About 10 minutes later, Sil came in freshly washed in clean clothes, his head hung even lower because there may be people in there who saw his bare chest. He was very embarrassed at the thought.
At the same time, his Minx needed care and he didn't regret it for a single moment. He glanced for a moment to see if there was still food going into her mouth. He gave himself a satisfied nod and went to get a plate for himself. In doing so, he noted something and brought a second plate, setting it in front of her.
Minx saw the plate and her face lit up. Somehow Sil must have found out about those caramelized carrots that she ate so much of but were unavailable after the Sunshield attack. He presented her with a heaping plate of them with a big smile on his face. Her eyes twinkled in happiness.
"How did you know?"
"Midas told me about them and said if I wanted to make you happy to buy you some if I ever saw any. I wanted to make you happy, so I got you some." Sil smiled at her.
Just then from behind, a meek voice was heard saying, "I'm sorry for inappropriately touching you, sir."
Sil turned his head to see a female he didn't recognize bowing down toward him. He glanced at Minx who had a barely perceptible smirk on her face. He turned back to the girl said "fine" and waved his hand as if batting away a fly.
He returned to his meal without giving her a second thought. Minx glared at her to ensure she understood this was not a safe place to be and the girl scampered off.
Quietly while they ate, "Quinn has declared tomorrow a day of mourning. I get three days off total before we do this push. I don't know when I'll be back, so I'd like to go home with you if that's okay?"
Minx smiled and nodded. Soon she was finally full and Sil felt satisfied. "Caser will be hungry soon."
"Then let's go."
Minx nodded.
Tamina was still trying to form an opinion about this strange girl. She had finished eating and had watched Minx's actions. She didn't seem like a bad person, but the temper displayed was strange. Why did she get so angry?
When Sil sat with them, she thought she figured it out. Sil's head was still down but he was talking quietly with her where she had not seen him talk to anyone else, though she did just meet him.
When they stood up, Tamina stood up as well and bid them goodnight. She left before Minx's entourage which was now just her, Shalt, Sil and Caser. Fiza was waiting by the teleporter.
Mandy and Dawn were waiting on the other side when they went through. Dawn had a huge smile on her face. "Wait until you see our houses!"
Dawn grabbed Fiza's arm and dragged the poor girl off to inspect her new home.
The others went home as well. They were all tired from a long day, but Minx wanted to do something special for Sil. He had been poisoned and had suffered for days. She was upset he didn't tell her, but did she tell him when Tucker was after her? Nope. She stayed silent to keep him from worrying for as long as possible. She had no room to be angry here.
The couple went straight to their room with Shalt taking his post outside their room to ensure their safety. He trusted Minx's ability but figured if there was an ability that could do that, there had to be one that could counter it.
Minx carefully undid her armor. She only had stage one on but thought it best when she heard about that poison. She forgot to take it off.
Caser asked her for permission to go hunt. She granted it and quickly left.
Minx went into the future nursery and brought out a book Sil couldn't quite see.
"I have a surprise for you."
Sil looed at her with love and wonder in his eyes. "What is it?"
Minx then pulled the book out from the rim of her pants and asked her husband if he wanted to read her a story, offering him the book. Sil looked curious then he looked at the cover and recognized it instantly. His eyes watered and he took it with both hands. He held it to his chest as the tears fell. She climbed in his lap and held him.
She kissed away his tears. "His sacrifice led to this moment, My Love. Everything you have now is because of what he gave you. What he did for you. How much he loved you. Keep making him proud."
Sil held his wife tightly. She understood. They held the book open together and Sil read the first three pages. She put a bookmark in between the pages. "Keep it for when you're home. You can read it whenever you want to."
She set the book down on the nightstand, but almost missed. Sil had turned her face toward his and attacked her mouth with a firm but loving kiss that she wasn't quite expecting. Half chuckling, she relaxed and enjoyed the tender moment with him.
After a few moments, "did you know that was the first book in a series?"
Sil was shocked, "no! I didn't!"
"The rest are in the library. Well, that book is as well but I bought that as our personal copy. I put in a whole section of comics for you and the kids."
Sil held her tight and pressed his face into her neck. She held him tightly for a while knowing he was overwhelmed. Time healed all wounds and this was one that would keep reopening until Hilston was finally dead and no longer a threat to anyone, much less Sil and his family.
When she felt he was feeling a bit better she leaned back. "So are you going to strip yourself or do you want me to strip you?" Her face was bright with a smile he couldn't resist.