masanari | [Futurelandia] An Eventful Valentines and beyond (happy new year)

[She's immediately comforted despite the simple and very obvious fact that she doesn't know a single thing about Nathan and he doesn't know her either. But she had overheard a lot of the conversation before Emily and Ada left, so ...]

When did you ... Know that you really cared about family more than anything else?

[She wants to replace 'family' with 'having a baby' but it feels like too much.]

Is it always that way or does it happen over time or am I already supposed to feel like I can handle this or - [She's rambling again, which is a lot for anyone who isn't Koji, so Veronica stops and takes a deep breathe.]

[ How did he know that -- no, just when. He holds himself together by breathing in deeper, and wishes for the tenth time or so today that he had managed his facial hair better because he looks way too scruffy now. The taller man squeezes her shoulder without really noticing that he did that, and he smiles, ]

W-well, when I was like seven, honestly. But that's because... [ ... ] Nariko was really important to me, the best person in my life. Also, I happened to see a lot of Disney movies, so, you know. [ A shrug, and then somewhat more seriously, ]

But hey, it happens to everyone different, and handling something's often... well, a lot different than wanting it. [ Case and point, him.

... That said, Koji is wandering down the hall towards the room and hears Veronica's voice... ]

That makes sense.

[A lot of sense, actually because it means that she can be happy about being pregnant but not feel so awful about struggling with the reality of it. Veronica nods, sniffles and then takes a very deep breathe, cheering up nearly as quickly as she had fallen apart. You'd think that might be a hormone thing but it's a normal, Veronica thing.] Even though it's going to be really hard ... I'm still happy. I'm going to have a baby that's made up of Koji and I.

[Even saying it puts a smile on her face.] You have Nariko, and Koji has Junko and Yamato ... Everyone has all of these relationship that help them, and I've just always been alone.

[She'd been one of the younger teenagers in her pack, actually, most all of them were starting new careers.] I just don't want to be bad at it.

[ . . . Did Nariko or her husband - mate - know? ... Did anyone else? They had to, right? It's not like he would be the first to know this, right? Nathan thinks that immediately, and then blinks before despite the fact that she's so young, he starts to jump a little and get excited. A baby, huh? That always deserves to be excited! ]

Oh, that's great, congratulati--- oh!

[ And he was then shoved aside by Koji. ... Well, as much as a boy a foot shorter can shove a grown man. Koji looks hard at Veronica, and then wraps an arm around her with little warning, and before Nathan can do much more and collect himself to standing, the small boy who snuck in unexpectedly kisses her ]

[She's ready to smile through the congratulations, mostly because she suddenly realized he wouldn't know that everyone was aware of her pregnancy and no one had a problem with it. But then, uh, Koji ... Appears. Sort of like a very versatile Batman. Or maybe Damien Wayne.]

What -

[To Nathan's credit Veronica doesn't get out more than a word before she's being kissed and that seems like a good idea? So she goes with it, immediately relaxing against him even if that's not the best idea.

Sorry new uncle, you're okay though, right? Good.]

[ So like, he was just sidelined and shoved in his own house by a short kid? Junko did warn that Koji was different, though, so maybe it shouldn't be surprising. He crosses his arms and decides to let them just kiss for a moment - after all, they're having a baby, right? Even if they are way too young for it and he's not sure who else knows, it is sweet and warms his heart through whatever other worries he has.

But then it lasts a bit more... and a bit more...

And if he's meant to be the new Uncle, then he might as well - walks over to both of them, put a hand on both of their heads in the midst of the kiss, and ruffle both of their hair. And Koji, for his part, is interrupted from how he intended to brush his hand over her stomach to swat at the hand, and frowns a little at Nathan's teasing ]

Aww, look at you two lovebirds, that's adorable.

[Did you think Junko was kidding, dude? That's not how she operates.

This is definitely a kiss that's destined to have it's own life expectancy. For all of her talking Veronica's kind of relieved that she has an excuse not to do it, even if she is also a little concerned with how much Koji would have heard. She's already settled her arms around his middle, she gets out a little noise because her boobs are starting to feel bigger and more sensitive now but that head ruffling thing kind of ruins the vague hint of Jasmine that was building directly between them. Buuut she ignores it for a little while longer to continue making out.]

I'm sorry.

[Whenever they do part that's all she says, and it's pretty much just for Koji. She'll be polite to Nathan in a second, dude's gotta wait when her mate is here.]

[ That hint of Jasmine, the subtle shifts in her body and how she moves, how she sounds. Koji can pick all of them up easily, and even if he was distinctly more distracted by the brush on his head by his tall uncle (jerk) he swats the hand and focuses right back on Veronica. The boy briefly feels stupid, not being sure what she's apologizing for, but then brushes it aside. Even if he doesn't, he'll just figure it out later, who cares?

Instead, he brings the swatting hand down her sides and rests it over her belly, the other around her upper waist and shoulders ]

You feel hot.

[ Was that physical or metaphorical? Who knows.

... Nathan sure doesn't. As he takes his hands back to himself. ]

Really? [She doesn't actually sound surprised to hear it.] I don't feel well.

