How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

Let Her Cry

Allie waited all night for Max to call. When he didn't she breathed a sigh of relief. It meant that things were as they always were when they had a spat. When he hadn't called by the next morning she shrugged it off as to the fact he was most likely still angry with her. As the lunch hour approached she realized that the things she had said might have had a negative impact on their relationship and since he still hadn't called she just assumed he had gone on to Charleston with the Wolffes and the Snapes.

She cleaned the entire house that afternoon waiting for the phone to ring and not thinking about the damage she had done with her words. So it was with a sick feeling in her heart that she made dinner. As it got cold on the table she swallowed and took to sitting in the living room with the portable phone in her lap and her eyes on the door. It was well after dark when the headlights flashed across the darkened room and she braced herself.

His key in the lock had tears coming to the surface and when his large frame filled the open doorway she flung herself at him. "Master! Max, I am so sorry!" She clung to his waist and then slid down to her knees as she leaned forward over the large belly and prostrated herself at his feet. Pressing a kiss to his boots then laying her head on the large black shoes she sobbed over and over again. "I'm sorry, Sir. This girl is so very sorry."

Max looked down at his wife and wiped a large hand over his face tiredly, it had been a long day and he really just wanted to rest. He blew his breath out quietly and then stepped over the sobbing woman, making his way into the house. He knew he needed to get it across to her that what she'd done was reprehensible even if he simply wanted to gather her up and tell her that it was alright.

"Shut the door Allie and get off the floor," he said softly as he sorted through the mail and opened a few things. He didn't bother to look at the woman, but heard the click of the lock as the front door was closed.

Allie stood and walked over to her husband and bowed her head, hands going behind her back. "The door is closed and locked Sir." She swallowed and kept her eyes trained on her feet as he stood there. Swallowing hard she tried not to groan when the baby rolled across her stomach as it was pulled tight by the position. She waited silently for him to pass judgment.

Max wouldn't look at her, he couldn't. He was afraid that if he did, things would be said that would not be forgivable. "Did you eat?" he asked as he moved into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of milk, not bothering to ask the woman to get it for him. He wasn't ready to forgive and forget yet.

Allie followed him into the kitchen, trying to not cry when he wouldn't look at her. "Not yet, Master. Would you like this girl to warm something for you, Sir?" She bit her lip and ventured a look at his handsome face.

Max shook his leonine head and rinsed his glass as he finished his milk. "I've eaten. I'm going to the den to do some paperwork," he said, carefully going around her, taking care to heed her earlier wishes of not wanting to be touched. "You need to eat."

Nodding she sniffled and made her way to the table. "Yes, Sir." She said softly then stopped and turned to look at him. "Maxwell, I am truly sorry for the things I said and the way I acted on Sunday." She sat down at the table and swallowed willing the urge to eat to come back as she stared at his back.

Max stopped in the hallway, but didn't turn around. "You shamed me, you shamed yourself, you hurt people that have openly embraced you, and I won't even mention Harry. I truly have no words for the depth of my disappointment in your behaviour," he said quietly. There was no malice in his voice, just tired honesty.

Allie bowed her head again and began crying once more. "I know." She placed her hands over her face and smeared the tears away. She stood up and went to him wrapping her arms around him. "Help me, Sir. If it is really a hormonal thing please help me. Induce me and help me get back to normal." She pleaded with him softly.

Max let himself relax a little and turned to wrap an arm around her gently. "It's not up to me and I don't think you are far enough along, Al," he said quietly and used one big hand to wipe the tears from her face. "Come on, let's go feed you, okay?"

In the kitchen, he sat her down at the table and reheated some of what she had cooked, sitting down next to her and slowly feeding her one bite at a time. "I promise, no more babies, alright? I won't put you through this again," he said gently as he fed her a bite of potatoes.

Allie nodded and chewed the fingerling potato then looked up at him. "Is there something you can give me to control the outbursts?" She knew she wasn't off the hook just yet but he was speaking with her and he had touched her. She wasn't asking to be drugged but for help. She knew she needed it but didn't know if there was anything she could take.

Max didn't say anything, just buttered a bit of bread for her and fed it to her. "There are a few things that would be safe for you to take, I'll speak to Adam about it tomorrow and see if he'll prescribe something for you," he murmured. He couldn't ethically treat his wife, but he could and would talk to her physician since they worked in the same office. "Anything else I need to know Al?"

Allie blinked at him. "I don't think so, Sir." She looked down at the table as she finished chewing the bread up. "I'll do whatever it takes to get back in your graces again." She looked up at him again and reached out to touch his face. "I'm sorry for hurting you, Max."

Max caught her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You need to apologize to those 'sick' people and the Deatheater, Allison. One at a time and let them know you are truly sorry for what you did. Grant is... upset to say the least," he said and shook his head.

Allie nodded and gently pulled her hand from his and then slid out of the chair to her knees. She bent again and pressed a kiss his boots. "I am truly sorry for causing you embarrassment, Max. My words and actions caused you grief and I would take them back if I could."

Max nodded and gently lifted her up by her shoulders. "I forgive you, Allison," he murmured as he stroked her hair gently and started to press a kiss to her cheek before remembering how she didn't want to be touched. He pulled back and sat her in her chair. "Are you finished?"

"Thank You, Sir." Allie nodded and leaned forward again offering her mouth to him.

Max gently brushed his lips over hers and then pulled back to look into the little woman's eyes. "Is your back bothering you?" he asked softly as he moved the plate away and propped his arm up on the table.

Allie shook her head and reached out to twine her fingers with his. "No Sir." She looked at him and smiled. "Do you require something of this girl, Master?"

Max sucked in a breath and swallowed. It had been well over a month and his hand was sick of him by now. "Only if my beautiful girl feels up to something," he breathed softly as he brushed her hair back with his other hand. His body however was making its wants known.

Allie leaned into his hand and smiled gently at him. "This girl is here for your pleasure, Master." She slid out of the chair again, spreading her legs to accommodate the large belly and laid her head on his thigh. She ran her hand up his leg and then across his crotch, tracing the large cock beneath the denim of his jeans before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to the area she had just caressed.
Max groaned as he looked down at the beautifully pregnant woman on the floor at his feet, his cock gave a twitch in his jeans at the gentle touches. "Show your Master how much you love his cock," he said softly as he took her hand and placed it on the button of his fly. His other hand stroking her hair gently and soothing her cheek.

Allie closed her eyes and smiled as her fingers began to work the button on the tight denims. She nuzzled his hand and then leaned forward as she pulled the zip down and spread the flaps of his jeans. She breathed in the masculine scent of her husband and sighed then rubbed her face over the cloth-covered cock.

She pulled back and opened her eyes then pulled him from the confines of his boxers. "Master." She whispered and licked the head of his cock.

Max fisted his hands in her hair and looked down at her; at the way she was licking his cock so daintily. It had been entirely too long since they'd been intimate... too long since she'd wanted anything to do with him. His eyes narrowed in thought as he shifted in the chair and pulled away. "It's alright Al, I can take care of this," he said as he pulled her back up and sat her down again then tucked himself back into his jeans. "You don't need to say you are sorry in that manner."

Allie blinked her eyes at him and nodded. "As Sir wishes." She cut her eyes at him. "Is there something else I could do for you Sir?" She swallowed and thought about what he had said and didn't say and it only made his rejection of her go on the defensive. "It wasn't for an apology, Max. But I understand if you don't want me any longer."

"What am I supposed to think Allie? Every time I've gotten near you in the past month, you've threatened to self destruct and now you are on your knees," he sighed as he ran one hand through his hair. "Allie, I am never ever going to stop loving you, you are always going to be the most beautiful and special woman in the world to me, but I don't want you to feel you have to do something repugnant to be in my good graces." He didn't know if he was making sense or not, it was simply something that had been building up and when he'd seen her offer sex after the scene she'd caused, it just came out.

Allie stared at him then shook her head "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it." She stood. "I can't help how I feel, Max. Let's add fifty plus pounds to your body, let you retain water, have something kicking on your insides twenty-four hours a day and then have someone else want to paw all over you at the same time." She reached across him and picked up the plate. "You are never here anymore and I am left to my own devices during the day. They made me take maternity leave at the school and then woman they got to replace me just got out of school and the ink on her teaching certificate is not even dry." She stacked the plates with a clatter and began slamming the lids on the dishes.

Max gently grabbed her arms and pulled her down onto his lap. "Baby, I'm not spending any more hours at the office than I was before," he said softly and pressed a kiss to her temple. "I was considering this last week, but I'm going to go ahead and do it as soon as I can. I'm going to cut my caseload back until after the baby is born, this way I can be here for you and Sarah as you go through the end of this. You are a wonderful teacher and you know that the children miss you so much. When I see one of them at the office, they always ask me how you are."

He'd not meant to upset the woman; he just didn't want her to feel like she had to do something she didn't want to. "I love you so much Allison that it hurts."

Allie sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then let me have the baby early. I've only a little over a month left to go, Max. Please, we'll both be insane by that time." She looked down at him. "We know he's big enough and can survive." She rolled her eyes. "Sarah was nine pounds, honey and Mother Wolffe said this one was going to be even bigger. Please, please Max."

Max nodded. "We'll go together and talk to Adam about inducing at thirty six weeks, alright? I'm not making you any promises Allie, but I will try," he said softly and rubbed her back gently, wincing as he ran his fingers over the knotted muscles.

He kissed her neck softly and looked at her. "Would you like a back rub? Just a back rub, nothing else Al, I promise," he offered as he rubbed carefully on her sore back.

Allie nodded. "Thank you Sir." She slid off his lap and stood carrying the dishes to the kitchen. The sooner she got this kid off her bladder the better.

Max stood and stacked the rest of the dishes, carrying them into the kitchen behind her. "Go get comfortable Al, I've got this, alright?" he said, setting the dishes down and picking up the first to scrape into the disposal. "Harry sent something for you, if you want it." He remembered the small covered plate that held several of Harry scones that was resting on the front seat of the truck. He shook his head at the memory of Harry carefully wrapping them in a cloth serviette for her, thinking that she had liked them. He'd tell Harry something if he asked.

Allie paled and then nodded. "It's not any of the meat is it? I think I could handle some of the veggies but not the meat." She packed away the leftovers in Rubbermaid containers and slid them into the fridge. She turned to face her husband and watched him load the dishwasher. "Are you coming home for lunch tomorrow or going out with Sev again?"

Max shook his head. "No babe, he sent some of those biscuit things, scones he called them. He thought you liked them," he chuckled as he loaded the dishwasher. "I'll be home for lunch, why? Would you like to have lunch somewhere?" He shut the appliance's door, turning it on.

"I'll tell Harry you loved them and do something with them, alright?" he said when she didn't say anything.

Allie sighed, "The biscuit things were good. Don't lie for me, Max. I'll eat them for breakfast." She held out her hand to him and turned off the kitchen light. "I was just wondering about what to make for you or if you would want the roast and leftovers I made tonight."

"I'll warm a plate up Al, no need to go to extra trouble right now," he said as he took her hand. "Are you tired?" They made their way down the hall to the bedroom. "I need to look around on Ebay for a little while if you wanted to go to sleep, I won't disturb you. I'll rub your back first though if you like."

Allie sighed. "Do what you like sir. I'll just go to bed." She dropped his hand and went into the bedroom closing the door softly behind her. If he really didn't want to spend any time with her then that was fine by her as well. She stripped off her clothes and pulled on one of her maternity gowns. She slipped between the sheets and turned on her left side, shoving a pillow under her knees and in front of her stomach.

Max stared at the door and then opened it, watching, as his wife got ready for bed. He sat down on the bed and edged up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder gently. "Take your gown off," he whispered as he dimmed the light in the bedroom, knowing she hated to be looked at. "You can cover with a sheet if you like, but I'm going to massage your back and legs and it'll be easier without the gown." He leaned over her and picked up her bottle of lotion that Severus had brewed just for her. It was scented with lilac and an undertone of vanilla, designed to keep her skin soft and supple.

Allie sighed and rolled over to look at him. "Max you don't have to if you don't want to do this. I know I am a being a bitch. And you already said you wanted to look on Ebay for something so it's fine."

"Shut up woman," he growled playfully and swatted her lightly on her gently rounded bottom. "I just have to look for china, I can do that later. Now strip." He put one hand under her shoulders and gently lifted her to a seated position.

Allie rolled her eyes but did as he demanded. She folded up the gown and set it on the night stand then started to roll on her side as the baby moved. One hand pressed out hard against her stomach and the little hand was outlined in her skin. She groaned loudly. "Shit! Why does he have to do that?"

Wincing in sympathy, Max rested one hand over where the little hand had been. "Be still little one, let your mommy rest, she's tired," he murmured before moving back behind his wife and starting the massage at her neck and slowly working his way down. He stayed silent, just wanting to relax her and help her feel better; he could go take care of himself later on. Gentle hands worked at the tension tied knots in her back, coaxing them into easing and soothing.

Allie moaned softly as Max's large hands played over her skin. She arched her back into the warm soothing motions then reached back and ran her hand down his leg, squeezing his knee gently. She turned her head and offered him her mouth. "Feels good, Sir." she whispered softly.

Max gently claimed her mouth and put one large hand over hers, moving them both to encircle her swollen belly. He would let her lead the way tonight, let her show him what she was in the mood for. "Yeah?" he whispered huskily, his jeans becoming too tight as he lay down behind her and kissed the back of her neck, nibbling along her hairline.

"Yeah," she answered softly and moved his hand over her stomach then down between her legs. She bent her head forward some and pressed her bottom into his crotch, lifting and laying one leg over his opening herself to him. "Please, Sir. Take your jeans off." Moaning a bit louder she moved her hand out from under his, reached back and rubbed up and down his thigh.

With a hiss of heated breath, Max rolled away from the witch for a moment and quickly striped out of his clothes before rolling back and fitting himself around her, his hand going back to stroke his fingers lightly over her sex. Her moans spurred him on as he deftly slid a finger between her gentle folds and stroked over the sensitive flesh. "So wet," he murmured softly as he touched her carefully, remembering that she got oversensitive late in her pregnancy.

Allie arched her back into him feeling his large firm body against hers and his gently fingers on her. She cried out as the orgasm hit her and her whole body shuddered against him. It didn't take much this late and she rolled over then looked up at him before sliding down his body and taking him in hand. She lay down carefully and slid her mouth over his cock, lightly nibbling on the head then sliding the rest of the way down the length. She hummed and began to bob on the firm velvety flesh while gently kneading his balls.

