But I do have to say, these boys won't be growing bigger any time soon. I'm an oddity to my race, Fennec foxes don't tend to grow as big as me. More than likely they'll be normal height.''

``Ohhh. I thought there was something odd about you being unusually tall for your kind. But anyway, I'm glad I could help. I'm so close to finishing my degree, so I'm putting extra effort for the sake of it.'' She smiled excitedly; Nathan returned the smile back.

``That's great news, I'm happy for you. Will you be getting permanency here?''

``I reckon so, or at least hope. Thank you, Nathan. I appreciate hearing your appraisal. I'll see your boys in 2 days' time.'' She waved at Nathan and went back inside, Nathan waved back and hopped into the car. He and Rita knew the staff well with how often they take the twins to kindergarten, and the times the twins get into or dragged into conflict. Leanne was a good sort, just trying to get paid while also doing a good job; Nathan and Rita could see that in her. Along the way home, Tobias woke up slightly as the bumps and turning of the car was felt. Tobias looked at Elijah, who looked back at him and patted his head and they began talking in their special language. After a while Nathan heard Tobias ask a question.

``Dad I want to hug Elijah but the seats make it hard to hug. Are there seats that make hugging easier?'' Nathan was stunned for a moment; the question was out of nowhere and he didn't know the answer.

``I can see why you are asking, Tobias. But, sorry I don't know. I will look up to see if there is.''

``Thanks Dad.'' The twins said in unison. Nathan prided himself that he may not know everything but he won't pretend that he does; he hoped that example would nurture the boys. As they got home and inside, the twins ran on their tippy toes down to where Felix and Eliza were; Nathan had no clue where they got that energy.

``Hi!'' Elijah called out waving with one hand while he held Tobias with his other hand, Eliza turned and waved back with a happy smile. Felix looked over but he couldn't muster a fake smile let alone a real one; he has been feeling gradually sicker since waking up before.

``Hello.'' Eliza said with a tooth smile. They all then heard Nathan exclaim in pleasant shock, the twins turned around caught completely offguard and went off to see what happened. As they ran off a moment passed before Eliza and Felix could hear Elijah screaming in joy; Danny and his mother had turned up in the driveway.

``Hello, Lauren! A pleasure to see you two over.'' Nathan called out as he went outside.

``Hello, Nathan! I hope you don't mind me bringing Danny over for the afternoon on short notice. There was some house cleaning and it still needs some time to air out.''

``Ahh I see, good thing you took him over here to wait with the twins.'' Nathan smiled pleasantly as Danny walked up next to his mum up to the front door.

``Danny!'' Elijah called out from inside the house looking through the window with Tobias.

``Gidday Danny, you best come in to keep Elijah from losing his voice.'' Nathan chuckled, Danny smiled and walked past quickly to see the twins.

``Thank you so much Nathan, I'm so sorry for the no warning.''

``Hey it's alright Lauren, Rita and I said come on over whenever and we meant it. It means a lot to the twins that they get to see Danny as well.'' Nathan reassured Lauren, Lauren sighed relieved and smiled sincerely back. ``Do you want to stay for a cuppa?''

``You know what, that would be lovely.'' With that said, Lauren and Nathan went inside to go to the kitchen and passed the twins hugging Danny between them. After Nathan and Lauren got a coffee they went to the front living room to chat and relax, leaving the twins and Danny to go back to Eliza and Felix

``Hello Felix.'' Danny said with a shy smile. Felix almost didn't notice it, but was baffled that Danny said hi to him in particular; he didn't say hi to Eliza until she said hi first.

``Hi Danny.'' Eliza said waving at him,

``Hi Eliza.''

``Hey.'' Felix finally replied, he put the controller on the couch and felt his stomach and head ache with queasiness.

``How are you two?'' Danny asked while directly looking at Felix.

``I'm good!''

``I'm feeling sick.'' Felix said as he rubbed his stomach, ``I'm going to lie down, I don't feel so good. I need to be alone.'' Felix said with a wobble and got up; Eliza watched Felix leave with concern but with Danny over she tried to not get too worried so she could hang out with them.

``Oh... I'm sorry.'' Danny said as Felix left.

``It's not your fault,''

``You did not do anything wrong.'' The twins said after another.

``Is Felix going to be ok?'' Danny asked Eliza.

``I think so.''

``Hey Danny?'' Elijah asked.

``Yeah?''

``Do you want to play dress up?'' Elijah was excited while Tobias smiled very slightly, Danny's eyes open wide in a pleasant surprise.

``Do I!?''

``Can I join?'' Eliza asked as she clutched Mary close, fearing of rejection and wanting to be included.

``Sure! We have a special dress you could wear.'' Elijah said bouncing up and down, Eliza's face smiled at first and then turned to an almost disgusted look.

``I don't want to wear dresses though.'' Eliza then pointed at Danny; whose clothes was relatively boyish. ``I want to wear something like that.''

``That's strange, I'm the same but backwards.'' Danny said shyly and partially blushing.

``I got a dress that I don't like, you can wear it if I can wear your clothes.''

``Sure.'' Danny smiled.

``We're going to get dressed, no peaking in our room until we're done.'' Tobias said, the twins took off to their room and closed the door behind them as Eliza took Danny to her room. Eliza opened her wardrobe and pulled out the dress she had.

``That's a nice dress.'' Danny said marvelling it while coughing from a distance.

``I don't like it. I don't like dresses.''

``Why do you have it?''

``Because mum bought it.'' Eliza frowned and looked down as she gave it to Danny. ``I didn't want to make her sad.''

``Ah I understand.'' Danny smiled, he took his shirt and pants off and stepped aside to put the dress on. Because Eliza was a small monkey, she was able to fit perfectly into Danny's pants and shirt. Once they were finished, they stared at each other with a sense of wonder. ``Wearing this dress feels nice, really nice.'' Danny said as he felt down the dress with his hands.

``I like your clothes.'' Eliza smiled as she looked down herself, she turned to the mirror on the wardrobe and stared at herself.

``You should ask your mum to get clothes like mine.'' Danny said as he stood next to her facing the mirror.

``I will! I hate dresses, I love clothes like these.'' Eliza began to giggle, she turned around and left the room to run down the hallway with Danny following behind with a fast walk. She knocked on the twin's door and heard Elijah call out,

``We're not ready yet!''

``When are you ready?'' Eliza asked, Danny finally caught up to her. The door opened after a brief moment with Elijah and Tobias wearing a matching red and white checked gingham dress.

``We're ready now.'' Tobias said as he held Elijah's hand. Danny's was stunned in amazement, he never thought the twins had a dress, let along matching ones. The way the top of their chest was barely visible was something that Danny wished he had as well.