[But on top of that she's also verging on awkwardly horny and actually has been all day. It's entirely possible that the strain of remaining composed at entirely devoid of any signs of arousal hasn't been helping morning-turned-afternoon sickness or the endless fatigue. Yay, more than eight weeks in!!

But that's what she was apologizing for: Not feeling well, not saying anything, and getting so wound up.]

[ . . . Well. Nathan is third wheel here, but, he chimes in, ]

It's important to stay hydrated, and it's also likely that smelling something fresh should help. Like, you could look for the scent of lemons. I don't think I have any in my fridge, but it's not like someone couldn't run out and get something.

[ Koji...

Ignores him... And he snorts, brushing her stomach again and knocking his lips against her own. ]

Suck your tits later, babe.

[ Nathan mouths "or that." ]

Thank you.

[She puts her hand over his on her stomach and smiles, looks a little lighter and less bothered.] Do you think Emily would get me something with mint in it?

[Veronica looks up at Nathan as if apologizing for a trait he can't help, but,] I don't like lemons, but mint is alright. That should work, right? I'm sorry I'm being such an awful houseguest, I finished the silverware, though!

[She has no idea why Koji is totally ignoring his uncle but Veronica doesn't want to be rude in someone else's house.]

[ Koji was only ignoring him because you were! Focusing hard on you. But when she deigns to acknowledge the other, while he keeps a hand over her stomach and remains close to her, maybe even loosely in her arms, he focuses hard on his uncle, giving a little wave and... ]

I'm sorry to ask so much of a pregnant woman. Besides, you guys are the one helping me out, and family or not, it's still... you know, something. It's something that you guys are helping me and Koji, right? I'm your uncle.

[ Koji hums a bit and- ] Hey - nice to meet you.

[ . . . ]

I'm sure Emily will get some mint.

No, it's okay! I wanted to help, and I didn't think it would be such a big deal, this is only a few months in! [Veronica was under some misunderstanding that the first four months didn't really count and you were able to do everything normally until the fifth!] I have to keep doing stuff normally, right? [.... No.] And I wanted to meet you too, but it does seem like I might have pushed it.

[Which leads right into her next point:] Do you mind if I lie down? I think Ada has mints in her bag but I don't know where she is.

[And Koji isn't allowed to leave her side. If he tries she'll pretty much dig her claws right in.]

[ This is the guest room. And even if it wasn't... well. ]

No, no, please feel free. I'll even go find Ada for you.

[ So first Emily was buying mints, and now he was finding Ada's mints for them. He watches as Koji seems to slide closer to Veronica even as he answers. He's surprised at how this is his introduction to the boy.

Oh well. ]

If you're pregnant, you really should take it easy anyway.

[Veronica is more than happy to sidle right up to Koji with zero intention of ever letting go, she's ... Probably going to get on the bed and whine until Koji joins her or something. Not that it would take much, if at all at this rate.]

Thank you so much, seriously! You're the sweetest.

[And when he mentions her activity level, well, Veronica has the sense to look a bit guilty.] I think you're right, I guess I just thought I could do a little more. I'll be careful from now on.

[No she will not be, but not for lack of trying. This will be the first time in her life that she's been forced to slow down for a very serious reason which might yield awful consequences that her stubbornness won't be able to solve. But ultimately that's her own problem and maybe Koji's problem.]

Right. I'll be right back though, and you watch her for now, Slugger.

[ That was directed at Koji, and grinning, Nathan gives the kid a wink, and one more little brush at the top of his head... and he's pretty sure he saw the small kid mouth "what the fuck" at him before turning back towards his mate and giving her a squeeze.

Nathan though...

Even if he can hear the pills in his pocket, he feels good to have a mission, even if it's a minor one. Okay, so Ada or Emily - Ada would be more obvious if she really has them, but he could just go get mints himse-- oh wait, he doesn't have a car. Oh well, he'll go find Ada or Emily, whichever comes first ]

[... Okay even Veronica can't think up an excuse for the weird nickname. Poor Nathan, but at least they can all see what side of the family Yamato got some of his awkwardness from! Still, Nathan hasn't even left the room entirely before she's hugging Koji again, and then trying to tug them both to the mattress. There's no comforter on it yet but who cares.

As far as his search is concerned, though, Ada is going to be the easiest to find considering that she'd taken Ariel with her, and there's a familiar, loud gurgle just down the hall - follow the babies around this pack, and you're likely to find the top tier moms.]

[ Seems legit. Nathan follows suit into the room in question, following the sound of baby down the hall into the little... study? Office? He's honestly not decided what he's going to do with this second floor room. It's probably too small to be a music studio or anything, which he had initially hoped for, so he might just use it as a library office, as bad as he feels for what that means for furniture allocation for it. Which is probably why a certain lumberjack is in here, having hefted a big chair up here.

There's also a fourteen year old girl, but Nathan feels like he should be wary of walking in on any bullshit like he did earlier, so he approaches carefully, with stealth, like ... Jason Bourne or something.

Yeah that'll do.

( PS Koji is pulled easily to the bed who is surprised ) ]

[(Literally no one, bless those two)

Whatever it is, Ada's got Ariel and she looks up from the baby girl when Nathan comes in.]

