Life goes on (a year after immortal beginnings. )

Mike climbs out once through and parked up nearly and out of the way, looking over and grinning, " Aloha Donnie! island living and chief good suited Mikey, he loved his mate, his new home. No where not even Shell City had been as beautiful as Kauai.

He hurries about the other side to lift his wobbly but standing and walking toddlers out of their seats. " Go say hi to Uncle Donnie."

Liiikes he had to tell his eager affectionate tots to scramble over to their Uncle, a rush of little voices, their mothers beautiful skin coloration and his own bright baby blue eyes. They had leathery shells, if Riptides was more flat than the boys and the boys a plastron each of a warm coffee brown and his daughter had no plastron, each had silly black hair much like their mother in a variety of braids.

Riptide maybe shoved between her brothers Tsunami and Typhoon to get to Uncle Donnie's feet and out her arms up immediately.

Mike bounces over scooping his sons up. " How are you? How's Jade? Raphie and Dieair?" more interested in checking in with his family before going to official business. Moving closer so he could one arm hug his brother once pretty little Riptide was picked up.

Don eagerly knelt down and opened his arms for the little ones. He scooped up Riptide. and stood up hugging the little one close and giving Mike a hug.

Everyone is good. The farm has been peaceful for a long while now. It makes me nervous. But hopeful that it stays that way. So many new babies have been born. I think Dieair is a little jealous and wants her own little one.

Jinx finally got her body back to normal. She was the skinny stick that she use to be before the baby. Not that Chris seemed to mind that she was a little bigger, but it did bother her. But now she proudly walked outside in her tiny bikini.

She took Ajax to the pond and stepped in the shallow water. She knelt down and held the baby in the water to let him splash around which he happily did.

A year had come and gone by so quickly. If someone would have told Charlie that she would become a mother, she wouldn't have believed them...but here she was, a mommy to a beautiful one week old baby boy named Scout. When Chris had found out that his best friend wanted to name his kid Scout, he gave Adrian a hard time, teasing that Scout was a dog's name. Now that the little one was here, Chris had laid off.

The pregnancy had been an unexpected surprise. Neither of them had been prepared and while she loved Adrian dearly, he wasn't the most 'mature' and was often reckless and chaotic, but he seemed to have fallen into the role of fatherhood quite well while still being his goofy, lovable self.

Before she became too heavily pregnant, Charlie helped out when needed in the infirmary, but after Scout was born, was taking the recommended maternity leave and enjoying her time home with her little family. She had also recently spoken with Victor, revealing his real name and what little she had learned about his past life from his file. Vic had chosen to keep the name that Jinx had given him, but at least now he had a last name to give his children.


It was another warm and beautiful day and Charlie had gotten up early to tend to the little one. She had him cradled in her arms as she fed him a bottle, setting on the front porch swing and watching everyone enjoying the pond and warmth the day had given them.

Gabe was taken aback by their visitors. He thought that Cindy wanted nothing to do with him since she hadn't asked him to be there when the babies were born. He knew that she had moved on and was trying to respect that, though he did want to be a part of his little ones lives. After the initial shock wore off, he greeted Cindy and Negan with a small smile as he stepped aside to let them in, his gaze shifting to his little ones....

"Of course, come in..."

And he reached for the little one that Cindy was holding. "Names seem to fit."

Adrian was a daddy! When he first got the news he was super nervous about the whole thing. But as time went on the idea of being a father grew on him. He and Charlie decided on the name Scout which Chris of course made fun of. But Adrian just assumed Chris was jelly of the awesome name.

When their son was born he fell in love with the little boy. It was so awesome knowing that he helped in making a little person.

Today Adrian was inside getting Charlie a glass of cold water. He walked out on the porch and pressed kisses all over her face before sitting down beside them.

Got you some water. Need anything else? I am at your service.

Cindy handed Raziel over to Gabe. Now that her hands were free she took Azriel from Negan.

