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

[generalflirt]

[ Nathan moved into tow and that was awkward, Yamato and Nariko probably have some sort of a relationship and that's awkward, Yamato's been trying to make new friends so that's interesting, and Masaomi and Nariko are hopefully solid as anything after that trip, Nathan and Yamato complications aside. There's a new pack member that Masaomi met at a party and Nariko met in class. It's been over a month since the new year began and the old one concluded.

A lot's changed and yet not a lot had at all.

And frankly, things were probably just going to change that much more in the coming days and weeks. this might be edited to something more poetic later once we conclude more stuff about that other log ]

Comments

[themaelstrom]

[If there's anyone in the house who could testify to how thoroughly it irritated Audrey to be treated like a child than it was definitely Sullivan. Even though her expression doesn't shift in the least she's ... She really wants to reach up and yank his arm out of its socket. But she's a nice person (with an awful, quickfire temper) and he doesn't know her any better than she knows him.

So he gets a pass this time. She tries to ignore the loss of control that comes with Tom's absence.]

You know, if someone isn't your type then I think the polite thing to do is say so, and let that be it.

[The thing on the top of her turn off list is being treated like a fucking three year old. Masaomi's definitely older than her and far wiser and they both know it, but at least he isn't disrespectful and he treats her like a normal person.]

If I really wanted to tease you, I'd already be sucking your dick, so don't get out of hand.

[And this is before she's even genuinely upset.]

[chasingthemorning]

[ . . . Well that was.

Different.

Nathan's not sure how to respond to that either, namely because he didn't want to chase jailbait (again, the image of his sister...) and he wasn't at all used to groupies (at least, not ones that young) and she got it too, right? She was from a monogamous family. The man looks around without turning his head, roving his eyes as if looking for someone who would support him here, only to remember that, of course, there is no one. Irina is not here, nor is Nariko. Amelia is dead.

... Why does he think of them?

Maybe that Tom guy would help? (no, he wouldn't, he would get all up in Nathan's business too) or one of the other adults? Nathan pulls his hands back to himself and looks at her again, sighing, and ... ]

I got dumbed before coming here. We'd been dating for a long time, but she refused my engagement. I'm not really sure what my type is right now. [ A beat ] Plus, you're like the same age as the niece I just met.

[ He hopes that's not that offensive? But whatever, he can't do much more than that for respect, having her be the first one who knows that ]

[themaelstrom]

For the record I'm nearly a year older than her.

[Her anger deflates very quickly, though. He's at least giving her a genuine, human answer and it's difficult to bristle at that, as well as the general truth of it.]

I'm sorry she left you, though. That's pretty awful.

[It might also begin to explain why he comes off as a fucking neurotic mess.] So I guess this means you're definitely going to leave Junko alone, then.

[chasingthemorning]

[ The moment that she says that last bit, the whole world sort of stops spinning. He feels lightheaded and sick at the same moment, and he's pretty sure he's in danger of having an asthma attack. No, no, deep breath in - okay, good, he can still do it. But what? In this context, what did that- did she mean-- how could she mean--

Did she know?

Did Nariko tell her? Did Nariko tell... no, it wasn't like that it wasn't like that he wan't like that anymore. A panic rolls over his body, and it's as much indignation as terror as he replies, ]

Yes?

[ But he's also gripping the pill case in his pocket tight enough his hand is shaking when he gives the answer, and something in the word seems to represent a dam being broken, like there was a risk of that too ]

[themaelstrom]

[W o w okay that is not the reaction she expected at all. It's immediately alarming, how clearly he seems to fall off some precipice that Audrey couldn't have possibly known. He's shaking and looking as if someone's pushed him into fight or flight mode, and given her history with men who look so upset and weirdly aggressive at once it makes her anxious like nothing else.]

Dude, just - I was just asking because I'm pretty sure she still messes around with Yamato and you're sort of like him!

