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randomplaces2015-04-09 08:43 pm
ssjmihoshi) wrote in randomplaces2015-04-09 08:43 pm
Entry tags:
Backwater Nexus. Question Square. Better Half
Matthew walks home after a night on the town in colors that sear the optics/eyeballs of every other hangover victim.
((For reference, Matthew and Kataeni live in this house right next to Fire Tribe land.))
Matthew: *walking home from the all-night party that is the Rock'nRide, trying not to rub his eyes because the makeup has smudged enough already* *smiling at the beings bustling around at the beginning, or end, of their day*
Megatron: *looks over from where he's sitting on the ground/floor over near the Visitor's Centre in the Question Square. Places the splash of bright yellow that had caught his attention, and lifts a brow as he recognizes the tall organic guy who had enjoyed Kup's match in the Rat Pits the evening before*
Bumblebee: *itty bitty chibi sees YELLOW! Runs out in front of the guy and puts tiny hands on bitty hips. Then tells the guy off in language like a hardened soldier would use*
Megatron: Ack. Bumblebee, stop.
Matthew: Haha woah... *wobbles slightly from all the alcohol* What'd I do? *places arms akimbo and stares down at the little bot expectantly*
Bumblebee: *moves her bitty mouthplate as she studies him. Then waves tiny arms descriptively and TELLS him again. With totally different words, some of which he may never have heard before*
Megatron: *tries to distract her with a human baby doll with wrecked hair* I'm sorry. She had an exciting night, and has barely slept.
Bumblebee: *BLEEEEP!*
Matthew: *BUSTS out laughing* Someone's very cranky! *leans down* You know what they say about children who don't sleep...
Bumblebee: *starts running in circles* Eeeeeeeet boogyman! *cuss!*
Megatron: *tries again to distract her with the doll, but the beloved baby is batted aside*
Matthew: *blinks at the energy, but tries to keep his tone stern* Even the boogyman is afraid of Suu-YECK. It creeps into your brain the longer you stay awake!
Bumblebee: KICK AFT! AHHHHHHH!
female voice: *murmurs sleepily from the shadow of the big grey and blue mech*
Megatron: Shhh, Kriti. She's just having a conversation.
second female voice: Y'call that a conversation, Megsy? *grumble* Torky, turn back over, I can't lay on yer side. *sound of metallic movement and a slight grunt* Well, now I'm stuck. *more movement*
Matthew: *snickers and scratches at his eyepatch* More partiers?
Megatron: My brother Torque. *nods toward the navy and tan bruiser with the white helmet shaped like a cowboy hat who is now sleeping face down and snoring sonorously into the grass, and who is serving as a bed for a tall, rangy lady in pale rose, lavender, and buttercream* His wife Mistfire, and... *huge hand rests gently on a small, slender, navy blue lady who is curled against his leg sound asleep* *voice softens* My wife, Kriti.
Matthew: No offense, but I've already forgotten their names. *chuckles and rubs his nose* But I think I remember you guys from the Black Dog.
Megatron: *reaches to try and steer the excitedly circling and cursing chibi* We go there often. *glances at the man, concern apparent in the serious blue eyes* You weren't able to go home last night?
Matthew: *laughs harder, causing him to rock back on his heels* Didn't want to!
Megatron: *understanding* You went to the event at the mall.
Mistfire: *cuddles down on her husband's back and murmurs affectionately*
Torque: *snoorrrre*
Megatron: *ignores them*
Matthew: *looks away from the heartwarming scene* I'll let you sleep. But... *pauses* It'll be loud here soon. You all haven't gone home yet?
Megatron: *serious, wry smile* Bumblebee is more than capable of waking an entire apartment block.
Bumblebee: KICK AAAAAFT!
passing Astrotrain: Shut it! Why Autobots don't install mute subroutines I'll never know...
Matthew: *snickers and chuckles escape, but are quickly contained* Good luck to you, then! *waves and continues home*
Astrotrain: *grumbles as the tiny yellow thing runs around him, matching its curses with some that would strip the paint from his parents' memorial plaques*
soft crackling: *rings through the air*
Matthew: *stops for a second, looking around for the source, but chalks it up to the growing crowd and silly things that always seem to happen by the sign*
bittyBee: *back and hugging his leg* KICK AAAAAAFFFFT!
Matthew: *jerks and wobbles slightly, groaning at the loud voice* Buddy, you go kick aft somewhere else... *rubs the ache under the patch some more*
crackling: *louder now*
bittyBee: *pauses and looks up at something in front of Mathew, then turns and runs off with her little arms in the air* Boooooogy maaaaan. Eeeeeeheeeheee!
