Even though the two were far from twins, they may as well have been twins as they were only a few days apart. The ‘siblings’ got into everything together. They had no clue they were cousins and honestly Vanessa wasn’t really sure what Mark planned on telling them when they got older and started asking. People always assumed they were siblings but Vanessa never corrected them.

When the phone rang the toddlers also heard it and were immediately climbing all over Vanessa to get her to wake up. She was certain that pulling a toddler off of one side would topple the other onto the floor so she just hugged them both close to her and adjusted so they were both safe. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t asleep anymore.

Vanessa put a finger up to silence the children, trying to listen to Mark on the phone. “I’m looking for Chief Wilson?” The voice on the other line seemed confused but Vanessa wasn’t hearing the tones on the other end. Vanessa quirked a brow at Mark wondering who could possibly be on the other end of the line this time of morning.

Nina and Bryce were both tugging at Vanessa’s hair, not that she minded in the slightest. Their incessant babble was soon registering in her audio. If it continued at the current rate pretty soon she was sure it would be classified as ‘in stereo’. Vanessa got up and put one kid on each hip going to feed them breakfast. She guessed this was being up for the day. It was now close to nine am she was fairly certain.

Tag: Sp. Agt. Mark Wilson

Mark hadn’t a clue what he was going to explain to them when they got older, it wasnt as simple as Nina I took you in after you’re parents passed and Bryce is your cousin. He wished at times it was, his family was complicated and every time he thought there might be a turning point for it there was something that dragged him right back into it. A call, a look, a new piece of information found and thinking about what to explain to the children about it because he figured there would be questions.

Listening to the voice on the end of the phone Mark nodded despite the person not being able to see. “On her one day off?” He asked before he realised that if they were phoning it was likely more serious than where are the paper clips kept. Chief also meant Navy as he sighed slightly before turning to Vanessa as he grinned seeing the children there too. Well that was the end of peaceful nap time he thought as he walked over to the three of them getting breakfast.

“I’ll see if she’s available, can I ask who’s calling?” He questioned almost wanting to reach into the phone and strangle the person on the other end. Work, why now why was it that it had to happen right at that moment when she was sleeping and everyone was quiet. Honestly did he have to explain that sleeping toddlers shouldn’t ever be disturbed unless there was a worldwide catastrophe happening. He never thought he would be the sort to turn around any shrug off the small stuff for the sake of sleep but toddlers had changed his opinion on that tenfold.

Mark listened as he covered the mouth piece of the phone as he grinned at Vanessa. “Hey Chief, are you home today or not?” He asked her as he gave her a mock salute knowing he would gladly lie for her though he figured given the use of a title it wasnt a social call.

Tag: Chief Vanessa Wilson

Vanessa was in the kitchen and had the blender running for morning smoothies. The kids loved them and if it got them to drink their vegetables hidden in fruit juice she was all for it. Vanessa preferred her iced coffee with caramel and started making coffee for herself and for Mark too.

When Mark came over to the breakfast table she got him his coffee and started on an omelette for him. She was unaware of the person on the phone talking. “Unfortunately, it’s an emergency and without proper clearance I cannot speak of the nature of the call. My apologies Mr. Wilson.” The person spoke, “Let her know that Lt. Commander Hempstead phoned? She'd needed on site as soon as possible.” He pointed out.

Then Mark asked if she was home today or not. The use of title. Blah, that meant work was calling. Then came the mock salute and she hurled a spoonful of applesauce at him as she was getting the kids the rest of their breakfast. Then she rolled her eyes at his mocking. “Unless that’s Hempstead… I better not be getting a phone call on my day off.” There were several issues with her current project but she knew that anyone else calling would just be a death wish on their part.