A throaty moan escaped him and he gently ran his hand over her hair, not pulling and not forcing her head down. His cock twitched twice and he felt his balls tighten. "Allie... baby, I'm going to come soon," he whispered as he lifted her mouth from him. He knew the taste made her gag and he never forced her to swallow. With her hands on his balls and one of his hands wrapped around his shaft, Max pumped his hand twice more and spilled over his fingers with a grunt and a sigh.

Allie watched him orgasm and shook her head slightly. She got off the bed and waddled to the bathroom and returning with a cloth to clean him. She leaned over him and wiped up the semen and pressed her lips to his as her stomach rolled again and the baby kicked out once again.

Max saw her wince and grimaced. "I'll make sure Adam understands you need to deliver at thirty six weeks. You know that he won't do it any earlier baby, I'm so sorry. I promise, no more children, I'll get myself fixed, okay?" he asked as he helped her put her nightgown on, feeling horribly guilty for her discomfort and mood swings.

Allie settled on the bed beside him. "Thank you, Max." She met his eyes. "You would do that? For me?" she asked softly.

He was so good sometimes and others it just completely annoyed her the things he would do. Jennifer was always telling her she didn't know how good she had it with Max. Allie always snorted and told her that sometimes things weren’t always what they seemed when looking in from the outside.

Max nodded and carefully drew the sheet over her. "Yeah Al, I'll do that for you," he said quietly as he rolled out of the bed and pulled a pair of boxers out of the dresser to wear. "Do you want the window open tonight?" He moved over to the big window that overlooked their backyard and looked out into the night, sighing silently to himself.

Allie nodded. "Please Sir." She watched him as he dressed and then opened the window letting the near frozen night air in. It was November and the weathermen had been calling for some snow but Allie needed the cool air. She got so hot at night and Max always made certain she was comfortable. "I missed you while you were gone." she said softly as she laid back on the pillows and once again rearranged them around her to be comfortable.

Max nodded and bent over her to brush a kiss over her cheek, he could feel the difference in her and didn't want to push any buttons to get her going again. "Everything went well, you won't need to go to the next one, alright?" he said softly as he stood back up and stretched his kinked back. Merlin, the long trip in the truck had really taken it out of him.

Allie reached up a hand to rub his leg as he stretched. "I'm glad your friends get to stay. Would you like me to rub your back this time?" She smiled at him and patted the bed then covered her mouth as she yawned. "Sorry."

Max sat down on the edge of the bed for a moment and looked past her. "Sev and Harry aren't that bad Allie, I know you are afraid I'm going to be like I was before and run wild with Sev, but I'm not. We've both grown up a lot," he said and took her hand in his. "That's alright baby, I can see how tired you are, besides, I'm determined to find this." He smiled down at her and caressed her cheek softly. "Sleep well my beautiful angel."

Allie sighed and turn her face to kiss his palm. "We'll see, Max. Don't stay up too late, Sir."

Max stood and walked out of their bedroom, turning the light out and shutting the door in the process. He made his way to the den and turned their computer on, after it booted up, he typed in the web address for the auction site and began looking at china patterns. He was determined to replace Grant's set.

Amazed at the sheer number of listings, he ran a hand through his hair and picked up the phone. Glancing at the clock, he decided it was still early enough and dialled the Wolffe house, hoping Damon would pick up.

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Damon had just put his little husband to bed and was sitting at the table drinking a glass of milk and eating a few of Harry's scones that had been warmed and spread with butter and Grant's peach jam when the phone rang. He grabbed the long corded kitchen phone and sat back down. "Yeah?" He mumbled through the bit of flaky bread.

"Hey Damon," Max said as he scrolled the mouse through page after page of listings. "Everything alright over there?" He wasn't sure how to bring the subject up and he really hoped Damon would have the information he needed.

"Evening Max. I just put Grant to bed. Trip wore him out." Damon leaned back in the chair and sighed. "What can I do you for?"

"I... well I probably should have asked Grant, but I thought you might know," he began and then just blurted the rest out. "What type of china is it that Grant keeps in the dining room? I'm looking for it online." He licked his lips and rested his forehead on his empty palm.

Damon sat up and sighed. "Max..." He rubbed his face. "I know it, I had to replace a piece a few years ago. It's Lenox Vintage Jewel Platinum-Banded Bone China. You'll have to Google it. I think I found it on Amazon the last time but..." He sighed again. "Son, that china is going to be expensive."

Max quickly typed the words into his computer and waited for the results. "I'm not worried about the cost Damon. I promised him that I would replace the entire set and I may not be much, but I am a man of my word," he said as he began to get the results. His eyes widened as he saw the price. He would be speaking to Allison about the cost of her tantrums. "How many place settings? I can assume he had the serving set as well?" Max walked out of the den with the portable phone to get his wallet from the hall table where he'd laid it when he came home.

Damon closed his eyes. "I know you are, son and I'll not hear another word about how worthless you supposedly are." He said softly. "It's twelve place settings and the serving set." He leaned back in his chair and took a long swallow of milk. "How is she? Are you alright? You do know that you are welcome to stay here don't you? You and Sarah both, we would love to have you."

Max nodded in the glow of the computer screen, not realizing he'd done so. "Thank you Damon, I'll have it shipped overnight for him," he said softly as he placed the order and entered the information for payment. "Allie's asleep. She's sorry for what happened. I'm going to see if I can get them to induce her early, we can't keep doing this."

Max leaned back in his chair and pondered Damon's offer for a moment, it was tempting. "Thanks for the offer. I may send Sarah over for a few days after Mom brings her back, but my place is here with her whether she wants to scratch my eyes out or talk to me. I've decided that there won't be any more children after this. I'm going to schedule a vasectomy for myself for the end of the week," he said softly and blew his breath out.

Damon sighed and frowned. "Alright, Max. I'll tell Grant to expect the little sometime next week." He thought about what the younger man had said. "You are still young, Max are you certain you want to do that? I seem to remember someone telling me that a few years ago."

"I can't do this to her again Damon, it just wouldn't be right," he said with a sigh, he'd always wanted a huge family. It had been one of the reasons he'd gone into medicine, he wanted a way to support a houseful of children. "And you know as well as I do that the charms aren't always effective, the pill doesn't work for her, and I hate condoms, so it really leaves me little choice."

"Alright but why don't you wait until after the baby is born. You don't need two of you growling at each other. I felt like hell after mine and she is in no shape to take care of you like she should be doing." Damon finished off his milk and grimaced. He hated not being able to solve his boy's problems for them and he really despised the fact that Allie had done this to the other man. Max was a softie and didn't deserve to be treated like that. That girl had been nothing but problems since the day she collapsed in his bar.

The Healer had won a place in his and Grant's heart a long time ago and they only wanted the man to be happy. He had a big heart and was more than willing to give the shirt off his back to anybody that needed it. "Just think on it son before you go and do something that drastic."

Max heard the hitch in Damon's voice and cocked his head. "Damon, is your stomach giving you trouble again?" he asked concerned. "I'm sorry all this happened, I know it hasn't been easy having her around when she's like this." He wondered what he had in his bag for the older man's stomach; he'd run it over to him in a heartbeat if Damon was in pain.

Damon sighed. "No I am alright, Max. I just don't want you to have to give up on something that you wanted." He grunted and shook his head. "She's a pain in the ass alright but you love her and that's what counts. She'll straighten out just like last time and we'll support you in whatever your decision is. You know that we are proud of you right?" He didn't know how the other man would take that but unofficially or not Max and Sev were both his sons.

