Gotta Make Sure (McKay) - Panther's Lair

She'd sent the text.  Now she waited in the living room.

He was whistling when he got there and knocked on the door.

The living room was close enough that her call could easily be heard.

"Come!"

He opened the door and started looking for her. "Ya wanted ta see me, Mama?" he called back, following his ears to find her.

She was obviously worried when he came into the living room.

"Aye. Ye may have an issue, love."

His brows rose. He looked concerned. "I do? What's tha problem?"

She sighs.

"How d' ye feel 'bout Greer?"

Talk about a loaded question. His eyes narrowed. "Why?"

She sighed.

"She's in love wi' ye."

He waited a beat. "I know."

She nodded.

"An' wi' th' things goin' on in this Domain, I have t' ken. How d' ye feel 'bout her?"

He sighed. "'Bout tha same."

She sighed.

"Would ye d' anythin' stupid like follow her int' the Carnival?"

He was trying to be honest with her. Honest with her and honest with himself. "Prolly. But that's assumin' I'd let her get taken by tha damn thing in tha first place."

She began to pace.

"This does nay make me feel verra comfortable. Ye'll keep her home an' away fro' all tha', yes?"

He laughed. "It would be my pleasure. Fact is, I don't intend on leavin' her alone much."

She pinned him with a glare.

"Ye call me if ye dinna feel ye can keep her safe on ye're own."

Not a question. Definitely an order.

He nodded. "I will, swear ta God. I ain't exactly tha type ta not ask for help when I need it."

She nodded. Then was across the room and hugging him.

"I know tha'. Just, she's gotten int' trouble b'fore. An' tis odd t' see ye in love."

He laughed and hugged her. "Not really. Been in love most of tha time you've known me. Ya just ain't seen it. An', bad as it sounds, I doubt I'll ever tell her. Greer, I mean."

She looked up at him with a perked brow.

"Who ye been in love wi'?"

He held his hand up about waist-high. "She was about this tall, and dead now, so it don't matter."

She nodded.

"Aye."

He smiled. "So, yeah. You've seen me in love."

She nodded.

"Ye ken ye're like a son t' me, aye?"