Hey Mr. Wonderful!

Thanksgiving around the Stewart household was always an interesting affair. Between Shayn, the children, Tetsu and Morgan, and any of the other friends and family that would pop in at random intervals, it was a relief to Madeline that she now had a house to host in. With Christopher in tow, Glory-May had arrived to help Madeline prepare, and the two friends had sent the men from the kitchen to watch the children as they cooked. Phee and Mel were there, always delighted to see their nieces and nephews. Bless them, they never left Jake and Ainsley out of their affection, and the laughter and delicious smells that filled the house always caused Madeline to smile and enjoy the day much more.

Outside of the kitchen, things were not as serene. Between Mel and Phee being constantly kicked out of the kitchen, and the men either trying to sort out problems between their respective children, or being thankful that they didn't have children, it was quite a stretch. While there was a football game on, it was clear that no one was watching it. Morgan had pulled Tetsu onto the couch with him, and the two were bickering like the married couple that they were. Morgan and Glory-May's husband were grilling Phee or Mel's dates intermittently, and now and then Jonathan would throw in a comment, and Shayn was actually off playing with the children, though it was clear he did it only because Ainsley had crawled into his lap, and asked him quietly, and Jake had sent him pleading looks. Now and then, Jon would glance longingly at either the kitchen or the direction that the children had disappeared to. He really felt slightly out of place in the conversation around him.

After much work on the part of Madeline and Glory-May (something that neither of them complained about), lunch was served, and the large family crowded into the dinning room, laughing and sharing good times over the wonderful food that the two had managed to cook. Jon sat between Madeline and Ainsley, and between complimenting his wife and cutting his five-year-old daughter's food, he found himself quite busy. Not that Jonathan was complaining about that, either. The meal was, as always, the favorite part of the evening, and when everyone had eaten their fill, the children were sent off to play, and all of the adult females retired to the kitchen to clean and gossip, leaving the men to once more mind their children.

Morgan and Tetsu were once again on the couch, only this time watching something that was, mercifully, not football. Glory-May's spouse and the boyfriends of Morgan's sisters had all volunteered to go out and get something else for dinner, as no one wanted leftovers. This left Jonathan and Shayn with the children. And so, Jonathan found himself on his bed, with Ainsley in his lap, and Isobel curled against his side, both watching Star Trek, while Shayn sat on the floor with three very bored boys.
"Christian, this is boring."

Chris looked at his cousin, a good year and a half older than him, who clearly thought that this was a boring way to spend their time. He glanced at his younger half-brother, who rolled his eyes. Jake often found Christopher to be tiring, and Chris could see where the younger boy could think so.
"So, what should we do about that?"
"I dunno. Something."
Now it was Christian's turn to roll his eyes. Christopher was not being specific, and not helping at all. He turned to look at his twin, and could tell that Izzy was bored too. She liked Star Trek, but they were on their third episode, and she was bored.
"Jake? Any ideas?"
"Oooh, let's play Cowboys and Indians."

Christian should have known the answer to that, as it was Jake's favorite game to play. He was hoping that his cousin wouldn't shoot down his younger brother. He looked at his uncle, and knew that Shayn wouldn't let it go if Christopher said anything to hurt Jake. Chris held his breath, turning his eyes to Christopher.
"Cowboys and Indians? Hmmm, haven't played that in a long time. Alright, squirt. Which side are you?"
"Cowboys!"
Shayn ruffled his favorite nephew's hair, and nodded to Chris.
"I'll be a Cowboy, too. Christopher, you wanna join us?"
As his cousin nodded, Chris looked over at his sisters, who were both watching him. Izzy with eyes that sparkled excitedly, and Ainsley with serious, somber eyes. Ainsley made the best Indian.
"Alright, so it's you three against me and my sisters."
He already knew who would win.

"Wait!" Isobel exclaimed, sitting upright immediatly. The others all looked at her quizzically, and waited to see what she had to say. Dramatic as always, Isobel let the silence stretch out, before she pointed dramatically. "We Indians need a captive!"
The others looked around, to see who was willing for that part in the game, when a soft chuckle caused them all to look at Jonathan.
"I'll be the captive."

Within minutes, the children were busy. The 'cowboys' were shooed out of the room, and the 'Indians' set about with a way to tie up their captive. They finally found four silk scarves that belonged to their mother, and carefully tied Jonathan spread eagle to the bed. Isobel and Christian left immediatly to play, but Ainsley made sure that her father was comfortable, and tied the remote next to his hand. Kissing his cheek, she grinned and ran off to find her siblings. After several hours had passed, Jonathan assumed that the children had forgotten him. It was dark outside now, and from the noise outside, Madeline had managed to wrestle them all into bed, and get the couch ready for Shayn downstairs.

He waited for a little bit longer, and heard the bedroom door open.
"Ah, there you are."
"Been looking for me?"
Jonathan turned his head, smiling at his wife, as she crossed the room, and knelt on the bed.
"I asked Ains where you were, and she told me they tied you up. I had no idea where they meant."
"Well, here I am."
"Indeed."
Madeline leaned down, kissing Jonathan. Jon wanted to wrap his arms around her, but he couldn't move them. He sighed slightly, deciding that he didn't like this at all. He wasn't sure why other people found it so appealing. He couldn't touch Madeline, or put his arms around her. He couldn't share with her. This system seemed to be for the pleasure of one person, not two.

After a minute, Madeline pulled away, shaking her head.
"I don't like this."
"I don't either."
She chuckled softly, and untied his wrists and ankles, and then moved to lay beside him. Jon wrapped his arms loosely around her, grateful to be able to do so.
"I guess we just aren't fun and experimental types, are we?"
"Do we have to be?" He asked her. Madeline thought for a moment, and shook her head.
"Nope. I like us just the way we are."
Jonathan shifted positions, so that he was leaning over her.
"Me too, Mads. Me too..."