Matthew: *grumbling and not paying attention* Must'a drunk more than I thought...
voice: *female, and full of ire* That's mine!
Matthew: *tries to piece together the voice, which sounds familiar despite the slight crackle* Wha...? *looks up*
woman: *appears to be made of golden light, but her features are clear. High cheekbones stand out to either side of a proud and beautifully sculpted nose and are shadowed by snapping golden eyes. A shapely body wears a near mirror image of his own dress* *she hovers there in front of him and scowls. And the scowl too is familiar*
Matthew: *snaps his mouth shut and takes a step back* But--you're dead. *accuses flatly*
woman: *hisses at him* Give it back!
Matthew: *only pauses a beat* No.
woman: *moves closer, anger making her eyes seem to let out sparks, just as they always had* Give it back!
Matthew: *fluidly, as if following a script* Only if you take it off me, Charis. *the line is humorous, but his expression is not*
woman: *gasps, and is suddenly solid and staring at her hands. Golden eyes rise up to his face and widen* *softly* Matthew?
Matthew: *blinks comically* Um...
Charis: But they killed you. I saw it. *frowns deeply, her hands dropping to her sides*
Matthew: Y-you did? *dark skin goes pale* *he doesn't remember much of his "death," but he's pretty sure it was horrible*
Charis: *reaches to touch him and blinks, then puts the other hand on his chest by the first* You're warm... *looks up and frowns* What happened to your eye?
Matthew: *stands silent, watching movements that begin to look more and more familiar. At her touch he tenses. When she opens her mouth he suddenly realizes he can bear it no longer, and covers her in possibly the tightest embrace she's ever had* Charis...
Charis: *grunts, and then she's squirming just enough to get her hands out from between them so that she can hug him back. Oh, and instigate a terrible PDA*
bittyBee: *cheer!* KISSSSSa SWAGGIN' BWAINS OUT!
Megatron: *NOT LOOKING*
Matthew: *grunts softly and nuzzles her head, inhaling the scent of her hair*
Charis: *snuzzling and hugging, and being a lot more loving than she ever let herself be before* It's you. You're here. You're here. *tries that PDA again*
bittyBee: *laughing*
Matthew: *chuckles and twirls her around* I must be dreaming. *running his hands over every inch of her to check against his memory*
Charis: *hugging him doesn't prevent her from pinching him*
Matthew: *laughs louder* It is you! *begins tickling her*
Charis: *it's her alright. That's the same hiss and lightning flash of nails that gave him more than one scar in the past!*
Matthew: *ah, he knows this game well! Deftly sweeps her up and continues tickling!*
Charis: *is gonna draw blood! And kick him. And pause and look at him funny as her attack and his tickles both start... bouncing off?* What the *deleted*?
Matthew: *blinks, the mood completely ruined as he remembers his surroundings* Aww, nooo...
Charis: *trying this weird effect out, her brow furrowed with ireful curiosity*
Matthew: I have some explaining to do. *whirls around toward the Black Dog, but the movement unbalances him more than expected*
Charis: *on her feet and bracing him* You're plastered.
Matthew: *opens mouth and considers bragging about his good time, but wisely decides against it* Yep. *warm happy smile*
Charis: Do you have quarters anywhere nearby? *curious look around the strange place where they're standing*
Matthew: *smiles wider* Yes m'lady. *sweeps her up again and begins plodding back to his tiny house*
Charis: Isn't there a cab? *looks around with a scowl*
Matthew: *stops, blinking again* Oh, I guess so. *his smile slowly widens as he realizes how silly he's been* I'm so used to walking everywhere...
Charis: *gives him a familiar Look*
Matthew: *chuckles* You know I hate paying for cabs...
Charis: *starting to scowl as she thinks of the damage he could do to himself while he's walking this unsteadily, but then flinches and looks up uncertainly as a shadow falls over them*
Matthew: *looks up, pushing past the urge to protect his wife* Oh, that's just Dreadnought. His sister owns the local bar.
Charis: *trembling slightly, but trying to hide it* Oh.
Dreadnought: *rumbles laughter* "Just" Dreadnought. Maybe I won't offer you a ride.
Matthew: *feels his wife's trembling and plays strong for her* We'll be fine! You might deliver something later though! *turns to Charis* I'm going to treat you later! They have amazing... *notices he's leaning and forcefully rights himself* ...sweets! And meat sandwiches.