Well, hello again.

[You can have all the stealthy tactics in the world and Ada will still be able to catch you, she's just that good. And also literally the ex/mate of a drug lord, a life which results in a fuckton of unexpected skills and abilities that accrue over time.]

You haven't met Joshua yet, have you?

[In her arms, Ariel waves her tiny arms towards Nathan.]

Nooo, no I have not. [ And he sees...

Joshua sitting in the chair he brought up. It's a nice armchair but not one he had in Rome, so ... he didn't pick that one out, so Masaomi and/or Nariko did. The burly man is sweating a little, and the fourteeen year old in the room had been fanning him, perhaps a little bit sarcastically. But when Nathan comes in the room, Olivia stood at attention, scooted back a step, and bit her lip.

Fucking fuck fuck fuck - why is that family so hot all the time? Fuck.

Joshua, though, smiles at Nathan, makes to stand, and only doesn't because Nathan waves a hand to push him down ] Don't worry. You're the one doing the lifting here, and I'm Nathan. It's nice to meet you, Joshua. [ He offers a hand with a smile, which the other takes, giving a firm grip back ]

Pleasure to meet you too, your sister's done the world for me until now, so it's the least I can do. [ He says this earnestly, and with a somewhat gruff voice.

Nathan looks over at Olivia and- ] Hello-

[ She interrupts ] Hello, I'm Olivia! It's nice to beat you too! -- Fuck, no, I meant meet you. Fuck me.

[ . . . Well. Nathan is about to say something before Joshua turns to her and gives her a scolding look ]

[Ada doesn't flinch at Olivia's little faux pas there, but Joshua does make her smile a bit. She'd been a little worried about how Joshua might feel about their Alpha's mate, but maybe some of her fears had been ridiculous.]

Is everything alright? You look worried.

[Rather, he looks nominally tenser than he did beforehand, so she feels comfortable taking a stab in the dark here. That and Nathan didn't need to mind Olivia too much, though Ada might make getting the poor child laid a priority at this rate. Nathan wasn't even that attractive.]

[ Olivia whispers something to the effect of "Well I didn't mean literally" to her father before going off to skulk in a corner, crossing her arms, but the whole time trying to shake her stick figure hips as if that'll accomplish anything. Nathan doesn't watch her, instead looking over at Ada and the baby, waving and giving Ariel a smile. He considers reaching out to her, but... nah. Joshua himself just runs a hand over his face.

Man that's... should he apologize? He should, right? Probably... ]

Veronica was feeling a little under the weather, and so I thought a strong smell might help. Usually it's supposed to be lemon, [ Based on what he read ] But I figured mint should work just as well. She thought you had some stronger mints on you.

Oh, I was hoping that would stop.

[It wasn't as if she hadn't noticed, but it hadn't seemed entirely right to go shoving remedies on a girl that didn't know that her mother was right there. So Ada had brought ... A number of things, actually. That Veronica knew about it all wasn't coincidence by any means.]

The first trimester is always awful. [She juggles Ariel on one hip while she finds her purse and digs through it, pulling out a handful of those ever popular red and white, hard mint candies.] She's probably going to feel like shit for the rest of the day and need a lot of water. Is Koji with her? Or Nariko? I would feel better if someone was with her.

[Take the mints, Nathan, there's enough to make you sound like shrink wrap when you walk.] I know we're not completely finished yet, but would you please tell her to stop for the rest of the day? She won't listen to anyone else.

[That's not true, Veronica would obey Koji in less than instant! But a mother doesn't want to think that an arrogant kid has more sway over her daughter than herself, so.]

Koji's with her, [ He assures the woman first, taking the mints in hand, jangling them, and thne puts him in his pocket. The clink against his own pill case he has yet to get rid of, but ... well, guys have deep pockets. Between only those two items in there and his wallet in his back pocket and the cell phone in the other pocket, it's not like he's in any danger of things falling out, just a bit of a weird bulging in the one with pills and mints ] He seemed uh... sweet.

[ On her? towards her? No matter which he means, he can't help but notice that Joshau bit back a snort at that. And Nathan's cheeks color, briefly looking confused before he shakes his head and nods ]

I told her to lay down, but I might get her some water too.

[ That said, he... Joshua steps in now, reaching out to try to take Ariel back from Ada as long as she's having the conversation and/or digging for more things. ] I'll hold my girl, come on.

Koji is about as sweet as a hungover porcupine if Veronica isn't around.

[Which makes sense, the kid's fifteen and very much his age, but Ada won't create any illusions about his behavior. She thanks Joshua and gives him an apologetic look since she's been holding Ariel so that he could rest.]

Thank you for being concerned with her [And this is how Nathan wins points.] water would be great. What would be better is if she goes home and takes a nap, but ... [She waves a hand and mutters the blood of my family is made up of stubbornness in Italian, which only Nathan is likely to understand given where he's been for the last few years. She doesn't even think about it.]

This, too. It sort of works like Vicks. [He's also handed a little vial of oil and that should be the last of Magical Things that come out of her purse.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

oh my god Koji

He's kind of like that

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject