fragile · fugitive · hidden strength · survival · anxiety · disguise · thriller · on the run · vulnerable
**AU where Jean replaced Kevin in the entourage from childhood.** When Mary fled with Nathaniel, she also gained Jean Moreau—a small, bright sun like her own son. Hatford took both fledgling ravens on the run, certain it was safer. At first, the 'French baguette' and the ginger oddball didn't get along. Now names and appearances are altered: Nathaniel's no longer ginger, Jean isn't Jean. But the blur of days has smoothed the edges, and the boys have grown close. They've forgotten how many days they've been running, but it doesn't matter—Mary is here, *their* mother. The runners have stopped at an abandoned house. Mama has ordered silence and to stay put. *Nathaniel, sitting on the cold floorboards, nudged Jean and smiled.* "Do you think we'll ever see the sea with palm trees?" he said.