Dreadnought: *amused as he gently uses one finger to prop the Voyen man up* I ain't the delivery boy.
Charis: *looks up at the humour in that deep voice and finds herself grinning that grin that used to turn her husband's head* So what are you, then?
Dreadnought: Blackout's. *grins back, his brown eyes dancing*
Matthew: *jerks at the robot's touch, masking the motion with a hop forward and a turn toward the mech* Don't get her started! *begins walking backward* She's mine for the next 12 hours, then you can give her the tour.
Charis: Give us the ride.
Dreadnought: You got it, Mama. *scoops them up*
Charis: *laughing now as she hugs her husband*
Matthew: *clings tigher to his wife, burying his head in her hair to mask gritting teeth*
Charis: *quick frown of concern as they're lifted into the air and born forward* What's wrong?
Matthew: *clears his throat, putting on the tough soldier mask* You know where I live, Dread?
Dreadnought: Yup. *few more strides, and then they're being set down in the backyard of the big McMansion that Roy of the Lovely Dictators has claimed for his family* That lil' place right there.
Charis: *despite concern for husband, she's got to grin at the swoop of being lowered from so great a height*
Matthew: *not grinning. Roller coasters stopped being fun after the first time falling from busted aircraft* Yup. This is it.
Dreadnought: *looks at the cute little house standing there by the fence that separates Roy's backyard from the Fire Tribe's field* Teni ain't home, so hope ya got yer key.
Matthew: Oh. *had honestly forgotten the girl in his joy* I got it somewhere... *tries to reach around Charis to his pockets*
Charis: *laughing about being squished and poked* Hey! Not out here!
Matthew: *gives that low chuckle that she can feel in his chest* Why, don't want the sheep seeing us? *continues poking*
Charis: *looks up as she hears Dreadnought's laughter fading away. Laughs herself as she watches the big black bot walk off*
Matthew: *eventually finds the key and opens the door. Carries her inside and quickly slides the door shut so no one can interrupt their reunion again*
five hours later
Kataeni: *on her way home from the blanket factory, participating in her friends' joy* What kinds of binding traditions will you have?
Lumen: *as he happily chases after a bell on a string that he just "accidentally" let bounce off Yuffie* Oh, it'll be a basic Protestant thing. Hormah will have us do vows 'n then exchange rings. And then we'll have a reception, 'n then everyone goes to the Black Dog to get cratered or hyper or whatever.
Leon: Didn't Den say something about a dress?
Legacy: *nods* Yes. I'll be wearing a dress. I didn't want a white one though... I look really bad in all white.
Yuffie: *as she swats at Lumen* Like a ghost. Hey!
Lumen: *snerk*
Aeris: From what I understand, there were a lot of invitations sent out... More than were sent out for Den and Drill Boy's wedding.
Legacy: *nods* My mom's coming, and she asked if it was alright for her to bring her boyfriend. She hasn't told me anything about him yet, so I want to find out who he is, and I want to make sure he's treating her right.
Kataeni: *smiles at the couple, appreciating the simplicity of the affair* People usually let their real selves slip when they drink. You should have no problem getting to know him. *hopes there will be no conflict* *turns from the thought with a smile for Lumen* What kind of clothes would be appropriate?
Lumen: Well, you're one of our guests, so just comfy dress up clothes. Right, Leggy?
Legacy: *nods* Yes. As long as you're not violating the public decency laws, anything goes.
Kataeni: *nods* alright. Is Matthew invited as well?
Lumen: To the party. *nod nod. Grin*
Kataeni: *giggles* He'll like that.
Lumen: *more grin, and then surprise as he spots her house* Somebody's moving around upstairs.
Jamal: *frowns and looks that way, his softly glowing red eyes serious*
Kataeni: *smiles* Matthew is probably just getting up now. He went dancing last night.
Lumen: ...He hasn't got boobies.
Legacy: *light swat for fiance* Lu, be nice.
Sephiroth: *also frowning in that direction*
Kataeni: *blink*
Inside
Charis: *poking around the kitchen and wondering why there's nothing to eat in it. And no espresso to make* *is wearing a yellow tunic of Matthew's because it's HER colour*
Kataeni: *bids goodbye to her friends and enters softly. Noting the drawn bedroom curtain she is even more confused by the noises upstairs*
Charis: *hears the door slide open and shut downstairs and her other brow goes up before both draw together in a frown. Walks to the head of the stairs and looks down*
Kataeni: *stops at the foot of the stairs, gazing up at... a female Matthew?* *but no, that's him snoring behind the curtain* Um... hi?
