masanari | [Futurelandia] The Wonderful Christmas (and maybe into New Years stuff too)

[Futurelandia] The Wonderful Christmas (and maybe into New Years stuff too)

[ Their pack's Christmas tended to be one which was full and chaotic, despite the fact that there were increasingly less children in the house as Yamato and Junko (and yes, Koji too) all grew to maturity. In some ways, this was actually more "kids" than had been in the house for it than in a long time, what with their new additions.

Still: Masaomi, Nariko, Ada, Sullivan, Emily, Octavio, Tom, Yamato, Junko, Koji, Veronica, and Audrey - Twelve people with at least one gift for everyone else, often times more in the case of those who were more generous or had deeper pockets or more to impress others with. The sheer number (even if it had grown over time) is probably what prompted them to set up a grate tree in one of the living room spaces which was probably meant to be a formal dining room and then lay out all the presents from everyone wrapped up under it andt hen sprawled out for a wide area around it all. There's chairs set up in a circle around the room to give everyone room to sit and the first one there (Which if, of course, Masaomi) brought bags for the wrapping paper to go into a recycle.

Also Masaomi has on a santa hat and a fake beard. Both of which Ada picked out years ago, and he wears mostly out of tradition. It's similarly out of tradition that he got up at the ass crack of dawn to sit in the room and eat some rice before anyone else got up, wait for them all to filter on in here usually starting with Ada or Sullivan or in recent years his eldest son so people can start to make breakfast and be ready. But either way, breakfast and present opening in the morning! A white elephant gift exchange game in the afternoon! A big dinner in the evening!

Christmas is a time of togetherness, where there has to be some structure, but there's a lot which can happen beyond all that and often did. Movies watched, songs sung, and even if this year of different and strange for a variety of reasons... well. It was still their day, and everyone would enjoy it. ]

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[It's a good thing! It's nice to exist together at times! Also gosh Masaomi it's practically ice water for her, how can you think it's too warm?? He's such a weirdo, and yet he's still her weirdo, and her Alpha. And it's either because of that or in spite of it that her answer changes somewhat spontaneously, and for the better.]

Masaomi. [She brushes out the ends of her hair, focusing on the tangles rather than looking at him.] I'm scared of having kids again.

[There. At least she's being honest - and succinct, for the most part. It's difficult for her to discern if it's an actual fear or if she's just scared of having kids with him.]

Edited 2016-03-09 05:56 (UTC)

[ That was one of the last things that he expected to hear from her, and it shows with his face, though to his credit he also quickly rallies. Fortunately, the razor wasn't at his face when she said that, so she was considerate at least. He puts it down and looks at her through her reflection in the mirror. ]

Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't even-- think of that.

[ As a possibility, he means. ]

It's not the most expected explanation, is it?

[She knows it isn't. She had wanted kids for so long, and the middling answer he'd given her at Halloween had about hollowed her out. The anger she felt was probably what had happened influence whatever likely negative opinion Joshua had of him, she'd said a lot of things just because she knew it wouldn't be possible to say them to her own mate. Nariko doesn't look at him, and she keeps brushing at her hair, she needs something to do.]

I was so heartbroken before, and I got over it! So, I mean, there's nothing to say that I won't get over this, too. I just ... [The real problem is that she doesn't know when her anger shifted into resignation, so now it's difficult to imagine the process in reverse.] It's going to take a while for you to heal again anyway, and I have to get this thing taken out of me too. I'll be ready by then.

[She'll probably go along with it even if she isn't.] ... But it fits, right? Even back then you said that you thought Emily would be the next one to get pregnant.

Edited 2016-03-09 06:19 (UTC)

I did, because she really does love that Martin guy even if she's not bringing him over here.

[ why does that feel so loaded, what's even with that tone? He hesitates for a moment, not wanting to make a scene. And then finally, he tilts his head and he exhales. He still looks at her reflection, not as much at her, but that's more to give her some vague idea of privacy than anything else. ]

Ah, Nariko-- look, you don't actually have to have another child. But I really would want to have more with you, and it's really my bad that it took someone else questioning me for me to finally decide I could backpedal on what I said before.

[ He doesn't know how he could or couldn't be more sincere than that ]

I know. [She knows that she doesn't have to, and she also knows that it's really not a matter of sincerity here. She isn't doubting a single word that comes out of his mouth, after all.] But I also know that you must be excited for the idea as a whole, and I want you to be.

[Emily's clearly given her go ahead, Ada might be understandably wary, but ... It's a whole thing that doesn't need to be spoiled for one person, she's actually trying to deal with the issue before it becomes an enormous problem, rather than a slightly awkward one right now.]

Like I said, I'm just worried, it's not that I don't want more kids. I've always wanted more.

[ Worried... ]

... I won't change my mind again, Nariko.

[ He breathes that out. That's really... he doesn't know what else to do there, but - ] But if I can do anything else, I will.

[ A beat, and he really doesn't want to throw her under the bus, but he might as well admit that yes, he is excited for it. He nods a little too, his cheeks flushing ]

Mmhm. [She knows he will! That's not the problem, and really hasn't been for a long while.

