& I'm not proud that nothing will seem easy about me

Mikey nodded mutely, clinging to Butcher. Oblivious, Nils bashed the bed with his rattle.

Butcher rubbed his back, "You don't have to go. I couldn't help them anyways. They don't need to see me."

"Good thing she didn't take after me then." Nick suddenly realised the chair beside him was empty and scrambled into it.

They won't. Matt leant his head into the couch with a sigh.

William moved his hand down to Angel's back and patted it quietly, watching her fall asleep. They aren't allowed to be peaceful right now. It can change. We just need to work together against Ryland. And right about now, I think all of us are against him. William carefully moved to the side for a second, making sure not to wake Angel. He gave Matt a quick kiss on the forehead and then moved back.

"It's me they want." Mikey said quietly. "I'm the one that can tell." He clung tighter to Butcher.

"I'll go with you. William wouldn't let him hurt you and neither would I," Butcher kissed Mikey's forehead. "You don't have to go close to him.

Nick watched Angel and William interact with a fond smile.

Matt touched his forehead. He looked up, a look of almost childlike wonder on his face.

William looked over at Nick and smiled, then looked down at Angel. The girl was now fully asleep. He continued petting her back softly. He repositioned her head on his shoulder and then looked down at Matt. He smiled at the boy.

Mikey nodded slowly. He dressed Nils in some of his new clothes and entwined hands with Butcher, pushing the door open.

Butcher gave Mikey's fingers a little squeeze and lead the way to the study.

Suddenly, Mikey froze. "I can't." He ran back to the room and slammed the door.

"I'm sorry," Butcher smiled sheepishly at William and his little family. "Come back later?" He left the room to go back to Mikey.

Mike hadn't understood until now, but it suddenly struck him - Matt had been there to stop William and himself from saving Mikey. He nodded. "It's alright, I understand." He discreetely looked at Matt. Mikey is afraid.

Matt dropped his head, a blush staining his cheeks. I broke his wing.

Mike shuddered. He knew Matt hadn't meant any harm - not willingly. "You should apologize," he whispered. It wasn't a command; only a mere suggestion. He didn't sound angry.

He wouldn't accept it. I did too much. Matt's thick hair hid his face.

Do you want me to talk to him? Mike offered, still looking at Matt. I know you wouldn't harm him again. Mikey did pretty bad things a while ago, too. I know I did.

What did he do? Matt looked up, interested. What did you do?

Mike glanced at William before staring at the ground. Mikey sacrificed a girl to get to me. We used to be at war back then. I...killed his family. Nick and Angel. I murdered them.

Matt blinked. The little girl? She's... Mikey's? But she's so pretty...

I know. Mike frowned. I know that. She's dead, she never changed. She was pretty. Then added, I wish I hadn't, like it wasn't already obvious.

Matt looked at him. At least you regret it.

But that doesn't do much, does it? His features softened. Don't you dare take me as a role model.

» Some days just ain't so easy