Charis: Who are you? *imperious but not cold. Frowning very hard, though*
Kataeni: *blinks, sensing the unease, and lapses into peacekeeper mode as she straightens and answers warmly* My name is Kataeni. May we talk upstairs? I don't want to wake him. *indicating the bedroom behind the curtain*
Charis: *deep frown continues as she steps aside* ...Sure.
Kataeni: *climbs the stairs silently and crosses the kitchen so as to be out of the woman's personal space* I live here with Matthew. That is my bedroom. *points to the loft above Charis' head*
Charis: *surprised now* He didn't mention that anyone else lived here.
Beitu: *peeks out of Mama's collar at this new person, big ears perked*
Charis: ...You're inhabited.
Kataeni: *small giggle as she holds out a hand for the whispie* Beitu is my pet. And Matthew never told me he had friends his own species. *studies the woman carefully*
Charis: Actually, I'm his wife. Charis. *watching the little fuzzy blue-grey critter with slightly wary interest*
Kataeni: *THAT gets a blink and a confused look* Oh!
Charis: *eyes from the finger licking whispie back to the girl's face, brows lifting slightly in calm question*
Kataeni: *composes herself* Well, I don't pry into his personal life... *feeds Beitu a treat from the box on the table*
Charis: *glances toward the stairs, but then perks* Do you know the contact information for the foodstuff delivery service? We're out.
Kataeni: Oh... no, sorry. We don't do much eating here, and I usually walk to the market for groceries. I can have something delivered from the Black Dog if you like.
Charis: *slight scowl that shows restrained temper at her confusion* Do they have rhy steak? I want to make Matthew's favourite.
Kataeni: *disappointed at the other woman's frustration* I'm sure if they don't have it they can find a suitible alternative. Hrafni prides herself on being able to match a dizzying variety of cultural cuisines.
Lumen: *is that quiet rap on the front door*
Charis: *frowns down the stairs*
Kataeni: Oops! *tiptoes to the window and pokes her head out* Matthew is asleep downstairs!
Lumen: *looks up, ears perked* So who was upstairs?
Kataeni: A friend! *smiles* See you tomorrow?
Lumen: *relaxes, his tail resuming it's usual happy curve* Sure. *pauses and looks at Jamal as the young genie murmurs to him, then looks up again* Want Jamal to grab those groceries your friend's thinking of?
Kataeni: Hmm... That would be helpful. *turns back to Charis* Would you still like to cook, or have something delivered? Also, um... Would you like to be alone?
Charis: *quietly, with a touch of regality* I just want to cook my husband his favourite meal.
Kataeni: Very well. *smiles agreeably before returning to the window* Yes, could you bring the groceries please? I'll pay you when you get back.
Lumen: *looks up from watching Jamal head for the Mall* *grin* No problem. See you tomorrow! *waves as the others wave and call farewells, and then they all head toward their various homes*
Kataeni: *waves and closes the window before letting her pet scamper up to a window ledge installed just for the whispie* *speaks to Charis* Jamal will be back shortly with your ingredients. He knows the recipe well. Can I get you something to drink while we wait? Water? Sorpa- excuse me, berry juice?
Jamal: *shy touch at Kataeni's mind, asking permission to talk to her*
Kataeni: -Hello, Jamal. What do you need?-
Jamal: -How much espresso roast would she like me to buy?-
Kataeni: Excuse me, Charis? How much espresso roast do you need?
Charis: *questioning frown* Ah, a pound should be enough for now. *goes to look in the nearest cupboard again* Do we have a grinder and a perker, then? I haven't found them.
Kataeni: No, sorry. Neither of us drink coffee. -Just a pound, thank you. You should also find a grinder and...ah... a "perker"?-
Jamal: -I know where to get a good espresso machine. I'll bring sweetening syrup too.-
Kataeni: -Thank you!- *sends Jamal a warm smile before returning to her guest* I'm having Jamal bring an espresso machine. Is there any other tool you require?
Charis: *looks around. Looks in a drawer and pulls out a cleaver, which she checks the edge on. Then frowns* You've got a cooking pot, at least. *wrinkles that strong nose* Primitive thing.
Downstairs
Matthew: *awakened by familiar voices, glances toward the closet to see Charis' yellow dress hanging beside his own*
Back Upstairs
Kataeni: *soft laugh* I came from a primitive society. I can show you how to use it.