[So, to Audrey, it really wasn't that big of a leap, though she was completely off base concerning how Junko herself felt - her life was full enough with Rin, Yamato, and her father, there's no room for anyone else.]

It's not a big deal or whatever, breathe or something!

[chasingthemorning]

[ Koji resents that assessment, Junko.

That said, she... She was not helping. Nathan's grip on the pill case gets that much harder, and he's found that it's out of his pocket now, as if he were going to lift it up and - and what? Force her to take one? Take one himself? No, he wasn't like that. He wasn't like that. He--

His scent was coming out now, but it was the same sort of twisted, repressed mess of a scent Yamato had had back when this all began, and the moment he smells himself he inhales deep and tries to repress it. No, he wasn't turned on by that- ]

Not a big deal?!

[ But that's incest! That's- That's why he and Nariko- Even if at the funeral- ]

[themaelstrom]

[Koji do you really still need to be told that you're part of the fabric of Junko's life come on now. How else would you keep Veronica on her toes.

But in the moment: Yeah, Audrey is not doing a good job here but the problem is that she doesn't understand why. Of course she knows that most people who come from monogamous families would have an issue with that. It is definitely incest. But she also kind of figured that his sister would have mentioned some of the greater intricacies that came with this pack.

That was a very awful bet to have made.]

Just forget that I said anything! No one is sleeping with anyone!

[If only it were that easy.]

[chasingthemorning]

[ That's--

Okay, no, no. This time, in a strange flash, his annoyance turns to anger, and he takes a half step towards Audrey, the pills now out of his pocket entirely and brandished as if they were a weapon or something. But the real anger was in his eyes, and he's not even sure what it's Truly towards.

That said- ]

Okay, if I can't call you kid, then you can't turn around and think I'm braindead. It does not work that way.

[themaelstrom]

[She doesn't like that half step nor the growing sense of jumping anxiety that's making an infinity loop from the middle of her stomach to the edge of her toes. It's the anger that gets her mostly, it's what leaves her unable to call Tom's name even though right now she really, really wants to. This is a situation she's lost control of and -]

I didn't - you're not! I just - I didn't mean to upset you!

[Masaomi. She wants Masaomi or Nariko or Yamato or someone who wouldn't freeze in large sections, who wouldn't be weak right now.]

[chasingthemorning]

[ And the hero we deserve was, ]

Hey pal, come on, back off.

[ Sullivan. He sounds so mild-mannered as he says it, but it's with a stern voice, not exactly Alpha material, but more than enough to draw Nathan's attention and make him realize that he looks like a crazy person. The dumpy man half walks half runs over to the pair, and in fact steps between them, making to brush Audrey behind him ]

I don't know what's happening, but you can't get in Audrey's face like that.

[ Nathan inhales deep, and he looks down at his hand. At the pills. Sully does too, and ... he recognizes them, even through the case. his eyes widen, and then they look back up at Nathan and narrow. The suspicion cuts into nathan's heart, and he wants to drop the pills, hide them, eat them, something?

But... ]

I... I didn't mean it like that, don't worry.

[ Sully ... ]

Look- we talked earlier and you're Nariko's brother, so I know it's fine. But you're scaring the girl and so just- just... get the hell out of here.

[ He sort of ends lamely there, waving a hand to shoo Nathan. Who is - he blinks once, and then puts the pills in his pockets and turns to walk away ]

[themaelstrom]

[She doesn't really know what's going on for that whole first half. Sully's there and with Nathan pretty much completely blocked out of her vision Audrey finally breathes - suddenly realizes that she wasn't and so it's no wonder she feels lightheaded. Her brain finally tunes in and, sure, maybe Sullivan isn't being all Alpha-y but if it's enough to diffuse the situation then Audrey is just as grateful.

She doesn't move until Nathan's left the room.]

Sullivan. [When was the last time she actually said his full name?] Thank you.