``I didn't know you two had a dress.'' Danny coughed in amazement; Elijah smiled blissfully with wide eyes as Tobias's had a slight smile with relaxed narrow eyes.

``We glad you like it.'' Elijah said, he then turned to Eliza. ``You like?''

``It's alright, it looks good on you.'' Eliza replied politely, fearing that they would get upset if she didn't sweeten the compliment; only because she didn't like dresses. Elijah bobbed up and down without leaving the ground, enjoying the sensation of pressing his feet up.

``You look nice too.'' Elijah smiled at Eliza.

``Danny's clothes look better on you.'' Tobias added, catching Eliza off guard pleasantly. Eliza gave a wide toothy smile and hugged Tobias.

``Thank you!'' Eliza giggled in joy, then feeling how stiff Tobias was. Tobias withdrew when Eliza let go of him and he went behind and hugged Elijah. Elijah looked shocked as Eliza stood back feeling confused and increasingly upset. ``I'm sorry?'' A moment passed and Elijah smiled blissfully again and Tobias stood next to Elijah once more holding hands.

``We glad you are happy.'' Elijah said as he and Tobias locked eyes with each other, Tobias mouthing the words to Elijah as he spoke; it was like a puppet show to Danny.

``I'm sorry you didn't like that. I'm sorry.'' Eliza said as she felt herself backing down, Elijah and Tobias then gave a confused look back, tilting their heads to emphasise how clueless they were. Eliza saw how confused they were and felt even more confused, then felt Danny poke her side.

``We're gonna go back to Eliza's room, ok?'' Danny said. The twins nodded back, one more enthusiastic than the other, and closed their door. Danny looked at Eliza with strong empathy, he could feel how hurt and confused she was. When they got back into Eliza's room Danny began to explain. ``My mummy and daddy told me the twins don't like being hugged.'' Eliza looked at him even more confused.

``But they hug each other all the time though... they like hugging me and Felix, and mummy and daddy to.'' Eliza sat on her bed feeling overwhelmed in her confusion.

``I think they like hugging when they do it. But I've seen them be hugged and be fine after but... I don't know. I'm still learning things about them every time I see them, I thought they would have been fine but... I too was wrong.'' Danny crossed his legs as he stood before Eliza in a mix of sadness and empathy. ``I'm sorry they upset you, they didn't mean it. I think you got them off guard.'' Danny said as he tried to comfort Eliza. Eliza looked up as she hugged Mary close and smiled slightly, feeling like she was going to cry but the sadness was fleeing.

``I see, I can relate.'' Eliza smiled, quivering slightly. ``I still feel bad.''

``I know, but, don't feel bad. They aren't hurt or angry, or upset. Elijah smiled. I think everything is fine if Elijah smiles.''

``Ok.'' Eliza said smiling sadly at Danny. Danny sat next to her looking down at his feet before looking back.

``Would you like a hug?'' Danny asked sweetly as he coughed.

``Sure.'' Eliza smiled brighter as she hugged Danny, who also felt better hugging her back. ``Thank you, you're nice Danny.'' Eliza said as they stopped hugging.

``I like you and Felix a lot too.'' Danny said, his thoughts then trailed to Felix as he smiled back. ``I hope he's alright.''

``I think he's fine. We can check on him if you want.''

``I don't want to bother and anger him though.'' Danny looked down. Eliza frowned slightly and looked down, before feeling confidence rise that everything would turn out fine.

``It should be fine.'' Eliza said as she got off the bed, Danny looked at her feeling unsure. ``I'm sure, come on!'' Her smile now giving Danny a sense of certainty. Eliza left her room with Danny following behind, she knocked on Felix's door and heard a mumble. ``Felix, are you ok?'' Eliza asked, she heard more mumbles and then heard a reply.

``I'm not feeling so good. Could be worse.'' Eliza then opened the door seeing Felix sitting up on the bed with his head hung over. Felix looked up and for a moment Danny felt like Felix gave an ``Oh it's you'' look.

``Hey Felix, are you ok?'' Danny asked shyly. Felix didn't reply at first as he sickly looked back, he wiped sweat off his forehead and groaned as he laid down; not only was he sweating and burning up but he had a nasty headache too.

``I'm feeling sick, to be honest. You two should go, don't-'' Felix recoiled as he held back a vomit. ``I don't want you two to get sick.'' A moment passed and Felix finally took notice about what they are wearing. ``Are they... is that your dress, Eliza?'' Pointing at Danny, Eliza nodded back.

``Yep. I'm wearing his clothes.'' She smiled excitedly; Danny then saw the sick looking roo smile as he saw how happy Eliza was.

``You look good.'' Felix said as he moved his hand over his mouth, ``I mean it. Don't take my sick reaction to be anything related to you.'' Felix said trying to cover his ass, Eliza began to laughed before getting concerned.

``I'm going to get Dad.'' Eliza said, she then turned to Danny. ``Stay here.'' Eliza then ran off to get Nathan. Danny stood still, awkward and silent as he tried to not over stare at Felix; he couldn't get the image of Felix smiling sweetly at Eliza.

``I'm sorry you are sick.'' Danny eventually said, trying to talk to Felix.

``It's not your fault.'' Felix said, as he wiped his own forehead; the sweat getting annoying.

``I think you are hot-, I mean I think you are too hot!'' Danny said nervously. Felix didn't reply as he lazily stared back as he tried to not throw up. Danny then heard and felt footsteps behind him.

``Excellent observation Danny, thank you.'' Nathan said as he turned up, he rubbed Danny's back affectionately and quickly before going to Felix. He didn't need to check over Felix to know what to do. ``Alright Felix, forgive me but I'm going to pick you up and carry you to my room. It's much cooler in there for you to lie down, alright?'' Nathan said as articulated and firmly as possible, Felix slightly nodded back. Nathan carefully picked up Felix, putting Felix's arms around him and resting his head on his shoulder as Nathan supported the rest of him. As Nathan walked down the corridor Felix gurked and then vomited down Nathan's back and onto the floor.

``Sorry.'' Felix coughed.

``It's alright mate, come on let's get you somewhere cooler.'' Nathan said as he kept walking. Lauren was down the hallway when she witnessed that and walked to the kitchen.

``I'll clean the mess off the floor, Nathan!''

``Thank you, Lauren.'' Nathan replied. As Nathan and Felix disappeared, Eliza looked immensely worried and began to quiver. Danny touched Eliza's arm to try to comfort her, causing her to jump momentarily. She then hugged Danny firmly as he quivered, Danny hugging her back looking down the hallway with his mum coming with a small bucket of water and some paper towels. Nathan put Felix on Rita's side of the bed, because it was the closest, and turned all the fans on. The room was already a huge improvement for Felix as he laid on the bed, Nathan walked around the bed to the ensuite with a vomit trail on his back; Felix couldn't help but hate himself for doing that. Nathan grabbed a clean and empty icecream container and came back to Felix holding it out before him. ``If you need to chuck, throw up in this, alright?'' Nathan said, Felix nodded back feeling sick and gross. Felix grabbed the container and held it on his belly, Nathan went back into the ensuite and came back with a cold wet cloth. He wiped Felix's mouth clean of vomit, and then left the room swiftly. Felix laid on the bed sweating and huffing as his stomach ached for another release. Nathan returned with a cup of cold water a different clean cloth wrapped over his wrist and an icepack wrapped in a dish towel. ``Drink some, swish it in your mouth and then spit it into the container.'' Nathan instructed as he knelt down before Felix. Felix complied and took a drink before swishing and spitting it out into the bucket. ``There we go. That gets the yucky taste and stuff out of your mouth, now drink the rest Felix.'' Nathan gave the cup to Felix who gulped it down. Nathan then wiped the wet cloth over Felix's head before putting the icepack on his head. ``Keep that icepack on and keep lying down, alright?'' Nathan said soothingly, Felix nodded with a cough. Nathan sighed with a sorry look. ``We'll get the air-con in your room first, as soon as we can, alright?''

``What's wrong with me?'' Felix groaned.

``You got heatstroke, Felix. All you need to do is stay cool and relax. I'll get you more water, alright?'' Felix could really feel how loving Nathan was being right now.

``Alright.'' Felix replied, Nathan smiled comfortingly at Felix before getting up and leaving. The cold pack on his forehead already helping with the headache he was feeling. Soon Nathan came back with a big bottle of water, pouring Felix's cup and handing it back to Felix. Felix drunk the water and looked at Nathan as if he still needed more, so Nathan gave him more water.

``Are you feeling any better?'' Nathan asked softly.

``A bit.''

``That's good.'' Nathan then took his attention to himself as he left the room taking off his shirt. He stuck it in a bucket in the laundry, filled it with water and soap and washed it before draining the water and leaving it behind. He walked past Lauren and then gave an apologetic look. ``Sorry, Lauren.''

``It's alright,'' She smiled back, ``How is he doing?''

``He just needs time to stay cool and relax.'' Nathan then saw Eliza and Danny walk around him from behind.

``He is ok?'' Eliza asked looked concerned.

``He will be, he just needs to chill.'' Nathan then bent down and softly pressed the back of his three fingers against Eliza's forehead. ``Well, I'm glad you are doing fine, Eliza.''

``I am?''

``Felix got heatstroke, spent too long in the heat and unable to cool down. I'm surprised, happily surprised, that you are fine.'' Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately smiling. Eliza looked more concerned as she frowned at Nathan.

``Can I see him? Will I get sick?''

``If you really want to you can see him, and no you won't get sick. It just might not smell nice if he starts vomiting.'' Nathan paused and chuckled, ``I'm going to have a shower or get some nice perfume on me now that I mention it.'' The front door opened and there was a perplexed Rita.

``Nathan! What are you doing shirtless in the middle of the kitchen?'' She called out humorously as she entered. Eliza and Danny began to laugh at how Rita called out with Nathan chuckling along.

``Hey Rita, good to see you.'' Nathan smiled lovingly over to her, he stood up straight and walked over with Lauren peering from the kitchen.

``Hi Rita.'' Lauren waved; Rita waved back as she kissed Nathan on the cheek.

``So, what's going on here?'' Rita said as she softly smacked Nathan on the stomach with the back of her hand.  Nathan explained in a quick summary of what happened today, from the Nakamarras coming over to Felix getting heatstroke. When he finished Rita embraced Nathan before coming over to Eliza, who she also gave a hug. ``Sounds like a big day, yeah? Well, you best go see him, he'll get lonely.'' Rita said looking at Eliza, Eliza smiled and was about to leave when Rita blinked and coughed amazed. ``What are you wearing? Are those Danny's clothes?''

``You only noticed now?'' Eliza laughed out loud.

``Was this a game?''

``Danny and I wanted to wear each other's clothes.''

``Yeah. To be honest I like dresses, and she likes my clothes.'' Danny added shyly, Rita ahhhhh'd as she now understood.

``You like boy clothes? Why didn't you say so?''

``I didn't want to upset you.'' Eliza said as she clutched Mary close.

``I'm annoyed, but I'm not upset. It does mean I'll have to take you shopping again though. Next time Eliza you need to speak up. I won't know what you want if you don't say so. Alright?'' Rita smiled and Eliza slowly nodded smiling slightly. ``Good girl.'' Rita kissed Eliza on the forehead before standing up once more. Danny looked to his mum and she smiled shaking her head.

``You do look pretty, my boy.'' Lauren smiled, bending down and kissing Danny on the cheek.'' The twins turned the corner, oblivious to what has happened. They were wearing lipstick, each the colour of the other's hair.

``Hi Danny!'' Elijah called out excitedly, Danny turned around and saw the twins; they looked even better now. Danny walked over, who was then grabbed and hugged together by the twins.

``What's that smell?'' Tobias asked, his face scrunching up. Rita looked at Nathan and crossed her arms.

``You need to have a shower.'' Rita laughed at Nathan who sighed back, the twins and Danny went into the twin's room to play together to get away from the smell.

``Yes hun, I'm going to have a shower.'' Nathan walked to the bedroom to get clean clothes and have a shower. Nathan checked on Felix, who threw up a little more but all of it got into the bucket. Nathan got his clothes and went to have a shower. Eliza entered the room and waved slightly at Felix who looked exhausted, hot and sick lying down.

``Hi Felix.'' Eliza said as she softly walked in.

``Hey Eliza, I'm ok.'' Felix waved back; Eliza found it hard to believe him based on how awful he looked.

``Are you ok?''

``Yeah, I am. I just feel like crap.'' Felix blinked and groaned once more as he rested his head against the pillow more. Eliza saw how uncomfortable and miserable Felix looked as laid there, the smell wasn't that terrible and she really wanted to keep him company. She walked around the other side of the bed, laid down on her side facing Felix as she held Mary close. ``Thanks for being here.'' Felix mumbled as he rested his check against the bed as he faced her.

``It's ok. -The smell isn't that bad-.'' Eliza said as she swapped to Mary's voice too, she smiled concernedly as her tail wrapped around her own leg. Felix turned his head back to the container and he hurled some more, Eliza found the sound upsetting to hear but it didn't deter her to leave. Felix washed his mouth out with water, spitting it in the bucket before looking back at Eliza. ``I don't like seeing you like this.'' Eliza frowned, the ensuite door opened and Nathan stepped out sighing as he felt reinvigorated and clean; wearing new clothes and only slightly damp Nathan walked up to Eliza, who now faced him.

``I don't think any of us do, Eliza. But it's going to be alright, keep him company and call out if Felix's icepack is no longer cold. Can you do that for me?''

``Sure!''

``Thank you so much.'' Nathan rubbed Eliza's head affectionately. ``Now let's see how much is in the bucket...'' Nathan walked around and stared at the container, it had plenty of space left but he wanted to dump what was in there, give it a quick clean before giving it back. ``Ok Felix, do you feel like throwing up right now?''

``No, thankfully.'' Felix mumbled.

``That's good to hear. Now, I'm going to take that container off you for now; don't worry I'll give it back shortly. I am going to dump what's in there, give it a quick rinse and then I'll give it back, alright?''

``Yes please, I hate looking at it.'' Felix allowed Nathan to take the icecream container away to the ensuite, both Felix and Eliza could hear the disgusting sound of it landing in the basin and followed up with a flush. In no time at all Nathan had rinsed it and came back, handing it to Felix with a sympathetic smile.

``It's perfectly fine if you stay here for a while, don't stress yourself out by feeling bad by being on my bed, or throwing up on me before. What happened, happened and that's alright. I want you to relax and chill, alright?'' Nathan softly spoke as he leaned over Felix with a compassionate smile, Felix nodded back.

``Alright.'' Felix blinked at Nathan before exhaling deeply, coughing as he began to breathe in again. Nathan checked the icepack, to be sure it was still cool, before comfortingly stroking Felix's forehead; Felix felt himself relax more as he felt loved by the gesture, something he never expected to accept or remotely like. Nathan put the pack on Felix's head, feeling it was still quite cold. ``Dad?'' Felix asked as he stared at Nathan.

``Yes Felix?''

``Thank you, again.'' Felix then coughed as he felt apprehension suddenly come back. ``Please get the air-con asap.'' Nathan contained his laughter, the wind from his nose delicately brushing Felix in the process.

``Abso-fucking-lutely mate. I'm going to get calling right now.'' Nathan stood up straight and left the room with the door opened. Eliza giggled while Felix smiled sickly, they looked at each other with an amazed look; they did not expect Nathan to say something like that.

``I think he really means it.'' Felix coughed as he sickly laughed.

``Yeah.'' Eliza and Felix didn't say much for the rest of the afternoon, aside from Eliza calling out that the icepack is warm that is. Nathan spent the rest of the afternoon calling up and ordering 5 separate air-conditioners to be installed tomorrow; after chatting to Rita about the finance, who gave the all clear. Danny and his mother Lauren took off when it came to 6pm, the twins waved a sad goodbye; even with Nathan promising that they'll see Danny again soon. Nathan went into the bedroom to check on Felix who was on his 5th icepack, looking much better than he was before while feeling the part. To keep them entertained, Nathan had turned on the tv so they had something to watch as they laid together.

``How are you going, Felix?'' Asked Nathan as he checked over him.

``Much better, my headache is gone and I don't feel like throwing up.'' Felix smiled feeling relieved, hoping that he actually is better as he waited for Nathan to give his verdict.

``You definitely look better. Do you still need to lie down?''

``No, I really want to do something else.''

``Alright mate.'' Nathan took the icecream container off to be thoroughly cleaned, which had fresh in it. ``Keep the icepack for now.'' Nathan suggested as he left the room to take the container away, Felix and Eliza got off the bed and walked out of their parent's bedroom. They walked to the back living room to play the xbox, sitting on the couch and turning it on. ``Felix?'' Nathan called out.

``What?'' Felix called back.

``You should wash your mouth out and brush your teeth.''

``Why?''

``Because it is a healthy thing to do after being sick, for your teeth I mean. Plus, it will get all the bacteria out of your mouth.'' Nathan instructed from a few rooms away, Felix sighed.

``Fine.'' Felix complained as he got up to do what Nathan said. Felix completed his task and got back to the couch for Eliza to hand him the controller, he softly shook his head and he got comfortable. ``I'd prefer if you play.''

``Okie! Are you sure?''

``Yeah, I just want to chill here.'' Felix smiled tiredly and watched Eliza play. Nathan made dinner, comprising of tomato soup with cruskits (a light, puffed and toasted biscuit) to soak up the tomato soup or eat on its own. The twins loved getting half of the cruskits soaked and then feed the other that bit. It was something Felix could eat too, if not the blandest dinner he's had at his new home; but the cruskits soaked in tomato soup was surprisingly good. Nathan chose this dinner as it was light, hoping that Felix will be able to keep it down. Once dinner was finished, Eliza and Felix left to sit on the couch again, Felix again only wanting to watch. Eliza gladly played the game as Felix watched, they were nearing the end and the excitement was felt between both of them. Nathan came around with a cold drink for Felix, before going to his room. Rita laid in bed watching the TV as Nathan went to the toilet, looking up at the calendar on the wall. A sudden hit of remorse and grief took a hold of him as he saw an upcoming date, the day of his friend's suicide murder. Once Nathan was done in the ensuite he came and laid down in bed, he had a noticeable silence to him that Rita could tell.

``Nath? What's up?'' Rita asked as she stretched.

``March 24. We're about a month away.'' Nathan looked at Rita and mustered enough to control and seem normal. ``I'm. Well, I didn't realise it was so close again.''

``Aw Nathan.'' Rita replied, she moved over and kissed him on the cheek. ``You're strong, I'm sure when the day comes, you'll handle it.''

``Thanks Rita. I do worry about how it will go still, with Eliza and Felix now living with us.''

``You don't tell them the details, Nathan. You will just say `This is the day I lost a friend'. If they ask then you just say you'd rather not.''

``I know, I just. I will be able to do that, but I do know just being around them will impact me poorly because of what happened to Corey.''

``Then you stay a couple of nights away from home.''

``Are you going to be alright though? With the twins, Eliza and Felix alone?''

``Of course, Nathan.'' Rita grinned at Nathan, ``What do you take me for?''

``Not for granted that's for sure.''

``Nathan, it's going to be alright.'' As Rita reassured him Nathan reached a hand out to her, she grabbed and held it tight ad she smiled at him encouragingly. Nathan loved Rita so much, her easy going and confident attitude was much appreciated. He moved in closer and embraced her, feeling the loving, warm embrace of his strong wife. People who knew of Nathan and Rita often commented on how backwards their roles were in their marriage. Rita was strong, resolute. She repaired, she had the skill to fix the things without calling the repairs or service. The way she carried herself and the way she was, a friend called her the father of the house. While Nathan himself was the nurturing, caring, kids chasing one. Cleaning the house, doing the washing, doing the shopping and teaching the kids. He strived to be the caring and loving individual, the kind of person he wished he had as a child. The same friend who called Rita the father of the house also called Nathan the mother of the house. Both Rita and Nathan felt complimented by their friend, feeling proud that the way they are and how they want to be, has been recognized. In the end, their age difference made Nathan feel so protected and loved by Rita, like she was watching over him perpetually. Nathan couldn't describe how loved and secure he felt being married to an older woman, Rita couldn't express how much she loved having a younger man too. ``You're gonna be alright, Nathan.''

``I love you too.'' Nathan chuckled. Nathan got up to go help the twins wash and prepare for bed, also checking on Felix from a distance while he was at it. He helped wash the twins, then dry and dress them for bed. Elijah and Tobias would not stop talking about dressing up, wearing makeup and then playing with a tea set in their room with Danny. Nathan smiled as he listened to them, while it was monotonous to hear at times, he was still glad it made them happy. Worry did set in as he got thinking about how bad it might be for the twins in the future, when it stops being a cute kid thing and people start treating it like a political topic. He kissed Elijah and Tobias on the forehead once they were dried and dressed, Elijah's big smile being too endearing for Nathan to ignore and Tobias's slight smile gave Nathan hope that Tobias can emote more in the future. They pleaded to Nathan to read a bedtime story, so Nathan grabbed the one book they loved the most and read it to them twice; doing all the voices that the twins loved as well. Finally, Nathan had put them to bed as they began to sleep, having to go kiss them again on the forehead as per their request. Nathan left their room and walked into the kitchen for a cold glass of water to drink. Eliza was still playing the xbox with a zoned out but happy looking Felix watched. With his cup of cold water, Nathan walked over to sit with Eliza and Felix as they chilled on the couch.

``Hey Dad? Look at what we've got to.'' Eliza said excitedly, her words failing her slightly as she spoke quickly. Eliza bobbed a bit while sitting cross-legged on the couch, looking at Nathan and back at the screen as she directed him to what she wanted to show. She showed him the equipment that she had, the skills and feats they unlocked and what they did too. Nathan did his best to follow what she was showing him as he smiled listening to her.

``How close are you to the end?''

``We don't actually know, we thought we were at the end before but it's still going.'' Eliza giggled.

``I think we're close.'' Felix added.

``I hope so.''

``What? Why do you want it over?'' Felix asked Eliza.

``So, we can start again, silly. This time going down the light side.''

``Oh right.'' Felix then groaned in what sounded like dramatic agony. ``Oh fffffuck. I don't want to go through the beginning again. Why can't we just start being a jedi?'' Eliza laughed at Felix's displeasure as he also covered his face with his hands.

``It's not that bad.'' Eliza laughed.

``Then you play it, last time I did most of it.''

``Fine.''

``Good.'' As Felix and Eliza bickered Nathan huffed in amusement, smiling in adoration of the two. Eliza turned to Nathan and smiled back.

``Hug!'' Demanded Eliza, Nathan put his cup down, scooting over slightly and hugged Eliza, who pressed her face into him.

``I'm always open for a hug.'' Nathan said as he rubbed and patted her back. ``And I'm glad you two are having fun. How are you feeling, Felix?''

``I feel kinda shit still, but like. Not as bad like before.''

``Well, that's good at least, an improvement is better than getting worse.'' Eliza let go of Nathan as he sighed. ``I feel like I didn't take the heat into more consideration today, the weather said it was going to be extra hot today.''

``So, it's your fault?'' Felix asked.

``Well, I'd say it's mostly the weather who is to blame. But I didn't get you two to wear hats, I didn't plan on us going to get fish and chips at the car wrecks. At the same time, I'm sorry we didn't have air-con today. Tomorrow it will be installed so that's something to look forward to.'' Nathan said, trying to not overly blame himself. Felix nodded softly as he tiredly blinked.

``Well, it's my fucking fault for going to lie down again when just before it was making me sick.'' Felix grumbled to himself. ``Can't believe I was that fucking stupid.''

``Felix you are not stupid, you didn't know and you made a mistake. All we can do is learn from it.'' Nathan sternly replied.

``Yeah, yeah.'' Dismissed Felix.

``Don't be like that, Felix.''

``You're saying I'm not stupid when I haven't ever been to school?''

``That does remind me though. I need to sign you two up for school.'' Nathan said as he changed the subject slightly. Felix and Eliza looked startled and got silent.

``I'm scared of going to school.'' Eliza muttered, she put the controller down and hugged Mary close.

``School isn't so bad.'' Nathan smiled reassuringly. ``You won't be in a normal class; you'll be in the same one the twins are in. For kids with learning disabilities and delayed learning. You'll have the twins for company, as well as myself. Oh, and Danny.''

``You'll be there?'' Eliza asked.

``I'm the teacher's assistant.''

``What do you do?''

``Well, I help kids learn. I help the teacher teach too. They're up in front while I go around helping kids figure out the answers. When a kid puts their hand up for assistance, to ask a question, I come around to help.''

``Do the twins ask for help often?'' Felix asked.

``Sometimes they ask for help. To be honest though most of the time they can work well, so long as Elijah is being sensible and Tobias is focused. Half the time Elijah puts his hand up and I ask him what's up he just wants attention.''

``Ok.'' Felix looked down as he hugged himself into a ball. ``Why is Danny in the class? I thought he's just sick not a retard.''

``Felix, don't say that word. It's offensive, especially when used to describe someone.'' Nathan's smile of reassurance turned stern and cross.

``Ok, ok. I'm sorry.''

``There are kids who call the twins that, don't be someone who calls someone that.'' Felix then made eye contact with a sorry look.

``Fuck.'' Felix sighed. ``I'm sorry. I just, heard people say that word a lot.''

``So long as you know it's a bad word and not say it, we'll be fine, Felix. To answer your question about Danny, no he isn't a kid with learning difficulties. I recommended Danny to be in the class because it is less stressful for him, some days he can't come in because of his health but most of all it's a safer classroom for him to be in.''

``Ahh.'' Felix said as he wiped his forehead. ``Please don't tell him I called him that, that was a mistake and I didn't mean it.''

``That it was a mistake, and no I won't tell him. From what I can tell he's very fond of you Felix, and you too Eliza.''

``I can tell.'' Felix then exhaled softly as he began to groan. ``Does this mean we have to wear stupid uniforms?''