Negan was only there to help travel with the babies and because it was safer to travel in groups. But he excused himself to go talk to Digger while Cindy visited.

Cindy took a seat on the couch.

I wasn't sure if you were interested in the boys. There was a little girl...but, she didn't make it. I'm lucky that the boys made it. It was a hard delivery.

Lydia stood in the kitchen drinking her beer. Gabe's kids were none of her business. Unless they stayed with them of course. She wasn't the biggest fan of children. But would care for them if she had to.

First Cindy and Negan then Mike. Digger was not expecting company today. People needed to call before showing up.

With a groan, Digger stood up and walked over to Mike and Don to see what Mike needed.

Hey Mike. What can we do for you?

Riptide hugged Uncle Donnie around his neck, and gleefully she points to a collection of hand wound hemp cord necklaces with shells on them she has at the moment tied about her middle, " I mades pressie, can gives one?" shyly, and in pretty good clear tot speak.

Tsunami makes a face but whatever tease he might have levelled his sisters way, with clear intentions from Typhoon to either join in or defend their triplet - who knew with these threee - was interrupted by the hug, then Boomer in the middle of Mikey sniggering at Donnie's words, " Can you really blame Dieair? Have you seen these tropical beauties? Leo's jewel like totts? His older kids? One whom is a dragon now, and the other like some beautiful elf, fairy thing from one of Tolkien's fantasy worlds... and Jade... come on who doesn't want another beautiful Jade or Javier?" he might be biased in regards to his children, their older brothers kids.

Mikey turns to Boomer, and gestures with his free hand, his sons balanced on the other arm and shoulder, at the Battle Shell. " Here to catch up with my brothers and niece, show off these three most beautiful children of course annnnnd I have improved Blood Melons, Meat Melon prototypes to try, plus more recipes and cooking lessons for faking meat annnnd some medications, tinctures, powders from The Mangroves... Rope and the offer of building or structure strengthening materials from Windjana. Also here to check on Ryn and her Leroys." Not one of the communities he has mentioned demands anything in return, not even tradable goods, they all just have spares to share with The Farm as their own communities find new ways to build and make and create new things to replace all the small things that made the lost modern life possible. And more important, get some feedback on improvements for things like their attempts to create and provide more sustainable food, building, and medicinal resources. Even if sometimes that amounts to Mike just learning new ways to cook existing food to mimic meat or blood properties. And or Shadow, Shen and Leatherhead with Jumba's help relearning old methods of herbalism and other holistic medicines, and food is Mike's passion. From planting to harvest to cooking. Feeding people, putting actual good foodie things in all sorts people!

If The Farm has stuff they can offer to share thats cool.

Digger didn't have the heart to tell Mike that Flag and maybe Vic was the only ones eating those melons. Thorn and Mikko still went out hunting for people. Though people were getting harder to come by, Sanctuary still had meat but even that was getting low.

Digger gave Mike's shoulder a good pat and smiled at the little ones.

Thanks man. We appreciate everything you guys can help us with. You know you're welcome to stay as long as you like. The little ones are adorable. But if you need a break from them we started up a daycare.

The farm had nothing to offer, other than some veggies and fruit. They just didn't have the supplies that other communities did. But there was one thing Digger could offer.

Don and Baxter made some new communication devices. We have a few extra if you need them.

Don kissed her cheek and smiled.

A present for me? I'm honored.

He bounced the little girl in his arms as Mike spoke to Digger. Flag wasn't around at the moment so Digger was left in charged. Don knew that Flag had his reasons for picking Digger as second in command. But Don thought someone else would be better suited.

Another year had come and gone so fast. Some changes had been made around the farm. After more pleading on Harley's part, Flag was spending more time at home and with the kids, but that didn't seem to solve all of their problems as Harley had hoped for. Harley felt it was time to try for another baby, but unfortunately she and Flag were not on the same page. He had lost two. His newborn along with June, and the unborn that Harley has been carrying during one of Bishop's attack. He didn't want to go through that heartache again. They had healthy children that still needed their attention. He seemed content with the family they had.