"Thanks Damon, that means a lot to me. With Mom and Dad on the other side of the country, it gets kind of lonely sometimes. It's nice to know I've got 'parents' here too," he chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "I'll let you get to bed, I'm going to hit the sack too. Early patients in the morning. I bet Grant is loving getting to sleep late." He laughed as he thought of the energetic little man.

Damon chuckled. "Hell no, he gets me up at the crack of dawn now with him to go walking. He's going to drive me insane in a couple of months." He sighed. “You take care Max and get you some rest. That baby will be here soon enough keeping you up at all hours. Will I see you tomorrow at the bar for lunch? Sev and Harry will be there."

"No, not tomorrow, I told Allie I'd come home for lunch Damon. I'm getting ready to start cutting my hours back at the office as well, so I don't know how much of me you all are going to be seeing," he replied, switching off the computer and turning out the lamp across the room. "Please tell them hello for me and sit on Grant to make him relax. Night Damon." He hung the telephone up and quietly made his way to the bedroom where he looked in on his wife sleeping peacefully sprawled out over their bed. There would be no moving her easily, so he grabbed his pillow and a quilt from the wooden quilt rack by the window and settled in the wooden rocking chair by the bed, closing his eyes and waiting for sleep to claim him.

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Damon unlocked Cutty's and went into the darkened bar around nine the next morning. He flipped on the lights but left the closed sign up as he prepared the bar for the lunch crowd. He wandered over to the jukebox, bypassed the coin box then programmed in some songs to play while he ventured into the kitchens turning on the fryers and the ovens.

He came back out and began screwing the taps back on to the kegs as Seger filled the bar. He hummed and danced around singing lyrics here and there as he checked the soda syrups and then went back into the kitchen to pull the fries and chicken strips from the freezer for today's lunch special.

His feet shuffled across the sawdust flooring as he made his way across the bar to check on the supplies in the restrooms then he began setting out the napkins and salt and pepper shakers on the tables.

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Allie woke late the next morning, her back not as tight as it had been the past week, as she rolled out of bed she looked around. Spotting the quilt and pillow in the rocking chair, she shook her head and sighed. Something else for her to feel guilty about. Knowing what she had to do today and dreading it, she took her time in choosing her clothing, settling on a sombre grey robe that fell to below her knees.

After a quick breakfast of one of Harry's scone things and some fruit, she got her keys and wedged herself behind the wheel of her little car. It was time to go and throw herself of the mercies of the patriarch of Max's 'family' there in Echo.

She rehearsed what she would say on the short drive over to Cutty's where she parked and pushed the front door open, finding Damon setting up for lunch. Closing the door behind her, she waited until he noticed her before she spoke.

Damon heard the door open and he looked up to find Allie coming in the bar. "I don't have time for you right now." Scowling he set the last shaker down hard on the table top and walked back into the kitchen.

With her eyes lowered and her hands clasped behind her, Allie walked slowly to the kitchen and opened the swinging door. "Sir... this girl would beg to be allowed to apologize for her behaviour," she said quietly and clearly, watching him from lowered eyes, not exactly certain what to expect.

Damon grunted and continued moving around the kitchen. He grabbed a handful of red and blue plastic baskets and began to line them with waxed printed-paper setting them inside each other once the sheet was between them. When he had a large stack of them he moved around her and back out into the bar, turning up the jukebox as he passed it and got a bale of napkins from the storeroom.

Swallowing hard and fighting back tears, Allie sank down slowly to her knees on the hard tiles, spreading her knees enough to accommodate her belly and leaned forward, her arms outstretched above her and fingertips touching the floor. She wondered how long she would have to remain like this before he allowed her to speak or if he would simply ignore her, as was his right.

Damon came back into the kitchen and stopped when he nearly stepped on the prone woman in the floor. He sneered at her and stepped over her hanging onto the prep table so he didn't fall on her. "You are in the way." He almost jerked her out of the floor because she was pregnant but then remembered the horrified look on Harry's and Grant's face as well as Sev's at the things she had said and done. He checked the temperature gauges on the fryers and the ovens then turned around heading back into the bar. Shaking his head he continued on his way, jerking up the box of flatware to take out to a table to roll.

Biting her lip and clenching her eyes closed, the young woman got back to her hands and knees and followed Damon out to the dining area. "Please Sir, may this girl apologize," she murmured once more as she resumed her prostration at the man's feet. She wondered in the back of her mind how Grant put up with the man's self righteous attitude.

Damon ignored her as he grabbed a fork and a knife then rolled it up in a large paper napkin. He set it to the side and began another then rolled his eyes as a pop song came on he jukebox. He pulled his wand and flicked it at the machine skipping the song and going back to Seger. He hummed a few lines of Beautiful Loser and then went back to rolling the silverware. He had things to do and didn't really care to listen to the whingings of a sub that could care less how she acted in front of family or her Master. He felt Max was too easy on her and low and behold look what happened.

"I'm sorry Damon, please, I am so sorry," she whispered. "If I could take everything back that I said, I would do so in a heartbeat. All I can do however is beg for your forgiveness and ask your permission to apologize to Grant." She inched forward on her knees and laid her forehead on one of his boots, tears running down her face as she remembered the horrible, horrible things she'd said. "I'm so sorry."

Damon set the rolled flatware down on the table and looked down at Allie. He reached down and pulled her by the hair off his boot then wiped his hands on a napkin then resumed his rolling. "You had damn well better apologize to Grant and it had better be correct and formal. Do not go bawling on him like you did me or I will come after your ass with a belt." He growled. "Now go and get the hell away from me."

"Yes Sir," she sobbed as she backed up from under the table. Once she was maybe five feet away she started to get to her feet and fell face down in a heap. Trying to get her legs back under her again, she made another attempt on the numb limbs. Merlin, she wanted her husband, she wanted Damon to stop being mean, she wanted to not be pregnant, and she wanted to be away from the bar. Sobbing softly, she managed to crawl to the bar where she waited a moment to pull herself up.

Damon stood and went over to the girl. He bent and picked her up setting her on the barstool. He went into the kitchen and grabbed a bar mop towel and wet it then poured a glass of iced tea for Allie. He set it on the bar in front of her and then went back to the table where he began rolling the flatware once more. "Calm down before you go out the door. Drink the tea and wipe your face." He'd take care of her but he wasn't ready to forgive the little trollop just yet. Not until he heard from Grant first.

She accepted the glass and then wiped her face. "Thank you Damon, sir," she said softly as she did as she'd been told and drained the glass. After wiping her face and carrying the glass to the bus tub, she left the bar as quietly as she'd come in. Now it was time to face Grant.

Damon shook his head, summoned the phone to the table and sighed as he called out to the house. He had to warn his husband about the witch's upcoming visit. He flicked his wand at the jukebox quieting the music and waited for the little sub to answer.

Grant picked up the phone as he was putting the vacuum cleaner away. "Hello Wolffe residence," he said softly, the phone jammed between his shoulder and cheek. He'd been finishing up his daily housework.

Damon chuckled. "So formal, My Own. What are you doing? Do you miss me?"

Grant smiled as he heard his husband's voice, he sat down on the nearest kitchen chair and propped his elbow on the table. "Hey baby, I was cleaning house. Of course I miss you, I always do. What's going on?"

Damon chuckled again. "Show me how much you miss me when I come home?" he sighed and then got down to business. "Allie was here this morning."