But now that they've cleared that up she finishes with her hair, and leans into his side to kiss his cheek.] It's really late, but do you want to get waffles?

[He has his temple visit for New Years, Nariko has waffles. Such is life.]

[ Masaomi tries not to feel gobsmacked by it all, because... well, there's no reason to be? Or at least not a reason to make him stop dead or anything. But it still does sort of end up with a goofy smile on his face, not fully shaved. The kiss is what snaps him to it, and he lets out whatever tension he might've felt with a little giggle. ]

Oh, would I ever.

[ Waffles. He knows perhaps he should make some joke about first morning blowjobs, but eeeh. He can t least finish running the blade over his chin ]

[There are certainly times where it's best to leave people to their thoughts, and now is probably one of them. Since waffles is the short-term plan that means putting clothes on, so for the most part she's busy with that, pulling on jeans and a top. Before she can get anything out about maybe checking on Koji and Junko, there's a knock on their bedroom door, and then Emily's voice - warped by a hangover and exhaustion, but still her.]

Nari, there's someone here to see you! [A deliberate pause, and then:] You might want to come down too, Masaomi.

[It's the glee in the her tone that makes Nariko look at her mate - not accusingly, but she can't think of anyone who would be here for her, that Masaomi would also be interested in. It couldn't be Charlotte, since Emily didn't know her.]

[ There are, and he can busy himself with finishing the shave, splashing his face clean, and then shaking his head to clear whatever wayward thoughts he might have and get a grip on the biological reactions he has to the alcohol being done in his system. But Emily's voice vaguely surprises him. ] Aaaaah, yeah?

[ . . . He shakes his head and goes towards putting on a button up and some khakis ]

Alright, thanks.

[And off Emily goes! Nariko's half sure there's a giggle trailing in their hallway but she tries to not be too paranoid. So off they go, apparently! Though she does wait for Masaomi to be ready.

In their bottom floor living room is Emily in yoga pants and an old tank top, her hairs still a mess and she's scrubbed at her face with makeup remover somewhat recently, which does absolutely nothing to diminish the the grin she wears while talking to Jello Girl on the couch.]

Hey, Lana! [Jello Girl looks over and bursts out into a smile, she's entirely too damn cheerful for someone who was as high and out of it as Emily.] What are you doing here?

[Lana holds up two notebooks, and then offers them up, her eyes flit over to Masaomi more than once, and there's a nervous-excited sort of quality to her tone.] I owe you these, remember? I wanted to give them back before I forgot.

[Nariko takes her books and ... Mostly just blinks, because obviously something is going on, she just has no idea what it could be. But either way she looks at Masaomi.] This is - Lana, from school, we've got a lot of classes together -

[Emily is quickly losing her ability to keep a straight face while Lana pipes up with,] We've already met!

[ What the fuck is Jello Girl doing here? That's Masaomi's first thought when she sees that the little blonde is there with them. Did Jello Girl drive Emily home? No, Martin must've like she said. But then why was Jello Girl here, she wasn't in that much better shape than the rest of them, right? She blinks and is trying to work out that problem and connect things in his head-

Oh wait, she wanted to be in the pack and he--

...

Wait what ]

A-ah. So your name's Lana, is it? [ . . . ] But yeah, we met at the party. [ to Nariko ] She didn't mention you then.

[ And neither did Emily. Which he notes with a look at the redhead ]

[Emily pretends to look elsewhere!! She did nothing wrong, here!]

Oh, cool. I mean, I told you I'd introduce you after break was over, but okay? [But this was Lana so it wasn't at all surprising that she hadn't been able to help herself. Said girl shrugs.]

It was a happy accident! Besides, I wasn't going to pass up the chance to meet the man that makes you sing so beautifully!

[It's such a cheerful answer but Emily actually snickers and Nariko flushes about the best she can while rubbing the back of her neck.]

Please don't mention that, it's embarrassing. [Whatever, she's not gonna just stand around holding four months worth of notes, so:] I'm gonna put these up real quick. [And then, presumably, waffles! But that leaves the three of them alone for a bit.]

[ . . . Introduce after break? So she knew him in the first place and she was intending to be introduced to him? Did she have an intention to join the pack going in to meeting him or something? Masaomi looks over at the scene like it's playing out in slow motion, and then as Nariko edges away he looks from Lana... and then down to Emily. And he - ]

Emily, please remind me I need to spank your ass raw enough you can't sit later.

[ Huff, and then to Lana - ]

So you still want to join?

[ Sing? ]

[She knew of him! Nariko had talked about her lifelong mate a few times, or really whenever anyone asked about him! And Lana had done a good deal of that over the past few weeks. But Emily pouts and says,]

Is that any way to treat your future baby mama?

[Which Lana ignores because that's their business, and his question was way more important.]

Of course I do! I meant everything I said last night!

[And she's kind of hoping that he did, too.]

[ Flatly, without really looking at Emily - ] Yes.

[ Because he's still focused on Lana, looking her over in the light of the... little past morning. Seeing how she's dressed how composed she might look, her hair. And he finally shakes his head and then bows slightly in apology ]

I'm going to do waffles with Nariko now, so I can't take you up for your interview right now. But I'll be looking forward to it either later today or whenever's best for you.