This had put a strain on their relationship. Harley loved the children that they already had, but losing Malak had left a void that Harley was desperately trying to fill. It upset her that Flag didn't feel the same need.

It was another beautiful day and Harley was out taking a walk while the kids played with Ghost at the pond. Enough people were out there so she didn't worry about Blaze getting hurt. Flag was out on one of his runs to Oceanside, even though it was one of his 'off days'. It made Harley wonder if he had a girlfriend there...

Typhoon and Tsunami climb across their fathers shoulders to get closer to Riptide and Uncle Donnie as their sister yays and then calls for their help to pick and lift off of her a necklace for their uncle and so Uncle Donnie may have to decide on which of the pretty different shells he wants as they are having trouble deciding which one.

Mikey pays little attention to this part, listening to Digger. All told despite what he heard of the man a year ago he doesn't have many issues with him.

Mike is not dumb, aware that despite combined efforts to provide nutrient rich delicious alternatives there are still those that actively choose to kill, choosing to ruin other peoples families and lives. And he won't say he takes delight knowing Windjana and The Mangroves has some of their own folks traveling about, and removing, turning away or taking into their communities any people out and about looking for true safety, sanctuary and homes. Making already scarce human prey a rarity. And whilst Leo's and Shen's communities are welcoming to visitors from the Farm, they don't welcome Sanctuary, Scavenges or Reaper types. And have warned the active hunters here in The Farm to keep hunting off their lands.

And he takes the offer in good humour and whilst they trust most of the Farm he would NOT be leaving his and Lilo's babies in the care of anyone but his brothers or neice whilst here. He doesn't even trust them with the Jade's boyfriend. And on the whole he knows his triplets would prefer to remain close or near to him, much like Leo's quads trail about after their father or mother when visiting here. " Appreciated but its more of have you guys got a Parent Day Care to give these cuties a break from me?"

Lilo and Jumba long ago had begun work on rebuilding some phone communication abilities in their areas and out to O'Hana so Mike was glad to hear there were improvements. " That would be great, thanks." and it would be!

A glance to see how Donnie is faring with triplets all trying to help get whichever necklace selected or choosen off of Riptide and onto their Uncle. " And thanks for the welcome, I may take these guys to go hang with their cousin or Uncles Donnie and Raphie, Aunt Dieair then come help unpack everything from the Battle Shell and pack away some stuff. I probably will only stay a day or two, but if allowed am happy to offer some cooking lessons, got lots of traveling to do." Just so Digger knows what to expect of him whilst here. Happy to help as needed is the implications under his offered cooking lessons, happy to guard, teach, clean, build... whatever for his stay whilst spending time with his family before heading off.

Don put Riptied down and sat on the grass to get on the little one's level.

He picked out a pretty white shell necklace and helped take it off of her.

It's beautiful! Thank you. It's the best present ever.

Don hugged all the kids. It was then that River's new pet hell kitty came up to the group and rubbed herself on the legs of the kids begging for pets.

"These are the lips of a killer, Bella." Thorn teased and caught Sam's lips in a deep kiss, savoring the taste of her. He then smooched Ruby's cheek and placed the dandelion behind her little ear.

It was then he noticed Negan heading towards Digger. The guy must be here visiting, which was weird. Was he here to see if he was still locked up? Surely he didn't think he should still be on house arrest.

'Wonder what brings him here?" He gave a nod towards the man. The man he had taken a wife from. The man that was raising a child without a mother, because of him. Yeah, Negan had every reason to hate him. He could not blame him. And he did still feel remorse over his actions. If he had it to do all over again, had he known what he would be taking, he would have left her alive. It had not detoured him from killing, but...he was a little more careful. Yes, the blood and flesh melons were an option....but...he didn't trust the people from the Mangrove community, and it was nothing personal. Trust was a hard thing for him, and only a very few within the farm had earned it.

