The Simple Life

[Andrew Schmidt]

Beads of sweat ran down his back as his arms sanded the wood in a long strokes. He could not say how long they had been living here however it felt like home. Oddly enough, Andrew had grown to enjoy this life. There were no fancy parties, meetings with various people, or someone breathing down is neck because he defiled a person of great importance.

The last brought a deep frown to his face. The stark reality was that he could not pin down the last time he had shared a bed with a lover. They had fled for their lives there was little time to truly think about that. He could count the times since that beast destroyed their own on one hand. He let out a growl as his mind turned to what had happened.

He and his twin sister where not present when the monster killed off the royals. They were almost there when they got a transmission. Someone was able to warn them away. He and the those on his team fled for their lives. In his heart, he was against it. He wanted to fight for their home however he knew that his queens would want them to live another day. So they hopped from planet to planet until this found this one. Annabelle gave him strict orders not to talk to anyone. She did not want to have to be kicked off when he slept with the wrong person.

They found this farm on sheer luck. He was waiting near the ship when a simple girl caught his eye. Her exotic hair and accent drew him in like a moth to the flame. She giggled at his cheesy lines as he could tell that she did not get out much. She answered most of his questions though he found it odd that she didn't remember most of her past. It hardly mattered to him as he went in for a kiss. His sister had perfect timing as she stopped him. After much discussion, it was decided that they would spend the night at her farm.

The introduction to the uncle and his son did not go well which was putting it mildly. Annabelle was able to sweet talk her way into letting them stay. She offer up work for room and board as well as making Andrew sleep in the barn. He was going to argue however the look she gave him was all he needed. The tension in the room faded after that. It was when this life started. At first he was bored as he was not allowed to leave for town. He was okay with since he had a little eye candy here even if he was never allowed to be alone with her. He has been taking his fair share of bathing in cold water.

It was about a month or so in that Annabelle allowed him into a populated area. He followed his twin like a lost puppy. When she was busy with paying for stuff, he was pleased to note that his advances still worked. His sister stopped anything from really happening however he was not allowed to come with out a babysitter.

Annabelle and him thought that the family dynamic was a little strange as the son seemed to be rather close to the niece, well closer than he should. He often felt like asking the question however he stopped himself. Annabelle would skin him alive if they got kicked from here. He made a mental note to someday ask when she was gone gathering intel. The men of the family asked questions when they could not find her for days on end. He decided the truth would be best. He told them their story, or most of it. He was surprised that they let them stay here. He could see the uncle wanting to say more however stopped himself. Andrew would get the answer he seek one day soon.

A soft voice called out to him, "Andrew, lunch is ready."

The blonde man slowed down his strokes as he looked up at her. Her hair was caramel mainly with streaks of different colors in it. Her delicate frame made him smile as he wiped his brow. "Already my dear, Zowie? I had hoped to get more done on the table and chairs. After all, I did have a small part to play with them breaking. I suppose I should never really have accepted the challenge with your cousin."

Zowie smiled as she laughed a little, "Well no though I guess you might have rubbed him the wrong way. He does not like you much. I just don't understand why."

Andrew crossed over as he place a hand on the side of her cheek. "He probably things that I will hurt you. I would ever do that in a million years. In fact..." He was about to lean closer when he saw the outline of the large man. He coughed as he took a few steps back, "Lunch is ready did you say? I must admit that I am rather hungry. After you."

Zowie sighed as she had a feeling he was going to ask her something. She lead the way into the house. "I am not sure where your sister is at the moment. I thought she would be back today."

Andrew smiled to ease the girl, "I will worry if it has been more than a week. After all, she is good at getting herself out of trouble. We will worry when she does not return in a few days."