Grant stopped smiling when he heard the woman's name, he was still less than happy with her. "What did she want?" he asked, his voice dropping twenty degrees.

Damon tucked the phone under his ear and chin then began stacking the napkin wrapped utensils back in the box. "To apologize. I think she might be on her way to you as we speak. I told her I wanted a formal apology to you. You let me know if she starts crying on you." he stood and went into the office, plugging in the head set to the phone then went on into the kitchen. “She sobbed all over my boot this morning. Ruined the damned shine."

Grant shook his head. "I'll be down before you open, Damon," he said with a smile. He'd be happy to shine the man's boots in the office for him; it wouldn't be the first time. "I'll let you know if she pulls any nonsense, okay? I'll be there after she leaves."

Damon grinned as he dumped some chicken tenders in a fry basket hung it on the rack and then grabbed another to fill. "I'll be waiting on you, My Own. Be careful."

"I will, I love you, Sir," Grant said with a smile as he hung up and went to get the shine kit from the laundry room.

@@@@@@@@@@

The drive from the bar to the Wolffe house wasn't far and Allie took her time. She was certain Grant would go easier on her than Damon had but then she remembered what Max had said about the china service and how much it had cost. The fact that he was taking it out of her savings had not pleased her one bit.

Shaking her head she turned into the drive and sighed. Just one more apology and she could go back home and lie down until Max came for lunch. He’d hold her and tell her that Adam was going to induce her and it would all get better soon. If not... then his life would be hell until she delivered that watermelon of a child she was carrying for him. Thank Merlin this was the last time she would ever be this big again.

She turned off the car and waddled up to the front door, knocking once then stepping back to wait on the older sub to open the door.

Shaking his head at the fact Allie had gone to the front door, Grant opened it up and looked at her. "May I help you?" he asked as he looked at her as if she were a stranger.

Allie barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. This man was Damon's creature and she should have known better than to expect some sympathy from the man. Sighing she nodded. "May I come in to apologize to you, sir?"

Grant held the door open for her and ushered her into the living room. "Are you doing alright, Allie?" he asked as he looked at the girl's face and shook his head at the puffy eyes. "Come on into the kitchen and I'll fix you some tea." He led her into the other room and sat her down as he busied himself.

Allie watched him go through the motions. He was being nice and she relaxed a little bit. After her ordeal with Damon it was a refreshing change. He reminded her of Bobby and she didn't know how Grant had put up with it for all those years. "I’ve been better but I suppose I brought this all on myself. I could have said no when we began planning for another child."

Grant looked at her as he placed some fresh cookies on a plate and readied the tea. "Max didn't give you a choice?" he asked with a frown. That was certainly unlike the big healer if that was the case. He brought everything to the table and sat down.

Allie shook her head and took one of the cookies. "Oh no he did. We talked it to death. He wants lots of children and this was supposed to be the next in the line of four. We agreed to wait until Sarah was out of diapers then we'd have another." She bit into the cookie and smiled at him. He really was like one of the girls and she felt like she could tell him everything. "However this will be the last one. I was such a bitch this time he's going to have a vasectomy. So no more mood swings for this pregnant elephant."

Grant sipped his tea and regarded her with dark eyes. "You are really lucky to have the two," he murmured softly. "Are you certain you want him to take that step?" He wanted to reach across the table and shake her, tell her to make use of the gift she'd been given, not to throw it away.

Allie sighed. "Grant, I'm sorry you weren't able to give Damon the children you both wanted but honestly... yes. I feel out of control like this and it's not healthy for any of us. Max has said he'll talk to Adam and see if we can't do something about the mood swings but you know I'm not normally like this. I've turned into this raving lunatic and it's gotten him what he wanted but someone had to pay the cost and it was Max." She slid out of the seat to her knees, remembering Damon's words and bit her lip to fight back the tears. "This girl is terribly sorry that she acted like she did and destroyed your beautiful china."

Grant looked down at her, caught between wanting to tell her it was all going to be alright and telling her to grow up and stop acting like a spoiled child. He felt Max had been too lenient with her in the past and it was now going to nip him in the ass.

"The china doesn't worry me nearly as much as your behaviour Allie. I'm not worried about a broken plate, but you shamed Max horribly in front of everyone. I don't think you'd ever see Harry or myself acting in such a manner," he said quietly as he carefully broke a cookie in two and left her on her knees.

Allie looked up at Grant. "Of course you wouldn't. Your Dom would beat it out of you, wouldn't he Grant? Now, I mean no disrespect to either one of you however Max and I aren't wired like that." She bowed her head again. "I apologise my behaviour and words upset you and I would take the words back if I could and never utter them again." She said softly and shifted on her knees trying to make the baby more comfortable.

Grant widened his eyes at the words she spoke and sucked in his breath. "You think Damon is abusive?" he whispered unbelievingly. "Do you think that is the only reason I treat him with respect?"

Allie looked up at him thinking for a moment. "He's mean but I don't think he's abusive to you. Max explained that you play rougher than we do and I understand that but Max isn't like that. The Old School works for you but not us is all that I meant. I didn't mean to upset you."

Grant shook his head. Damon had never been 'mean' to Allie, the woman had no right to say those things. "I think you should leave now, Allie," he said softly and stood up.

Allie stared at him in horror. "Oh Merlin, I'm sorry! What did I say, Grant? I was only trying to apologise and you asked my opinion." She hung her head and sniffled then wiped her face. Damon had told her not to cry on Grant and she could follow orders regardless of who they came from. She carefully got to her feet and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry if I can't make myself understood correctly." She said softly. "I'll go now."
Grant shook his head. "It was just a plate Allie. Just watch how you treat others. I know what you think about me, and that's fine, you are entitled to that, but in spite of what you think, I do care about you," he said as he shifted on his feet. He didn't like being upset; it wasn't good for his nerves.

Allie sighed. That was all she needed; for Grant to tell Damon she had been rude. "I know you do Grant and I am sorry for my mouth. It will get better just as soon as Max and Adam come up with something. I promise." She reached out to touch his shoulder then thought better of it. "Honestly, Grant I really didn't mean anything by what I said just now."

"I hope they can get you back to feeling right, Allie," he said softly. "You might suggest that they have Severus try to make you a variant of the calming draft they used on Harry, it should be safe for you."

Allie nodded and then on impulse threw herself at Grant and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly for a moment. She sniffled again and caught herself then groaned as the baby kicked them both. She pulled away and wiped at her face. "I'm sorry, really I am."

"I know, now go on, your little one needs to rest or something," he said as he straightened his shirt and smiled at her. "I need to run down to the bar for a little while." He reached out and wiped his fingers over her cheeks and leaned in to kiss where his fingers had been. "Are you going to have lunch with Max?"

Allie sighed knowing exactly why Grant was going to the bar. "Yes, sir. I'm to go by the shop and see Harry and Severus then up to his office so we can make an appointment to see Adam and then go to lunch." She smiled weakly. "Be careful, Grant. I'll see you later."

"Alright Allie, get some rest this afternoon, if you like, I'll stop by later and take care of the housework, okay?" he asked as he walked her to the door.

Allie shook her head. "You don't need to do that Grant but thanks. Max said he was going to hire a maid to come in." She kissed his cheek and waddled back out to her car, wedging herself behind the wheel and waving as she drove out of the drive.

Grant quickly grabbed the boot shine kit and headed out the door, driving to Cutty's only moments after she left.