"A little added protein." Vic teased and gently began massaging Mikko's shoulders. Soon Lore was in his lap and he paused with the massages
to wrap his arms around his adopted daughter, giving her a careful, very gentle squeeze.

Gabriel sat beside Cindy and bounced the little one in his arms. It hurt his heart to hear there was a third, a girl, that didn't make it....

"Did...she have a name?" He asked quietly.

"Of course I wanna be a part of their lives. I woulda been there to help you through it, but didn't think you wanted that. I'm glad you had Negan to be there for you." Even if he did feel robbed of being there for their birth.

Cindy nodded her head at his question. yeah her name was Gabriella. Sorry I didn't ask you to be there for their birth. I really didn't know you were interested. So that's my fault. But. You will be in their lives now. You should visit the beach some time. Especially now it's perfect weather for swimming.

So dangerous. SHe teased back.

Her attention then turned to Negan and Cindy heading into Gabe's house. After a few seconds Negan walked out and made his way to Digger's place.

It looks like he's here with Cindy. Maybe they're a couple now.

Lore sat in Vic's lap and happily pulled up flowers to eat.

Mikko checked on the twins then laid down in the grass closing her eyes. Her stomach growled.

Might be time to eat something. She said patting her stomach.

Digger pulled out a phone and handed it to Mike. Honestly he wondered if Mike needed it. They had alien tech over there. All the farm had was what Bishop left behind.

Stay as long as you like. Flag should be back soon if you need to talk to him. But until than if you need anything you know where I live.

He nodded over at his house and spotted Negan.

Looks like someone else needs me. There's more phones in the barn, there's also some veggies in there if you need any. Help yourlself.

Digger excused himself and went over to see what Negan wanted.

Chris honestly did not mind Jinx' baby weight gain. He thought she was beautiful either way. She had lost it, but he wasn't complaining about that, either. He had enjoyed watching hid little one grow over the last year. He never thought he would have a family of his own, but he was digging it. He was also happy for Adrian, too. Even if he has been doubtful his bud could pull off fatherhood. Thankfully so far he seemed to be handling it well.

Chris had been helping with security over the last several months and stood in as guard whenever the others needed a break. He had offered to help with supply runs, but Flag seemed against that. It wasn't his fault that he was naturally loud and liked exploding things!


It was another beautiful day and it seemed most were out enjoying the pond. Chris decided to join, but not without making an entrance! He ran towards the water, stripping down to his underwear as he did so, careful not to sprint towards any of the kids.


"I CAME IN LIKE A WRECKING BALL!!" He yelled as he cannonballed into the water...

Jinx clapped her hands and Ajax followed along. She would have swam to Chris but didn't want Ajax in the deeper part of the pond.

Libby landed next to everyone else and patted Hunter's nose when she slid off him. Want to go swimming?

Annnnd Uncle Donnie has made himself the perfect lap for three toddlers to try climbing in as he selects and helps get his chosen pressie off of Riptide.

She points at the shell he choose, " Mama says dis is lei pūpū puka." hers and her brothers Hawaiian clearer than English.

Mikey grins and accepts the phone. Why not? Leo gave one to Flag like years ago. So in the spirit of sharing and all and it's always an idea to show Jumba. A grateful nod, " thanks dude." cheerfully for Digger watching him go for a moment then turning to rescue Donnie from his eager to climb all over him, the little boys asking loudly what this or that on Donnie's belt over their sister trying to describe the shell in her limited English and some sentences she has in Hawaiian how she found the shell and Mikey helping her thread it.

He scoops the kids one by one off of Donnie and is amused. " alright stop mashing your Uncle, go find Uncle Raphie and do it to him. Ya alright Don coming with? I would like to hang with Raph, Dieair and Jade first before getting down to serious business."