``Yes, you will have to wear the school uniform. Boys get a yellow shirt and green pants, girls get a yellow shirt and a green skirt.'' As Nathan finished Eliza frowned. ``Don't worry Eliza, there are pants for girls. Just most of the girls wear skirts.''

``I don't like skirts.'' Eliza complained.

``I can see that, Eliza. I understand.''

``How much time do we have anyway? Before we lose our freedom.'' Felix complained.

``Felix don't be like that. School isn't that bad; besides you get to learn. Isn't that something you want?''

``I do, but then I don't get to stay home all day.''

``Such as life, Felix. I understand where you are coming from but to be honest you won't be going to school every day. The twins go to school on Mondays, Wednesdays and occasionally Fridays. I don't want to leave you two without me being around at school on those days. So on Tuesdays and ThursdaysI will be teaching you two at home.'' Relief and happiness popped up on Felix and Eliza's face. ``But you two `will' have to bear with me, you will sit and learn. You will have break times, but when it's time for learning I will need your cooperation you two.''

``I promise.'' Eliza smiled.

``Some days I might have to take you all home early too, depending on how the twins are.''

``Why only about them though? What if we need to come home early?''

``Well, that depends on what happens at school now isn't it? In the case of the twins, some days they really are unable to learn, disruptive and uncooperative. It doesn't happen that often anymore, but there are days where the twins don't do anything. Not because they choose to, but because their unable to. It's part of their autism as far as I know, and I don't think they would mislead me.''

``So when would we go to school? Like I asked that just a minute ago.''

``Latest will be next week, earliest will be at the end of the week. We'll see, as I will have to put forward my recommendation that you two are to join the same class. So, don't stress about it for now, you two.'' Nathan exhaled as he smiled, he grabbed his water and drunk it as Eliza picked up the controller again and continued playing. Then out of nowhere cries were heard from the twin's room, Nathan was startled as he just finished drinking and put the cup on the coffee table before him. Elijah and Tobias ran out of their room and dived into Nathan on the couch, Elijah crying in a fit of panic and fear as Tobias shook with silent tears. ``Boys, boys, what's up?'' Nathan said trying to not panic, Elijah's crying got worse as he pressed his face into Nathan's abdomen.

``We had a bad dream.'' Tobias muttered as he climbed and hugging Nathan tight.

``We died!'' Elijah mumbled in distress into Nathan, both their tails were between their legs as their bodies shivered. Elijah's crying got more emotional by the second, Nathan moved in and kissed Elijah's head, who shook his head in added discomfort.

``No kisses? Alright, just back pats and stroking.'' Nathan said as he rubbed the boys' backs as they clung to him. ``Everything is alright, it was just a dream. You are safe, you are here with me, each other and your brother and sister. Your dream can't hurt you.'' Nathan spoke softly and comfortingly to the twins. Eliza and Felix couldn't stop watching, with empathy now impacting the sick Felix.

``I'm going to go to bed.'' Felix said as stood up with a wobble.

``Have a bath, or a shower and brush your teeth.'' Nathan instructed as he looked at Felix in the corner of his eyes. ``The water is probably cold now; all you need to do is add hot water and it should be alright.''

``Ok.'' Felix said as he walked off, Eliza swiftly saved the game and almost was too impatient to wait until it was finished. Eliza turned the xbox off, put the controller down. Eliza looked with sympathy at the twins, Elijah now quieting down to a murmur as he cried into Nathan.

``Are you alright, Eliza?'' Nathan asked with concern, Eliza nodded with some hesitation. ``Love you.'' Nathan added, Eliza smiled slightly back. ``Now go and be with Felix.'' Nathan rubbed his check against Tobias's head, Eliza left feeling emotional but stable enough. Eliza met with Felix in the bathroom as the water was warm enough, after stripping of their clothes they got into the bath together.

``Are you ok?'' Felix asked as he leaned back against the tub.

``I think so. Are you ok?'' Eliza said as she looked at Mary, who was sitting on the floor near the tub.

``I still feel blegh. But seeing the twins, hearing the twins just now. I feel like my mind has jumped back a year.'' Felix said sadly, his heart pounding. ``It was nice to see Dad comfort them though. I wish we had that.'' Felix said with tears forming.

``Their cries hurt me.'' Eliza said as she softly moved her arm over her.

``Honestly, same.'' Felix felt the warmth of the water and suddenly feeling a little too warm. ``Hey, I need to turn the cold water on. It's too hot.'' Said Felix, Eliza nodded back and let Felix turn the cold water on. Felix felt the differences of the cold water colliding with the warm with his hand, as the water got cooler Felix felt better. ``Thanks. I still feel abnormally hot.''

``What's it like?''

``I don't really fucking know? I do know it makes it hard for me to think right now though.'' The two got silent as they sat in the bath, Felix looked at Eliza with vulnerable and tired eyes. ``I really didn't like hearing them cry, that... that made me think of things.'' Eliza didn't reply, she looked back concernedly. ``...I don't think we should talk about it now.''

``Ok.'' Eliza said, a cheeky smile grew as she flicked some water at Felix.

``Sorry, I'm not in the mood.'' Eliza could hear Felix's heavy breathing as he closed his eyes.

``Okie.'' Eliza and Felix sat in the bath for a little longer, after washing themselves they hopped out together and dried next to each other. Felix exhaled as he held his hand out before him, he felt his belly and felt distinct warmth, he wiped his forehead with his towel and continued to dry himself. As they were dry, dressed and brushed their teeth, Felix and Eliza went to the kitchen for a drink; the twins and Nathan no longer in the living room. Eliza drunk some cold water from the fridge and went to the twin's room to eavesdrop.

``...everything is going to be fine. You are fine.''

``Don't leave.'' Elijah whined.

``I'll stay with you two until you fall asleep. I'll be sitting here watching over you.'' Nathan's comforting, warm voice made Eliza smile. A moment of clumsiness had Eliza bump her head against the door as she lost her balance, causing Elijah to shriek.

``What was that scary noise?'' Cried Elijah.

``It's the monster.'' Tobias added, his voice only trembling.

``No, no I don't think it was. I'll go check the door, that's where the sound came from.'' Nathan said hushing the boys. As Nathan got up Eliza felt panic, stepping back and felt like running away; but she stood still bracing and hoping she wasn't going to get in trouble. Nathan opened the door, saw Eliza and smiled warmly as he saw her. ``Hello Eliza.''

``H-h-hi, I-I-I'm s-sorry.'' Eliza stammered, she grabbed Mary and held it out in front of her like a shield.