@@@@

Severus busied himself in his workroom sorting through a shipment that had arrived that morning and he needed to get the perishable ingredients sorted and processed as soon as possible. He could hear Harry in the front of the shop chattering away with customers and smiled to himself as he listened to his young husband laugh.

Allie pulled up to the Apothecary and stared at the place. She hadn't realized how busy the shop was. Max had mentioned that Severus was good but she didn't realize how good. She got out of the car and waddled up to the door, hoping to get a moment alone with the Dom and apologize. She had about had it today and was getting tired and irritable but she knew she had to put on a good show for Sev otherwise Max would really hear about it.

Harry looked up as the little bell above the shop entrance rang to let him know another customer had entered. "Hello there, welcome to the Mortar and Pestle he called out as he craned his neck to see who it was, stopping short with a smile frozen on his face when he realized it was Allie. "How are you, Allie?" He glanced at the door to the workroom and wondered if Severus realized she was here yet or not.

Allie smiled as she came forward to the counter. "Hello Harry," she said softly. "How are you doing? Your scones were wonderful this morning. I had them with some milk for breakfast." She stopped and sighed. "Is Sev really busy? I need to speak with him."

Severus stuck his head out the door of the lab to tell Harry to hang out the sign for lunch and spotted Allie. He sneered and stood up straighter then walked out to the counter standing next to Harry. He wrapped an arm around the younger man. "Allison, may I help you?"

She smiled nervously at the British Dom and nodded. "Yes sir, if I might speak with you for a moment in private?" she asked and licked her lips. This wasn't going well so far, and she wondered if she should just give up.

Harry looked from Severus to Allie and sighed, he hated it when there was arguing around him and he had a feeling it was about to get ugly in the small shop. "Husband, why don't you take Allie into the workroom while I close up for lunch?" he asked quietly as he gave the older man's hand a squeeze.

Severus glared at the young woman but gave her a curt nod. "Follow me Allison," he said brusquely and led her into the other room.

"Yes Sir." Allie swallowed and thought again about how Damon had trained Severus and wondered if she was going to be spending the next several minutes on her knees. She took a deep breath and followed the tall man, grateful Max was just upstairs if Severus got too bad she wouldn't have far to go to get comfort from the big Healer. She'd need it anyway after the morning she'd had. Thank Merlin, Sarah was still with her in laws.

Severus closed the door behind them and motioned her to the chair Harry normally sat in while he kept him company. Not speaking yet, Severus stalked over to his desk, sitting down and retrieving something from the top drawer, he spent the next few moments scratching down something with the owl feather quill he kept on his desk. Still silent, he ripped a piece of beige paper from whatever it was, stood up, stalked over to where Allie sat and presented it to her. It was a cheque for the amount of the bond the Sorens' had put up. "I believe this takes care of your involvement, does it not?" he asked in low, clipped tones as he looked down his nose at her. "I've taken the liberty of adding interest as well."

Allie stared at the amount and then looked up into the angry face of her husband's best friend. "Th...thank you. I... I hadn't realized it was this much." She folded the cheque and put it away in her purse. "Max told me I needed to apologize to you and Harry. I would like to do so now, Sir." She looked at the floor again. "He also told me that you understood why I was acting like this."

She felt the tears pricking at her eyes again and thought about how wrong Max had been about Severus being upset.

Severus moved back to his work table and resumed chopping up the lily root. "Allison, I realize that you think I am a Deatheater. I was, I stress, was. I did something regretfully foolish as an immature young man and I'll not have it rubbed into my husband's face. As a person, I've no problems with you, per se, but I'll not have that behaviour around my Harry. It isn't good for neither you or he. I do understand you are having hormonal issues and I shall overlook your outburst, but I wanted to make sure that Harry and I were no longer a burden to you." He scraped up the minced root and deposited it in a crock.

Allie gasped as she realized how her words had made her long time friend feel. She would be having a conversation with Max about the British men, both Harry and Sev. "I understand." She wiped at her face and then looked at him. "May I apologize now, Sir?" She slid down to the floor and bent over prostrating herself once more for today. Her back was killing her and she winced as the baby rolled and protested the position. "This girl is terribly sorry to have embarrassed you in front of your family, Sir and begs your forgiveness."

Severus quickly came around the table and gently lifted the woman back to the chair. "None of that Allie," he murmured as he summoned a bottle of juice from the small refrigerator where Harry kept his snacks. "Drink this love and just sit still for a few minutes. Your back, is it hurting terribly?"

Sniffling, Allie nodded and took the juice from the older man. "Thank you Sir. Max said he's going to talk with Adam about getting me induced early and something for the mood swings." She looked up at him and blinked her brown eyes. "Grant said you could make a modified Calming Draft that I might be able to take. Would you? For me?"

Her breathing hitched and she wiped her face again. "I miss being around Harry, Sir and would really like to be able to see him again. So please, if Max comes to you will you make it for me?"

"I'll make it Allie, you know I will," Severus said kindly. "I know Harry misses you, he's not seen much of you with the shop opening and all." He summoned a box of tissues from the front of the shop and sent them to her. "Are you far enough along to induce?"

Allie took the tissue and wiped her face. "Thank you Sir." She daintily blew her nose and folded the tissue then tossed it into the trash. She looked up at him and smiled. "I've got five weeks left and as big as I am the baby is certain to ready. He hasn't dropped but is in the right position."

She grunted as the baby kicked. "His feet are in my lungs, so I am hoping Adam will induce." She pressed on her belly trying to move the baby and get a deeper breath. "Has Max told you what we are naming him? I think the name you all picked is beautiful for a girl." She relaxed with the foreign Dom on this simple subject that didn't involve her mood swings.

Severus frowned for a moment as he tried to recall the name Max had mentioned. "Maxwell some sort of cattle, correct?" he asked as he watched the heavily pregnant witch and once more felt a pang of excitement about watching Harry progress in his pregnancy.

Allie nodded and smiled. "Maxwell Angus the third, after his daddy and Max's father. I didn't want a junior but it seems the family name is always passed on to the boy." She shrugged and made to stand. "I'm sorry, Sev. I know you are busy and I should get up to Max so you and Harry can go to lunch." She met his dark eyes then looked to the floor. "Thank you for allowing me to apologise and I'll make certain to give Max the cheque too."

Severus nodded and looked at her. "Just try to relax until the little one is here Allie, go get some rest," he said as he saw her out of the workroom and closed the door after her.

Harry smiled at her uncertainly when he saw her tear stained face and wondered if he should say anything or not.

Allie waved to Harry and went out the front door to the shop and over to the elevator to head up to Max's office. She slouched against the wall after the door closed and sighed. It had been a long day and she still had to report back to her Dom before she could go and lie down. She only hoped Max had talked to Adam today.

Max settled into his office chair to finish up his morning's notes, looking up as the door opened and his wife walked in. "Hey Al, how are you doing?" he asked as he stood and pulled a chair out for her.

Allie frowned at him and sat. "You didn't tell me Sev was still mad at me." She dug in her purse. "He took great pleasure in scribbling it out and making certain that I knew they weren't beholden to me any longer." She held out the cheque to him. "Make sure you tell him I gave it to you. He said he added interest too."