[ That might not clarify if he meant everything or not but ]

[... Shit, did she really piss him off that badly? Emily shuts her mouth immediately.

Lana, for her part, looks perfectly decent and presentable! She's clearly gone ahead and taken a shower and sobered up, since the only proof of her previous fun is a little bit of red around her eyes that couldn't be covered up, and the fact that as a whole she's moving a bit slowly - lights still hurt.

But his response catches her off guard.]

Hey, it's fine!! I wasn't expecting anything right now! I really did just want to drop those off and make sure you were okay!

[After all there was no sign of him when she'd gotten up, which - fair enough! But she'd been a little concerned.]

[ He's not necessarily mad at Emily, more... exasperated? That's a good word for it. More than willing to take it out on her with some particularly rough foreplay rather than the actual "real" punishments he could actually give. He's not... pissed. Not in the sense that he rarely has been in the last decade or two.

But that might not be clear now. He might apologize later, but right now, he focuses on Jello Girl - Lana - and... ]

Ah. [ A beat ]

No, no, fine. I hooked up with Nariko and we did our temple visit. There's plenty more to discuss but you know, waffles.

[ ... He sort of let slip there is stuff going on there but accident but sue him he's tired ]

Edited 2016-03-13 04:40 (UTC)

[Lana mostly blinks at that, unsure of what there is to actually discuss, but different Alphas have different ways of letting people into their pack, right? And it's a good thing that he's putting Nariko over something like this anyway. And speaking of their mutual connection she returns!]

Were you gonna stay and hang out with Emily, or? [It really feels like Nariko's walked in on something weird, but she can't quite place it.]

Nah, I've done everything I wanted to! I'll see you in class, Nari, you've got my number.

[So whenever Masaomi wants to talk or whatever, she'll be around! Or at least make time for him. If there are no objections they can cycle through the goodbyes! The waffles seem important so Lana doesn't want to get in the way of that.]

Ah, and I expect I'll be talking to you soon myself... ah, Lana.

[ Lana. Lana. Lana. Not Jello Girl. He nods to himself, and giving a little smile for Lana and for Emily before looping his arm around Nariko's in an affectionate but also almost possessive sort of way. The Alpha shakes his head. This is a long and confusing day but the New Year often is.

Wait he also - ]

Also, I had a good fortune at the shrine.

[ He says this to the ether, as much for Nariko as for Emily ]

[Lana smiles and pretty much hops off - literally, because in her book it was a positive meeting, and she's happier for it!

Nariko notices the pull in his grip and can't help giving him a curious look. It's not as if the man isn't possessive but, not counting this morning, she can't remember the last time he reacted like this.]

Oh? Well, we can talk about it.

[Over waffles and eggs and slightly weak coffee, like they always do. The New Year is always very confusing! It's knowing that things have changed while feeling as if everything has remained the same, but they'll get through it.]

[ Nariko looked over his shoulder for it! But all the same, he grins and pulls her to the door. He'll drive them, it's the same place as usual, right? And he's admittedly leaving Emily high and dry but oh well, the little note about his fortune was at much for her as anyone. He kisses Nariko again once they get out of the door ]

Did you like your own?

[ Fortune, that is. Both of them got sort of midling ones this year, so it's a little bit up in the air. Still, it'll jn ]st give them something to talk abut as they go and get to the waffles in question ]

Edited 2016-03-13 07:18 (UTC)

[They talked about the marriage proposal part briefly! Well, maybe the travel part was just a reference to their trip? But that'd be pretty anticlimactic of their fortunes to only represent one portion of the year itself. She returns the outside kiss, still a little pleasantly surprised at the sudden affection. She'd been a little worried that the talk itself might ... Dampen his spirit for a bit.]

Mm.

[... Did she? Who knows.] Well, I've been doing really well in school so I want that to go on!

[Yes, just the usual place on the corner, not too far from their house.] The marriage part was odd, I suppose.

[ Small blessings, at that. But he nods along with it. He rolls his neck, and ... yeah, he's not even sure what to make of that marriage proposal thing just yet. ]

Mmmm, it could have to do with someone around me, I think.

[ He nods ] But it's good you got the bigger blessing than me I think.

[She kind of wishes she'd never even seen it, to be honest, so really just screw the universe on that one. And also screw it further for creating so much change in just a few months because it wasn't very long ago that she still looked at wedding dresses just because they're incredibly beautiful.]

Ah, maybe it's Lisa!

[That'd make sense. She head tilts at him, though.]

Why in the world is that a good thing?

[Of course she doesn't want a terrible one or anything but she'd actually been a little upset he didn't get a better one.]

so as far as Junko she'd ... probably definitely sleep through it so I'm gonna skip to bra shopping

Oh okay I didn't know if it was best to end or not but awesome.

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I'm assuming they are going out here hope it is I can edit

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Man I had a plan for that marriage one I'm not sure I remember it I hope it comes to me

lmao for a second I thought it meant he might eventually ask and I became so concerned for him