``Eliza it's alright, you're not in trouble.'' Nathan said as he bent down before her, he had his arms out for a hug; a welcomed sign for Eliza to calm down. Eliza moved in and allowed Nathan to embrace her. ``Would you like to come in?''

``Yes please.'' Eliza said stiffly, Nathan let go of Eliza to stand up straight as he walked back into the twin's room. Nathan sat down on the chair next to their bed, the twins looking over from under the sheets. Eliza waved slowly at the twins as she slowly walked into the room. ``Sorwy for scaring you...'' Eliza apologized, Elijah looking still jittery back with Tobias looking noticeably calmer.

``We forgive you.'' Tobias replied, ``We're still scared from our bad dream.''

``I know.''

``And that's why I'm here. I'm going to be sitting guard over them as they sleep, gotta protect them from bad dreams.'' Nathan smiled tiredly as he crossed a leg over while crossing his arms, he looked at the twins and his eyes squinted in sweetness and adoration. Eliza smiled slightly and began to feel awkward, something Nathan quickly picked up upon. ``Want to hug your brothers goodnight?''

``Yeah.'' Eliza clutched Mary close as she walked over to Elijah, he looked at her and smiled, feeling comforted and slightly more confident. Eliza opened her arms and Elijah opened his, Elijah sat up and hugged his big sister with his shivering body. Eliza and let go of Elijah and moved around the bed and looked at Tobias, hesitation and apprehension taking over as she remembered hours before. She opened her arms feeling the same shiver that Elijah was feeling as she waiting for Tobias to hug her back, Tobias sat up and hugged Eliza; Eliza could feel and hear Tobias take a deep breath as he sniffed her. They let go of each other so Tobias could lie down next to his brother once more, Eliza faced the twins and Nathan as she waved goodnight at them. ``Goodnight.'' She said with her voice trembling.

``Goodnight Eliza.'' Nathan replied, his sweet and comforting tone making Eliza feel better. Eliza left the room, closing the door behind her and saw Felix sitting on his bed across the hallway; his door wide open for her to see him. Eliza rushed down the hall to Felix and once she got there, she felt like she could breathe easier.

``You went to check on the twins?''

``Yeah.''

``Alright.'' Felix turned the fan on and looked breathless as he stared at it as it blew on his face.

``...Do you want me to sleep in my bed tonight? So you don't get too hot again?'' Asked Eliza softly, hoping and fearing that Felix would say yes.

``I think it would be the smart option.'' Felix turned to Eliza with a look of need. ``But I think I need your company tonight; I think I'll be alright anyway. Night isn't as hot like the day.'' Eliza smiled back at Felix in relief as Felix smiled tiredly back. ``Now let's fucking sleep, I'm exhausted.'' Felix climbed in bed, Eliza turned off the light and laid next to Felix. They held hands as they laid together, Eliza could feel how hot Felix's hand was. No issues happened in the night as they slept, even the twins fell asleep properly with a weary Nathan creeping out of the room to go back to his bed. The next day the air-conditioners were installed, everyone was over the moon about them once they were set up. Nathan laid down ground rules about the air-con to the kids,

``You can turn it on if there is two or more of you in the room. Do not change the temperature as what is set is good enough. Close your windows and shut the blinds, that way it gets cooler faster. Don't forget to turn it off when you leave the living-room for the night.'' All four kids heard and understood the rules, following them so they can get to lying down under the air-con already. As the week neared a close and the twin's stayover at Danny's got the twins more excited, Nathan spent his lunchtime and afterschool talking to the principle and the head of the special needs class about Eliza and Felix joining. Nathan managed to convince them that Eliza and Felix is to be placed in the class as Nathan gave, limited but factual, information about the two kids as proof that they had to be in the same class and needed extra help. As Nathan drove home, he sighed in exhaustion and pure bliss as he successfully achieved doing Eliza and Felix good. He just hoped school life was something they could handle, and he was going to do his damn best to help them.

=====

Felix laid underneath a car as he worked on it with his co-workers, his work shirt was mucky and greasy, as well as his arms, but he didn't give a shit about that. Felix enjoyed his work at the mechanics, being around cars was something he developed since moving here. The car was just about ready for some oil changes, but that was Jake's job as Felix's job ended in 5 minutes. Felix came out from underneath the car standing up and tall, wrench in hand and accidentally wiping some of the grease on his jeans. Jake, an Emu, walked up and patted Felix on the back.

``Good work down there, providing you didn't fuck up.''

``I'm sure I didn't fuck it up.''

``Well, I hope you're right.'' Jake then coughed into a laughter, ``Otherwise we'll be labelled as those dodgy car mechanics, that'll fuck us all up. Anyway, btw bruh, how goes your course?''

``Final assignment and exam coming up next month, Jake. I reckon I'm going to pass it, no problem.''

``I hope so. I don't want that dickhead Gareth getting the full-time job.''

``Nah mate, he won't get it. The bludger hardly comes into work anyway.''

``Yeah, but he's the boss's nephew.''

``Yeah, yeah, yeah... relax Jake.'' Felix leaned back and pressed his long tail against the ground as he stretched his back, then in the corner of his eye he saw Eliza walk into the waiting room. Eliza wore his receptionist uniform with a cap being the only thing that wasn't a part of it.

``Hey Felix.'' Eliza called out waving at him.

``I gotta go now, I'll see you tomorrow Jake.''

``No prob bruh, take care.'' Felix walked past hi-fiving Jake as he headed to Eliza, who was far cleaner than him. Felix and Eliza left to the carpark so Felix could drive them home, Eliza sat in the passenger seat and took his hat off exhaling as he leaned back. Felix turned the engine on so the air-con could blast them in the face.

``So, how was your day?'' Eliza asked looking at Felix.

``Tiring, but it was good. How about yours?''

``Oh, it was alright, still getting grannies who get confused about my name.'' Eliza shook his head bemused.

``Of course, there's always more grannies that don't know.'' Felix began to reverse out of the park and shortly after he began to drive home.

``Janet was really nice to me though, she's like, the one who tries the best to get my pronoun right. We even went for a coffee on our break at the pie shop nearby.''

``The one with the really fucking good pies?''

``Of course! As if I'd go to fucking, what's it called... Bob's Bakery?''

``Just making sure, she could have taken you to that one instead.''

``Nah, she loves the good pie shop. Did you know they still call their thickshakes `milkshakes' still?''

``Ugh, stop. You're making me hungry.''

``Then go there and meet me at lunch time.'' Felix shook his head defiantly.

``Nah. Because I hang out with Jake and we always go and get a burger.''

``Okie. Then don't complain to me about making you hungry for delicious pies AND totally not thickshakes.'' Teased Eliza, Felix scoffed as he looked at him, going with the teasing at hand. Once they arrived home, they rushed inside with Felix going to show and get a fresh change of clothes, while Eliza sat down on the couch. Eliza kicked his shoes off and sighed as he stretched, the day was long as he was still feeling unsatisfied and out of place at his job. Nathan helped him get the job this year, something Eliza was very grateful for. But the problem that Eliza felt was because he isn't female, despite how life and god decided his fate; he was still transitioning as far as he was concerned. His co-workers were overall kind to him, but because he was new and transitioning, he felt like they were being patronising at times; except for Janet. Here he was working with a bunch of women where he wished he was some kind of sports coach teaching boys to play AFL, soccer or cricket. No matter how friendly and accommodating the other receptionists were Eliza just felt out of place. Despite that feeling he did however like his job, helping out the doctors and nurses while signing patients in; the aforementioned moments when a granny or grandpa confused or shocked that Eliza is male. Hanging out with Janet was the cherry on top of the cake too, a lovely zebra who was incredibly supportive, accepting and understanding of Eliza. Janet has a son and a daughter who are queer, one being trans as well. Even though Eliza feels out of place being a receptionist, he doesn't want to quit, not unless a better opportunity comes up or a staffer having issues with him. Eliza felt the urge to check his own chest, lifting up his shirt to see the faded scars from his top surgery years ago. It made him so happy that it was done and so soon as when he asked for it, he knew he could count of Nathan to push for it. Then again, Nathan was always eager to help him and Felix out whenever the opportunity came about; that was one of the best things about Nathan.

``Do you reckon the scars will completely disappear?'' Felix asked as he came back from a shower and in new, clean clothes.

``Nah, they'll always be some scars here. But, that's alright.'' Eliza smiled looking at Felix. ``Now sit down so I can get cuddles.'' Eliza playfully demanded. Felix sat down next to Eliza wearing slacks and a singlet, he put an arm around Eliza who cuddled into him sighing.

``When do you wanna go to the pub?'' Felix asked as he held Eliza close.

``At 7. Are we going to the Pier hotel?''

``Yeah, that way we get something to eat as well.''

``I want chippies.''

``Me too.'' Felix slouched a bit so he could rest his head on Eliza's. ``I don't like bringing this up, but because I'm curious and shit. But have you thought about a new name?''

``Honestly, I think I'll stick with Eliza. That'll confuse the grannies and Karens.''

``Really?'' Felix asked, sounding surprised.

``Yeah. I mean, IF I were to change my name it wouldn't be right. Cause I'd choose Elijah, and well, we can't have two Elijahs. And looking at a big ass list of names, none of them really spoke to me. Besides, I love my name.''

``A trans not changing their name? Is that uncommon or something?''

``I mean, it depends on the name and situation. But like I said, I love my name. Mum and Dad really solidified that to me.''

``Well, if you aren't going to change your name then that's awesome. I too like your name, but I also would have done my best to call you by your new name, if you got one. Also, Nathan probably did most of the work in regards to your name. He always had this pleasant and loving smile when he called us by our names.''

``Mum did too, but nowhere near as much as he.''

``Backward roles, ho!'' Felix cheered, causing Eliza to laugh. Felix sighed and got quiet as he began to think of Mum and Dad. ``I want to see them again, but I don't want to be the one to call them.''

``Why not?''

``Honestly, I'm not sure. Embarrassed, I guess. Like I would love if they called and came over, but I don't want to be the one asking them to.''

``Is this because of an age thing, or a thing that you don't want to seem dependent on them anymore?''

``Like I said, I don't know. I definitely love living away from them, although I do wish the twins someday get their own flat or home.''

``Well, that's why we're going to the pub, yeah?''

``Yeah.'' Every Saturday night, the twins would spend it intimately with each other; If Danny was there, he too would be involved. As the twins loved fairness and routine, every time it happens the roles are cycled. If Danny was there, one time he would be in the middle, the other time Elijah will be in the middle, and of course the next time will have Tobias in the middle. Because of how vocal Elijah is, Eliza and Felix opt to go to the pub so they don't hear `everything'. Felix hopes that someday Danny will get Elijah to tone it down, since he basically parents the twins these days. Felix and Eliza relaxed on the couch and saw the twins arrive home, walking back home from the bus. Once they came inside, Elijah embraced Tobias longingly, swaying each other in silence.

``Hey Elijah, hey Felix.'' Eliza smiled and waved with his left hand; the twins turned slightly as they held each other so that Elijah can face them. Elijah smiled tiredly as he rubbed Tobias's lower back, resting his head on Tobias's shoulder.

``Hellooo.''

``How was your day?''

``It was long. Mr Austin came and went in the wrong lane, talked to Tobias.''

``He's a moron, a horrible, horrible moron. How can he not know that Elijah's lane is the chatting one and mine is the quiet one?''

``Because he's a stubborn asshole.'' Felix retorted, causing Eliza and Elijah to laugh.

``From where I was, the lady behind him was cranky. I think she even told him to shut up and move on already.'' Elijah said as he let go of his significant brother.

``Anyway, it was awful. Kept asking about whether we do anything together and that sin will ruin our lives, that it isn't too late to repent and change our wicked ways.'' Tobias then sighed and walked over to Eliza and Felix to hug them. ``I don't understand the logic of his book. How are Elijah and I wicked?''

``Don't let him bring you down, yeah? He's a cunt. Recently he got into Eliza for transitioning and that pissed me off.''

``Yeah, I told him that he doesn't know me and that he shouldn't pretend that he knows best. Before I told him to fuck off that is.'' Eliza chuckled, he got up and hugged Tobias; Elijah came over and joined in.

``I wish we could speak to him like that.'' Tobias said flatly. ``Whenever he shows up, all the words in the world disappears and I just have to let him speak until he gets tired.''

``We can practice together, no problem.'' Eliza said with a pat on Tobias's side. ``Together, you two and me. If it doesn't work out at first then we'll have to keep trying yeah?''

``Ok.'' Tobias smiled slightly at Eliza before becoming expressionless once more. ``We're going to lie down now.''

``Okie.'' The twins held hands and waved goodbye with their other hands as they left. Eliza sat down once more and cuddled up to Felix once more.

``You know, Felix, you really do look hot when you're dirty from work. It's a good thing you washed and got changed, but it really is an awesome sight.''

``I'm glad you like it, not sure if I do really because I'm the one with grease stains. But I do see the appeal.'' Felix kissed Eliza on the forehead, causing Eliza look up, grab Felix's face and kissed him on the mouth. They were happy together, so happy. Bound by abuse and neglect in life; but now they are truly living, together.

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