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste has been sure to cover her tracks. She was certain that being wanted for questioning by the Death Corps was just as well as saying your going to executed. Over the last year when everything had went to hell she had been going through all that went wrong and what went right. The actual tally was more wrong than right. She used her bolt holes and identities that she wasn’t certain she’d ever use. She had money hidden to keep her going. After all when you were famous and made your money fighting it wasn’t a hard stretch to make money fighting again. She just didn’t have to do that. She was careful anyways to make sure she wasn’t recognized. She had grown out her hair, changed her clothing style, and most of all used makeup even though she despised it. She was so used to hiding in plain sight that finding one person was a chore. This chore though was a labor of love. She had switched freighters eight times. Traveled with three different mercenary groups and had finally arrived. Jallelus, what an out of the way place to hide. It suited them and well she didn’t mind how long it took she had found them. The only question was what would happen. She didn’t use transport. She walked. She only had her alice pack, weapons, and her other bag with essentials. She had enquirer discreetly in town and received directions to where she needed to go. This whole trip had better not be a wild goose chase or when she finally found them she would break his neck in such a way that he needed her for everything. The walk took several hours and the locals had been right. You couldn’t miss the place. It was the only place for miles surround by fields and cattle. Lots of fields and lots of livestock. Well he shouldn’t have been here. Hell none of them should have been here. They were and now the long walk to the house which was situated very nicely. You could see anyone approach if you were paying attention. She hoped he was and that way she didn’t have to knock and shoot anyone who was stupid with her. That would be almost terrible. She took her time getting to the house, if you could call it that. Well it was a good hiding spot and one she wouldn’t have chose. That must have been her choice. Hide in plain sight and make yourself belong. She didn’t buy into that shit at all. Hide and strike. Only things they had left. Well she was almost to the house. She threw her coat over the back of her pack and on the porch knocked politely. Her handgun was within easy access. Please don’t make me shoot anyone today. That wouldn’t bode well.

[Andrew Schmidt]

The knock caught the blonde man at the door by surprise. He opened the door to see a red haired woman standing there. It was odd that they had a visitor.

"Can I help you, ma'am?"

Andrew thought he had caught a flash of something out of the corner of his eye walking up the path. His muscles tensed a bit as something felt wrong. He palmed the knife that he kept on him at all times. He smiled over at Zowie, "Darling, do you want to get some water from the well for lunch. I am sure that Max can help you carry it."

The sweet woman nodded her head as she headed off to get the water. He notice her calling out for large man. A small sense of relief washed over him. He would hate to have anything happen to the people that took them in. He crouched low to the ground when he entered into the kitchen. He let the knife fall into his hand as he weighted it carefully. He hoped that they had not been found out.

Galax, the owner, stood in the doorway blocking most of the view. The red hair seemed very familiar to Andrew. He itched for a slightly better look. His eyes widened as he stood up. Was it truly possible? Or was this a trick of some kind? The corps would pay if it was a trick.

His voice was shaky as he called out, "Andraste?"

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste looked at the man standing before her. When he asked if he could help her and used ma’am. She frowned at him.

“Who are you calling ma’am?”

She tabled that bit of irritation and decided to ask instead. She was on the verge of asking when she heard her name as if it were a question.

“Yes me who is prepared for the attachment that is Andrew.”

He hand slid slowly behind her back in case he didn’t answer with the counter sign of ‘its symbiotic when it’s you’ if she didn’t hear that she was going to turn this place into a bonfire and be on the next transport out of here.

[Andrew Schmidt]

Andrew let the knife in his hand slip as it clattered to the floor beside him. His eyes widened, hardly believing that she had found them. He took a step forward as a smile crossed his face.

He answered back in a way the would let her know she had come. "He that is Andrew shall shower you with the affection you so rightly deserve."

Galax looked between the two as something strange was going on. Words were odd as there was a look in Andrew's eyes that he had never seen. His throat cleared, "What the hell is going on? Do you know her?"

Andrew chuckled as he finished crossing the room once he felt that they would be safe. "Galax, please meet my wife Andraste."

The orange haired man was flustered, "You are married? I hardly believe it! You are such.."

"If you wish to keep your tongue, you will not finish that sentence. I wish a moment alone. For it has been ages since I have seen her last. You can inform your wards that we have one more for lunch." He turned his full attention on her, "That is if you are hungry?"

As the other left the room shaking his head, Andrew held out a hand to her. Part of him felt it was a trick of his imagination. He need to touch her, feel her in his arms once again. He could only guess the journey she went on to find him. He wanted to go look for her as well however supplies were short as Annabelle told him it would be better for him to stay here, letting the others come to them.