Max frowned at the witch's words and took the slip of paper she thrust out at him. He didn't understand. Sev hadn't said anything more to him about paying them back after the first time the snarky Potions Master had mentioned it to him in Sturgis. Max had told him then to not worry about it, to just let the bond set as it was. "Was he mean to you? Was anyone mean to you?" he asked as he shook his head, putting the cheque in his pocket.

Allie teared up and sniffled. "Damon was kinda mean but then again this is Damon we are talking about. Sev was just like he always is. Grant was nice and fixed me some tea." She blinked at him and wiped at her face. "My back hurts really bad." She whispered softly.

Max pressed his lips together angrily and jerked his jacket from the hook. "Let's get you home baby, you look tired," he said through clenched teeth. He had a few things to say to his so called family if they'd been mean to his little wife. Damon was first on the list. He looked at her closely and spoke again. "Have you been crying?"

Allie swallowed and nodded, cheered that Max was upset about her. She needed to be coddled after this morning. She held out her hands to him to be helped up out of the chair.

Max drove his wife home and decided he'd stop by the bar and have a chat with Damon instead of eating the leftover roast. He pulled his truck into a parking space and slammed the door shut behind him. He was good and pissed after the tale Allie had told him of how she'd been made to crawl through the bar like a dog after Damon.

The bar was nearly emptied out after the noon rush and Tom pointed to the office door when he asked where Damon was at. Gritting his teeth and taking a breath, Max slammed the door open and glared at the surprised faces of Severus and Damon.

"What in the fuck were you thinking making my wife crawl across this damn bar this morning?" he demanded, hand on his wand.

Damon sighed, stood and looked at the younger man. “Why don’t you just calm down, son and we’ll talk about it.” He gestured to Severus. “We were just discussing your wife.” He crossed his arms over his chest and waited on Max.

Max glared at the older man, hand still poised. "Tell me how you would feel if Grant was crawling around the damned office after me, Damon," he demanded of him. The story he'd been told fresh in his mind. "I think you'd be just as pissed as me." He turned his gaze to Severus and pulled the cheque out of his pocket, balling it up in his fist and throwing it at the man. "Keep your fucking money."

Damon scratched his head and sighed again. "Max, I don't know what you've been told but I really think you need to calm down. I didn't make her crawl around. She did that all on her own."

Severus nodded and stood as well. He hated to think his friend would do something drastic but he eyed the way the healer was itching to pull his wand. "Max, if you'll calm down Damon and I were just discussing something. We would like to show you.” He gestured to Damon's desk.

On top of the desk sat a pensieve, swirling with silvery memory filaments. "Both Damon and I would be happy to show you exactly what happened. Do you know how one of these works?"

"Of course I do, you think I am a moron?" Max snarled as he stepped forward and looked down at the pensieve. "The memory’s already in it?" He eyed them both, now not exactly sure what was going on. Allie had told him what had happened, but yet... He looked down into the silvery mist again.

Severus held up his hands. "No, neither one of us do however we think you do need to see this." He nodded at the bowl "Damon's is. I'll put mine back in after you view his. Would you like me to go with you?" He held out a hand to his friend.

Max started to jerk his hand away from Sev's, but remembered the comfort he'd been given while staying at the Wolffe's. He held his hand out and let Severus take them into the mist.

Severus held tightly to his best friend's hand as he watched Damon's memory; he hadn't viewed it but had been about to when Max had stormed into the office. He winced at the treatment of the girl but knew Damon had gone easy on her. He eyed Max as the scene played out and then squeezed his friend's hand, then pulled him into his arms to take them out.

Max stared at the wall in disbelief. Allie had had him convinced that Damon had all but brutalized her that morning. All he could see in the pensieve was a woman that wasn't getting off easy. He licked his lips and swallowed, closing his eyes for a moment before he turned to look at Damon. "I owe you an immense apology Damon, I hope that you will accept it," he said, ashamed of his actions and words.

"Not a problem, son." Damon came around the desk and pulled the big Healer into a hug. "Max, we understand you are under a lot of stress and Sev and I have been trying to think of ways to help you." He pulled back from the other man and looked up into the blue eyes. "Grant and I have talked about it and if you will drop Sarah off, Grant will watch her to give Allie a break." He went back to his desk and retrieved his memory. "Do you want to see Sev's?"

Max shook his head, he didn't need to see anymore. "I don't want to put you and Grant out," he said, but the idea of them taking Sarah once his mom brought her back was tempting. Maybe it would help the pregnant witch's mood. "Adam isn't going to induce her early, he said he didn't think the baby was ready and that Allie is physically capable of carrying to term."

Max turned to Severus and looked down at the floor sheepishly. "I'm sorry man, I should have realized you wouldn't ever make her cry. Man I was an asshole," he sighed and then flopped down on the sofa. "She's driving me nuts at home."

"Agreed but then again you were protecting your own." Severus wiped his face and bent to pick up the cheque. He straightened it out and sat down next to the healer, holding out the cheque to the other man. "Don't let this be a bone of contention between the two of you as well. You took care of us and we'll help you out too."

He rubbed Max's back. "Damon has already told me of his offer and you know you and Sarah are welcome out at the Overlook also. It will be good for Harry to be around a little one as well. We'd be happy to have you both."

"Thanks, both of you. I don't know though, I think if I left she'd only get worse, you know? Accuse me of abandoning her or something, but this... what she did today, telling me how horrid everyone had been to her, that I don't even know how to address," he lamented and blew his breath out. "I can't do this again, I really and truly wish she'd not gotten pregnant this time. Does that make me an awful person?"

He looked at the two men for an answer and then hung his head. "Is it even worth it?"

Damon came and knelt in front of Max and Sev. He tipped up the red head’s face and looked him in the eye. "No it doesn't Max. Stress does strange things to people. You love Allie and planned this baby from the beginning. Think about little Sarah and then ask yourself once again if it is worth it. Merlin knows Allie's being a bitch now but you don't realize how lucky you are to be able to have what will be two beautiful children. Get her the help she needs and continue to be her Dom. She'll come back to you just like last time."

He looked over at Severus then back at the younger man. "We'll be here for you until she does so take whatever precautions you feel you need to get by until then. We are happy to help. Understand?"

Max nodded and looked over at Severus. "Adam suggested a mild sedative to keep her stress in check, her blood pressure is elevated from all the stress and it's not good for either of them. Do you think you might look at what he ordered? Maybe if you have time to brew it, or if I can use your lab, I'll do it," he said and leaned against the smaller man.

His best friend in so many ways, he didn't know what he'd do without the two men in the room. "Damon, you're right. I love kids, I really and truly do. I think I'm a good dad to Sarah and I wanted nothing more than to have a houseful of babies. Little Max will be just as cherished and loved as his big sister is."

Severus nodded and put an arm around the big man. "I'll brew some up this afternoon, just give me the script. If it's not too complicated I'll have it before you leave today if you wish."

Damon nodded and stood. "Good deal then. Can't wait for the little ones to get here." He smirked. "Now, get out of my office so I can go home, there's an Injun waiting on me." He squeezed Max's shoulder and held out his hands to help the younger men up.

"I have to go back to the office Sev, so I'll come down before I go. I haven't told Allie she can't be induced yet, so who knows, I may need a place to sleep tonight. Merlin knows that damned rocking chair just isn't comfortable," he said as he laughed ruefully and clapped Damon on the back.

"Tell Grant his china will be here tomorrow, alright? I know Allie is a bit pissed about it, the money came out of her savings." He headed out the door that Damon was subtly shooing them out of, laughing as Severus started muttering about horny old men.