[It comes out a little watery and pathetic, her eyes are welling up, face contorting with delayed fear and fresh anger. God, she's an idiot.]

[chasingthemorning]

[ For the record, Nathan leaves, his mind filled with dark thoughts of incest, of what else he doesn't know, of his own failings, and of his sister. he's heading to the master bedroom to finally rid himself of these pills and then he'll...

He doesn't know.

But as for Sullivan - ]

Hey, no I-- [ He would have done it for anyone? True, but it's not the right thing to say here. He didn't do anything? Clearly not true. Some cool line? Man he wishes he could say some cool line here. He can't think of anything hip, and so he wraps his arms around her ] Sorry about that.

[themaelstrom]

[That's not it, though. She knows he would have done it for anyone, it's not an event which was specific to her in the least. But it still feels awful to have been so pathetic when the confidence she projects always gives an incredibly different impression. She's worked so hard to become stronger after leaving her parents and one idiot gets in her face and suddenly she's a mess.

It's no wonder Sullivan thinks she's too young to be taken seriously. He's right.

And she just hates it.

But since he's being the competent and righteous adult here he can stand there while she sniffles against him. There's really no need for a cool line, Audrey just wants to finish crying.]

[chasingthemorning]

[ Putting on the record, never said that. But if course he can't know what she's thinking, he only can hold her and brush her back, holding her close to his chest to cry into it. And he...

He...

It takes all of his courage, but he leans his head down to kiss her brow. It was something he would do for anyone, but he also wanted to say something cool after it in order to impress her. He doesn't think she should necessarily commit to something so serious with the likes of him, but. It didn't mean he didn't like her a lot ]

[themaelstrom]

[The idea that something that easy and simple takes so much work when they've fucked at least a good, solid few times now if not way more than that? It'd be so amazing to her. Really, there's no reason to be so scared of a girl that's still terrified of shit that was supposed to be left behind. But when he does kiss her she seems to relax almost immediately, the shaking stops and she goes from gasping to hiccups, to evened out breathing.]

Sully. [She sounds like she's been crying, which is bad, but Audrey wipes at her face anyway.] I want to go home.

[Fuck whatever party is supposed to occur, she doesn't want to be in the same house as that guy.]

I don't use this one enough

[idiotduo]

[ She wants to go home. He... Well, he didn't drive here, so he can't really drive her back. But they're also only like a five minute (if that) walk from home. It's not the best way to get her there given that she's been crying and it would just be more impressive to use a car, but hey, it's economical. Or something.

Sully squeezes her close, and nods ]

Alright, then let's go home.

[ He'll stay with her there, they can ditch the party. He knows that Masaomi might want him there but... well, Ada will be there to cover for him, and he can trust them both ]

wait omg tom's icons are all zelda games, and sullivans are fire emblem???

[themaelstrom]

[He can fret over stuff like that if he wants, walking will be good for her, and it's not even vaguely far so there's no reason to be concerned. Mostly she's just happy to be held for an extra moment or two.

Eventually she does pull away, properly wiping her eyes but no matter what she does her face will still be a little red when she looks up at him.]

You know, I feel like I'm supposed to make a joke about being a hero, here. But I can't. You just were one.

[And she's grateful.]

Yes I'm super lazy with keywords

[idiotduo]

[ He was a ... hero . . .

His cheeks flush at that, and he lowers his head a bit as if that would hide his eyes or his baldness. The man reaches around to brush the back of his own head, patting the hair that is there, and generally feeling a little bit awkward. But he inhales and shakes his head ]

I... I mean, if you say so. [ . . . . . .. . NO HE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAt ] Thank you.

[ Still probably not right . . . ]

I think its cool! also they're deserving of their own thread if you'd like to continue it

[themaelstrom]

You're welcome.

[Nah, it's fine.

She manages a real smile, and takes his hand. Time to go home.]

I Was just thinking that myself even if I felt bad for Nathan but oh well

[idiotduo]

[ Yeah. ... Should he tell Masaomi or Nariko or Ada before they just walk out the door? No, he can just text them, it's not like he's leaving behind anything important and it's not like most of the work isn't done. As they step outside, holding her hand, they pass and area clearly meant for flowers or some sort of garden, but nothing is planted there yet. Walking past that and then the small lawn, they make their march back towards the house.

... He didn't have a good topic planned. He should have. ]

AND THEN WE SKIPPED TO THE PARTY

[chasingthemorning]

[ So he spooked Audrey and both her and that blade guy left. He went back to Ada, but quickly found that she actually wanted to just be in the company of that red haired guy in the first place. And so he vacated himself, sliding back to his master bedroom so that he could give up the pills. He puts them in the master bedroom medicine cabinet and... leaves back to help out with more lugging of furniture and movement for moving in.

And...

Well.

Now they're at he party. He's the guest of honor, but it's still strange. Masaomi ordered a bunch of Japanese food for the party, which seems to have overjoyed some people and annoyed some other people. For Nathan's part, he can't help but wonder if there's some message in that, but the mood overall is decent, so he thanks everyone for helping and promises to so whatever he can to repay it as they make use of of his kitchen and a small outdoor table in his modest backyard. And, slurping down a plat of soba noodles himself, he tries to talk with either his sister or her mate. Or both. ]

I am unnaturally pleased right now

[gunslingerqueen]

[... All the Japanese food really might have been a message, but it's not enough of one to pick at her mate about. Mostly it's just really weird. Did Nathan even like Japanese food? Had he been there? Considering he'd been on an involved tour, it was a valid question.

Nariko had, for the most part, been forced to do nothing but delegate because even though she was barely showing, it was so easy to become exhausted. The slightest bit of heat made her nauseous, her boobs hurt, she was unbearably horny one second and then frigid the next - apparently this kid was going to be an indecisive little shit, and the following months were going to be even more hellish than they had been with Koji.

Thankfully she's free of the nausea when she sits down near him, eyeing his meal.]

You know, I wanted to make mac and cheese.

[That's a vaguely awful opening line, because the Kraft microwaveable stuff was all she could make for them without burning the house down, and until their mother let her buy groceries again. But for her it's just the image she's still got - Nathan always reading and eating macaroni and cheese.

Still an awful joke, though.]

[themaelstrom]

[He doesn't need a topic because she really, really doesn't feel like talking right now.

Walking outside reveals exactly how late it had become and there's something both unsettling and grounding about the fact that so much time has already passed. It's the sort of feeling that only feels comforting because it solidifies that there's an awfulness left in the past. Despite the occasional sniffle an rub of her face Audrey walks rather briskly, her fingers wrapped around his.

... She really doesn't want him to tell them everything that happened but that's unrealistic. She should have told Tom, though. Maybe he won't worry, though.]

[idiotduo]

[ Well...

It's the middle of February, so the nights are long and they start early. As they set out into the night, there isn't that much snow on the ground (it's been fairly warm, honestly) but the sun has set, and it was a little cool as they walked back towards the pack house under he light of the street lamps. The older man squeezes her hand as if that'll warm both of them up, and keeps them close together as he kept them along that path.

He considers texting Masaomi or Nariko now, but he'll do that once they're home - it'll be only four or so minutes. He hopes she isn't too cold - he didn't have a jacket, but he did have a vest on over his top - he could put it on her ]

[themaelstrom]

[For Audrey that's such a shame, the snow was always the most fun and she's not looking forward to head congestion and looking at all the joys of spring through watery eyes. Still, she's glad the house isn't too far off: Not because she's cold but just because there's something vulnerable and she wants familiar territory again.]

What were your parents like?

[She's asking kind of idly, not because there's a lack of care or curiosity, but more because it's probably best to talk anyway. Eventually she might work up to what really needs to be said.]