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste found that this was the right guy and while he quickly explained to the man he was married who replied that with the way he acted. That was not what she wanted to hear and when Andrew threatened him her gun was out and aimed at Andrew's crotch. When he said to inform her wards that there is one more for lunch her eyes widened and not in a good way.

"No please finish what you were saying sir. I wouldn't mind hearing what my husband has been up to in my absence. If I don't like it he will get his pleasure shot off by me."

She couldn't be mad at him and put her gun away and pushed past the man and over to Andrew and drew him into her arms. She wanted to feel him and while holding him she knew it was him. That rib that had been broken and not set proper she could feel up against her. She sighed with contentment. She decided to answer the man.

"Yes he knows me. We are married and if you notice he does wear the ring around his neck on a chain made of Jovian talarian and the ring is made of tritanium."

She held up her hand to show the ring she wore.

[Andrew Schmidt]

All felt right in the world as his wife threatened to shoot of his fun zone. She would be the only one that was allowed to ever pull that. "That I am such a flirt."

Galax laughed as he watched this woman. He could see the change in Andrew. There was a love between the two that no one could deny. He nodded as he saw the two embrace. "I had never pictured your husband as the settling down type. I shall leave you two alone for a moment.

Andrew squeezed his wife as she held him close. He kissed the top of her head as he buried his nose in her hair. It was a scent that no one would be able to reproduce. She was truly here. To him, it was a sign that the universe would be going back to normal soon enough. He kept her close, getting lost in the moment.

"Oh how I have missed you. I have a thousand gifts to shower you with. A few different traditions to share of expressing ones self."

He lifted her slightly up off the ground with a tiny twirl. She was the only one who actually made him gushy and weak in the knees. No one else would ever do in her place. He set her down on the ground again. He kissed her softly before pulling back. "Mi Amore, I shall never leave your side again. I don't care if you have an army coming down, they will not pull you away from me. Besides, Annabelle will gladly give her watch over to you. She has more or less kept me in line."

He chuckled at the last part before kissing her again.  He ran his thumbs over her cheeks as a smile spread across his face.  His voice had a salutary nature as it was low enough just for her to hear.  "If you allow me, for at least the next week, you and I shall not be getting a lot of sleep."

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste looked at the man as she was embraced by Andrew and wondered why the man would be such a flirt. It was a bit disconcerting that he didn’t know that she was alive. He couldn’t blame him for that. She had scattered to the winds as much as they had done.

“He can look but touching would end badly for him.”

The man seemed to have Andrew pegged about the face he gave to the universe and she knew exactly where his heart belonged though. She was fine with things.

“He hasn’t settled at all. Just made a wise choice. Always bet on red. That’s what I told him once.”

His closeness was enough for her and she felt something close to contentment that she hadn’t felt in the longest. His arms made her happy.

“You don’t have to shower me with gifts. The only thing I want I have found. There is no worrying about anything for a moment.”

He was making rather bold statements because they had work to do and someone to find. There hadn’t been any word about Du’Avatar since the fall of Sol. That caused a small amount of worry for her. His being kept in line by Annabelle wasn’t a surprise.

“Well you don’t have to worry about that unless mission requirements call for something other than teams. Don’t say things that can’t be helped.”

As nice as shacking up with Andrew and spending the week naked and with barely sheets covering them sounded. It wasn’t reality. They both knew they had work to do and he knew that. She kissed him back and pulled back.

“I have to know though....has she contacted you two?”

She needed to know because they needed their full team.

[Andrew Schmidt]

Andrew was happy just to have her here. Thoughts of what he wanted ran through his head however everything was cut short when she got down to business. He knew deep down inside that she felt the same. They balanced one another out very nicely. As she pulled back, he tangled his fingers in with hers.

She mentioned their leader as a frown crossed his face. They had ears to the ground to try and catch wind of any survivors with Sol. There had been nothing as they feared the worst.

"Unfortunately, no, mi amore. We have had no word from anyone that might have survived Sol. We left beacons for others to guide them here. You are the second to find us."

He would start to guide her to a chair, "We have a new member that Annabelle has been training in. Her name is Shizuka Jaeger. She shows great promise. Or at least that is what my sister says. I don't get away from the farm too often for times like these. How did you find me all the way out here? What have you heard?"

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste was more than pleased to be there with him. She gave a small pleased smile when he tangled his fingers with hers. It was nice to be with him again but they always had a mission and this time the mission was more than putting out a fire. It was paramount. He frowned though when she mentioned Du’Avatar that was enough to tell her the answer without him speaking.

“I thought she was elusive but this is ridiculous that she isn’t even around after everything. She’s either dead or captured.”

There was her optimism full throttle. She didn’t think into the gray area. She was black and white. It served her well.

“The beacons aren’t all that easy to follow but I’m sure that was deliberate by Annabelle. Well I’m not surprised by her paranoia.”

A raised eyebrow was the only reaction to the news of a new person amongst their number. Annabelle was signing off on this new member was basically the pope giving a personal blessing. His questions though needed answered.

“I just inquired in town about you. I asked if there was a guy that you kept your daughters away from because I have something for him. They were quick enough to point me this way. It seems some aren’t to pleased with your wandering eye.”

She laughed as she sat down and looked at the man.

“I’m glad though that someone took you in and kept you out of trouble. How is the slow life farming?”

She hadn’t heard much except the propoganda perpetuated by Death Phantom. That on top of the large bounties on the heads of the royal children.

“Nothing much except the normal stuff about the royal kids and how much they are worth. That’s about it.”

[Andrew Schmidt]

Andrew slid next to her as he pulled her close. An arm looped around her shoulders, anything else they would be on the floor with no cloths on. Maybe tonight, she would let him make her feel as if the heavens parted.

He laughed at the comment from her. "You forgot sons as well. And most folks don't want their children defiled by the smooth talking man. I'm sure they failed to mention that I was not out of sight of those around here, expect the girl. Annabelle can confirm, I have been celebrate as a monk. Though I think a certain red head could tempt me away from that life."

He gave her a playful wink as he squeezed her with a kiss on her cheek. They had all been kicked of planets as he refused offers from various high society people. In his younger days, a dry spell like this would have driven him insane. She was worth being insane for.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I actually enjoy it? I get to work with my hands in a way that brings life. The other day I helped a mare give birth. It was incredible! It makes me want to settle down in a place similar to this when all the fighting is over with. Then again if you want to live in a big city, I shall follow you. And not to worry, I still get into trouble here."

His eyes grew wide as he heard the news about the royals. They were alive! A thousand questions ran through his head.

"When did you hear this? Do you know where they are? Could they be the reason that Du'Avatar has not contacted us? We could have a chance to win, right? This changes everything for us!"

A clearing of the throat brought the attention of Andrew to the door. He smiled at the confused look on Zowie's face. He pulled his wife up as he made introductions, "Love of my life, meet Zowie. She is the main reason for us being taken in and why Annabelle makes me sleep in the barn. Zowie, this is my wife Andraste, a woman who has stolen my heart and soul. She has returned and I a whole man."

The girl felt her cheeks grow warm as her eyes widened. Her guardian mentioned one more for lunch, though she was struck by how lovely this woman looked. Her heart sank for a moment as she let a smile form on her face. "It is wonderful to meet you. Food is on the table when you are ready."

Andrew turned back to his wife, hoping she caught the sleeping in the barn bit. He almost worried that this homely creature would cause the reunion night plans to go down the drain. He swallowed as he waited for her reaction.

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste had a hard time believing he was enjoying it and when she saw the young woman who also lived here. That was probably enough motivation for him to stick closely to the farm. She couldn’t help but understand the reasons and one of those was she had been missing.

“I’m sure helping bring life into the universe was a very liberating experience. I don’t think that the fighting will be done until those kids get done with not having what’s theirs.”

She wasn’t worried about his trouble causing and how much he got into. It was Andrew and he found trouble in his sleep. The reaction wasn’t one she didn’t expect when she told him.

“It’s something I’ve heard and then I saw them when I was searching for you. They raided a depot and left it a smoking crater. I saw them and the one who leads them. It’s not a hard stretch.”

Du’Avatar not contacting them was both normal and common. She didn’t worry about what she was up to and what she did. Her machinations were her own.

“It changes nothing. It just means we know they live. That’s all.”

The entry of the young woman and follow on introduction made her watch Zowie. Oh she had a crush on Andrew. That was so sweet. She was fooled by him obviously.

“A pleasure and thank you for being so hospitable to Andrew. It is appreciated that someone did and actually put up with him.”

At the mention of lunch Andraste shook her head. She had eaten on her way out here but quickly decided to at least sit with them.

“Let’s eat I suppose. I wouldn’t mind getting to know everyone here a bit better since they have been so kind to Annabelle and Andrew.”

Her smile always looked predatory due to her fight training and this instance was no difference. She smiled slightly as she rose and waited for Andrew to lead.

[Andrew Schmidt]

Relief swept over Andrew as next words out of his wife's mouth were friendly. It was true that not many could put up with him for long periods of time. This strange family happened to be one of them. Things seemed to be kept in a forward motion as he rose beside his wife. He gave her a peek on her cheek as his hand gently squeezed hers. The conversation of her meeting the children would have to wait. It would be something that Annabelle would want to hear as well. They had more of a fighting chance now. A war on two fronts was better than the hit and run. He might be able to use it as leverage to get more to join them.

He whispered in her ear, "Afterwards, you and I can go for a hike, of sorts. There is a lot to discuss though not in front of them. Their involvement is small for there is more than meets the eye."

Zowie shuddered at the smile Andraste gave. It was hard not to see how close the two of them were. Somehow she knew that her uncle and cousin would be relieved by all of this. It was true that he was just a big flirt. How silly she thought more could come off it. No one was going to have kittens when they got too close.

Her voice was cheery as she responded, "They have been a huge help. It can be a little tough running this place with just the three of us."

Andrew pulled his wife right to his side. He should get the table from the barn however that could happen later. He was not letting her out of his sight just yet. Part of him still could not believe that she was here or the fact the children were alive. Plans would be made soon enough to join the two teams together. He lead them into the kitchen as a small platter of cold roaster beef, some butter, fresh fruit, and beard was set out. It was simple as morning duties usually took up most of the cooking time. He sat on the floor as he had Andraste sit next to him.

The other three sat around as the silence was rather uneasy. He could understand as one more had joined them. Room was rather limited here to begin with. He cleared his throat as he made a quick sandwich.

"A fun fact, mi amore, this place is self sustained for the most part. There are a few things that are needed from town. It has proved useful with keeping a low profile. I should make the last introduction for the moment, Max is the final member of this little family."

[Andraste Kerik-Schmidt]

Andraste had to think that about that hike. She had just spent the last six months looking for him and them having any private time with him could wait until they had discussed the state of their mission. That was what was on her mind.

"Yes the hike would be good as we have a lot to discuss and that means a little privacy. I doubt the barn you sleep in would afford us that as barns are well rather more public than a horror movie would let you believe."

She turned her attention to Zowie who was watching her like she was competition for Andrew. The way he was she wouldn't be able to handle the guy so while that made her want to laugh at the child she felt for her instead. She patted the seat next to her for Zowie.

"I'm so glad that they have been helpful and later we can do each other's hair and you can tell me all about the fun and adventures you have had with them. I wouldn't mind hearing about them. I have a few things in my pack that will make this a good time. When Annabelle returns we can all have a conversation."

When she was pulled up to him and the explanation given about how this place ran she nodded. That was nice to hear that he was adjusting to life here. When she mention Max she gave Andrew a look that said she hadn't noticed another but she was surprised that she hadn't seen him. The fields were large and she had noticed that they had some distance fields.

"Is Max in a distant field? Should we go get him?"

She looked at Andrew this time and smiled.

"A farm that needs very little from the town it is near. I used to live near places like this growing."

[Zowie Cosmetatos]

Zowie was trying to exit the room to finishing last minute preparations when she felt the eyes on the back of her. She turned around as she swallowed hard. She had a split second hesitation as the hand patted to take a seat next to the red haired woman. The light around the woman was intense yet she could not help but feel safe.

She sat quietly down as her cheeks warmed. From the attire, she would not have guessed this woman was willing to bond over doing hair. She hardly had any friends from town, this was something new. To be honest, her uncle and the farm hand were the only ones who she talked to on a regular basis. Yet there was something that was hidden from her. It was something to worry about in the wee hours of the morning.

"It.. could be fun." There was a slight hesitation. She knew that Annabelle was intense. "Annabelle should be getting back at some point today, right?"