Tag: Sp. Agt. Mark Wilson

I have an idea, I am going to run with it. If I get you lost just message me

Mark groaned, emergency. Really why did this have to happen on the day he was skipping work and Vanessa had the day off. Why? Was there a greater master plan out there that had to throw the spanner in the works for all of this he wondered. “No need to apologise Lt. Commander, I understand... just you know try to not phone on her day off. Have the emergency when she’s there.” He said as if they could plan these sorts of things in advance of themselves. Yeah he knew it was impossible from his time working as an engineer.

Open mouthed he stared at her when she hurled a spoonful of apple sauce at him as he glanced at the mess. “Oh so this is how it’s going to be played.” He said as he wiped his finger across some of the apple sauce that had hit him as he flicked it back at her grinning. “Yeah It’s Lt Commander Hempstead.” He said to her as he spoke into the phone. “She’ll be right with you.” Mark said as he held the phone out for Vanessa to take. Just when he thought they might have the day things always went sideways.

“Something about an emergency and to be on site asap.” He explained to Vanessa not really sure what kind of emergency it was as he had lost his clearance the minute he swapped over to NCIS. There were days when he missed it but then when he got to make things on his own time, bar an epic disaster he was pretty okay with it when he had time.

Tag: Chief Vanessa Wilson

No worries and I will if I get lost

Vanessa grabbed the phone from Mark before he could make a further idiot of himself. She was one of the very few people who could fix things when it went awry. At least in Tierney, which made her workload rather complex. Because Tierney was landlocked, there were many trips she had to make to the Carolinas. “Good Morning Lt. Commander.” She glared at Mark as he flicked applesauce at her and made a face.

After pleasantries had been exchanged, she furrowed her brows. “He did what?” Her voice raised in intonation. She covered the phone and came over banging her head on Mark’s shoulder. She got a face full of applesauce in the process but could care less. “No sir. I’ll be on a plane with NCIS on the earliest flight I can confirm. I’ll keep you updated and be in touch.” She hung up the phone and sighed. Great.

“Someone tried to launch someone out of one of my prototypes torpedo tube... “ She rolled her eyes. “It went over like a lead balloon. Police are there asking questions and they need to take it apart to get to the person.” Yes, emergency was an understatement. Vanessa leaned on Mark. “We can get a hotel and take the kids with us? I figure they may need you longer than they need me?” She shrugged. Vanessa could only help them with information. “It’s just clearance level excludes me from giving them the information they need over the telephone.” She sighed and rolled her eyes.

Tag: Sp. Agt. Mark Wilson

Mark chucked when she grabbed the phone, he knew how indispensable she was but it didnt make it any easier on her being called in here and there when they had plans. Honestly he swore they knew, sure a night of wine and twister hadn’t exactly been planned but the day was and now that was all gone to pot because of an emergency. Mark simple raised his brow at her when she glared at him as he stuck his tongue out at her.

Deciding there wouldnt be any way to change things he decided to help out with breakfast as he heard Vanessa’s voice change. Well maybe it was more of an emergency than he thought as he felt her bang her head on his shoulder. He chuckled glancing back as he saw the apple sauce. “It’s a good look on you.” He whispered though stopped short of adding anything else when he heard the NCIS part. She was going with NCIS where on a flight as he was about to ask why he wasnt invited on the trip.

Listening to Vanessa he couldnt stop himself from chuckling he minute he heard someone had tried to launch someone from a torpedo tube. “Okay... seriously what are they teaching these days? And can I get the next go?” He asked her grinning though he knew it was serious but still, he had visions of the great cannon ball in a Navy uniform flying at the speed of light. “Are they still alive?” Mark asked as he nodded about getting the hotel. An unplanned trip, well at least this way he still got to go with Vanessa he thought though likely might see her a little less than he first thought.

“See and they say that life doesn’t work out.” Mark stated grinning, “You, me a hotel room... sure the kids too but who knew the Navy could be so accommodating. The guy in the torpedo tube a slight issue but other than that, it could be a romantic trip ish.” He said trying to see the bright side of it despite the work angle, and obvious issue and problems.

Tag: Chief Vanessa Wilson