By the time he'd returned to his office, he'd calmed down and was back to his normal self when Jennifer poked her head in his office door and asked him if he had a moment to meet with the new paediatrician that was joining the practice next month.

Gregory Corrican stood in the exam room looking over the decorations and trying to decide if he was ready for this. They had told him at Blue Ridge he had to met all the doctors on staff and that three were right here in Echo. He'd already met with the OB/Gyn Adam Masters and now he was here to face Dr. Sorens. He took a deep breath and thought about the other man. It had been seven years since he had seen the big Healer and he wasn't quite certain how Max was going to react. He twisted his wedding ring and wished he had brought Davy with him.

His husband had already met the staff in the hospital and was busy supervising the rest of their move to West Virginia. He turned as he heard the door opening.

"Doctor Corrican? I'm Max Sorens, it's nice to meet you," Max said as he opened the door and then stopped in his tracks, his mouth opening as the door shut behind him quietly.

"Gregory?" he whispered softly as he took a step forward, not certain what the little submissive was doing in the room the practice used for its infrequent conferences. The last time he'd seen the smaller man had been in South Dakota. "What are you doing here? I'm supposed to be meeting a Nathaniel Corrican. If you want to get a drink or something later, you can wait in my office, okay? I shouldn't be very long."

He reached out to pull the other man into an embrace, all of the desires he'd felt those years ago were back and alive as ever. Merlin how he'd missed this man.

Gregory stuck his hand out to Max. "I am Nathaniel Corrican. Gregory is my middle name." He smiled at the large man. "Good afternoon, Dr. Sorens, I'm Dr. Corrican the new Neonatalist/Paediatrician."

Disappointment surged through Max for a moment, the man was here for the job, not to see him. He stepped back as well and took Corrican's hand, giving it a brief shake before he nodded to the chairs along the table. "Sit please, I'm going to if you don't mind, Doctor Corrican," he said stiffly. This was not what he'd been expecting at all. "Welcome to the practice and to West Virginia."

"Thank you, Dr. Sorens but please call me Gregory. You always have." Gregory smiled and sat. "It's good to see you, Max. It's nice to know I'll be working with some of the top doctors in the state. How have you been?" he said in a rush trying to hid how uncomfortable he was. The other man's face had fallen and he was certain he could see the disappointment on Max's face.

Max looked at him for a long moment, lost in memories and then replied. "Just living life I suppose. I've not seen you in quite awhile. I got married, we have a little girl and a son on the way. So I see you went into kids, I always thought you'd be good with that," he said and let his eyes fall on the man's hands, noticing the ring. "How have you been?"

"Thank you." Gregory chuckled, leaning back in his chair relaxing a bit. "I know what you mean. I got married as well. My husband will also be working at the hospital; he's a Nutritionist." He smiled widely. "Two little Maxs running around? I can't wait to meet them. Davy and I have discussed children yet but we haven't decided on the when and whose going to carry them."

Max cocked his head, had he heard right? "Davy? Sev's little Davy?" he asked curiously and without thinking, as he remembered the little submissive that had helped the British Dom so much. He could picture him in his mind's eye and was startled to realize that Davy and Harry could easily be twins or brothers at the very least. "Does Sev know?"

Gregory's smiled faded some. "Yes, David Fleming... well Corrican, he decided to take my name." He looked at Max, curious as to why the other man asked like he had. "I haven't seen him why? Is he still visiting? I thought he went home in August."

Max shook his head. "No, he decided to move here this year. He runs the apothecary downstairs. Damn, Sev is going to fall over," he chuckled. "I looked at your resume and had no idea it was you, very, very impressive. I always knew you would make a wonderful doctor."

Gregory's eyes widened and he smirked remembering Davy's arguments about them moving here. He couldn't wait to take the other man down a notch or two when he flew home tomorrow. "Well, well small world." He shook his head and sighed. "Thank you, it was a tough decision but Davy helped me pick a good school with an excellent programme. We've seen some amazing things but it's good to finally settle in some place where I can help both Muggles and Wizards.”

Max nodded as he thought of a few things. "Wasn't Davy training to be a chef or something like that? Where are you at now?" he asked as he fixed the man with a stupid grin, unable to forget how cute he'd looked wearing nothing but one of the red head's tee shirts and a smile several years ago.

Gregory snorted. "Yes, he was. But he let some things get out of control and I had to set him straight one evening in the ER." He shook his head. "We live in Chicago; in fact he's there finishing off the sale and packing up the condo. I fly back tomorrow to help and then we'll be here within a few days. I set us up to stay at the B&B until we can find someplace to rent for now."

"Are you looking to rent a house or an apartment? I hope you are both ready for a culture shock," he chuckled as he pulled his notebook and pen out of the pocket of his lab coat. "I know of a few places that are available, I hate to think anyone I cared about was staying at Farnsworth's"

Gregory cocked his head and stared at Max for a moment. "We had discussed an apartment but either is fine. Should I move my reservations? Is Mrs Farnsworth not approving to gay couples?"

Max was busily writing as he looked up and shook her head. "No, it's not that, she just can't cook well enough to keep a dog alive. Do you know much about Echo?" he asked as he finished what he was writing and tore the paper out, passing it to Gregory.

Gregory closed his eyes and laughed hard. "Oh Merlin, Davy would have had a fit." He sighed then opened his eyes to look over the list Max had given him. "Thanks, this will help immensely." He met Max's eyes and smiled.

"Not much except for the tales we heard in Sturgis. I had an extremely good offer from Blue ridge and that's why we ended up here."

"I think you will both be very happy here, Echo is a very diverse community," Max said with a small smile, leaning forward in his chair and swatting Gregory's knee with one hand. "I can't wait to tell Sev that you two are moving here. You may as well walk down with me since he'll most likely be doing up your prescriptions."

Max stood up and shook his head once more as he looked again at the man that had submitted to him and stolen his affections in what seemed a lifetime ago. "I am really glad you decided to practice here, Gregory, I hope you'll be happy here."

Gregory nodded and stood as well. "Thanks, Max. I can't wait to start. I think Davy and I will both be happy in Echo. He'll be surprised that Sev's here. We had a pretty heavy disagreement about moving here. Took some time on his knees to straighten him out about our coming but it will be interesting to see how he reacts to this news."

He smiled and opened the door gesturing to Max. "Doctor, after you." He chuckled and shook his head. "Damn that feels good to say that."

Max raised an eyebrow and looked at Gregory. "Time on his knees? Are you both serving someone now? I always wondered what it would be like to have a married couple serve me," he said with a chuckle. "I hope you didn't have trouble persuading him to let you move, Doctor."

Gregory grinned, shook his head and followed Max out the door closing it behind him. He looked down at the Big Healer as they went down the stairs, feeling like he could talk to the man about this aspect of his and Davy's marriage. "Davy's my submissive. I haven't served since the last summer you and I were together in Sturgis. He's got me trained up as his Master good." He chuckled. "Are you and your spouse still in the Lifestyle?"

Surprised, Max chuckled, "I knew you were a switch, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at all. I guess you can say we are. With her being pregnant, it's made things a bit strained around the edges, but I don't want to talk about it." He led the way to the elevator and pressed the right button once they boarded. "Do you remember Grant? He retired not long ago, he was set up on the floor right below ours."

The elevator stopped and Max led the way to the apothecary door, calling out once it was open. "Hey Sev! Guess who's here!"