Charis: I know what that thing is, at least. *points to the beautiful glass topped range that Kataeni's never used for anything but counter space to sit on*
Kataeni: Hmm? Oh! *clears off a plant that had been a housewarming gift and sets it on the windowsill*
Charis: Yeah, it's the cooker. *steps over and looks more closely at the stovetop* ...And it's dusty. *instant clean mode!* *hand goes up and a zap comes out. There is a crackle, and the dust is gone*
Downstairs
Matthew: *smells something burning and climbs up the stairs, confused*
Kataeni: *as Matthew pokes his head up* Good afternoon, Matthew!
Matthew: *immediately turns, embarassed, and goes back down to put clothes on*
Charis: *hears the retreating footsteps and starts to laugh, the imperious scowl totally vanishing from her face* That's my dope.
Kataeni: *blinks, oblivious* What? *feels very out of the loop*
Charis: I can't remember the number of times I used to hear, "Ewww, Daddy, you're naked!"
Kataeni: *small excited gasp* He never told me you had a child!
Charis: *expression changes to a troubled scowl, and then clears into sadness* No. He wouldn't.
Kataeni: *sighs, annoyed with herself* Sorry, I know the past is a touchy subject with many in the Nexus. *changes subject* What is this soup you're going to make?
Charis: *face brightens* It's called pho. It was an Earth recipe, but we Voyens improved it.
Kataeni: *smiles* And what's in it?
Beitu: *grows bored with looking out the window and climbs up the cabinets to investigate this new person*
Charis: Matthew likes it with the high quality protein noodles, inferno spice mix, hill onions, purple ocean cabbage, bite mushrooms, and strap leaf.
Kataeni: *nods* He does like noodles. And spicy things.
Beitu: *creeps along the tops of the cabinets, sloooowly...*
Charis: *finds some flour and studies it with a frown*
Kataeni: That's my whole-wheat flour. *the Voyaen woman will be able to see bits of chaff and such inside* I make bread sometimes. Will you be able to use that?
Matthew: *emerges from downstairs again with a neon orange-and-purple robe with black slacks* 'Morning, ladies.
Charis: "Morning". *snort* *then studies the flour some more* No. *closes the package and puts it back in the drawer*
Kataeni: Hmm... *gently pokes Jamal again* -Sorry, Jamal, but we also need protien-noodle flour.-
Matthew: *snerks at his wife* What? *opens a cabinet for a glass*
Beitu: *is pulled along with the door and lands on Matthew's head*
Jamal: -No, she wants these noodles.- *shows an image of rich black threads of great length*
Kataeni: -Ok then! Whatever she wants. Thank you again!-
Jamal: -It is no problem, my lady.-
Matthew: *laughs heartily* Beitu, what were you doing up there?
Charis: I told you your hair was a zat's nest.
Beitu: *plot failed, attempts to extricate herself from the hair and escape*
Kataeni: *chuckles and moves to collect her pet*
Charis: *laughing as she watches the tiny pet's adventure*
Matthew: *leans down, continuing to laugh as the bat tries to untangle herself*
Kataeni: *makes soothing noises, using her fingers and the Force to remove the hair* *once Beitu is free she takes her back to the table to sit and rest*
Beitu: *telling a soft, insistent, chittering story about her adventure*
Charis: *reminiscing* Remember when your holographic noan got stuck in the table, Matthew?
Matthew: *finger combing his hair as he grabs a glass* I could have reprogrammed it, you know.
Charis: You loved how lippy the thing was. *gets a glass herself and goes to the sink*
Matthew: My squad loved how lippy it was. *stops, remembering something*
Charis: *quizzical frown over her glass of water*
Kataeni: *observes quietly*
Matthew: *after a few seconds he blinks, then turns to his wife and smiles at her*
Charis: *slight scowl* Are you alright?
Matthew: It's so good to see you again. *puts his arms around her*
Charis: *sets down the glass on the counter so that she can be mushy with her husband*
Kataeni: *looks away and plays with Beitu for a minute*
Matthew: *strokes Charis' hair softly*
Charis: *breaks the kiss and looks up at him with a quizzical scowl as she reaches under his hair to touch his eye patch* *quietly* I don't remember this.
Matthew: *frowns* It... came with the new tats.
Charis: *one long finger delicately traces one mark where it comes from behind his patch, her scowl deepening* *quietly* I can feel something there.
Matthew: *quietly, ashamed* I'd rather you not know about that...
Charis: *frowns and looks up to meet his gaze* Tell me.
Matthew: *breaks away and moves to fill his water glass instead* *firmly* You don't want to know.
Kataeni: *worried*
Charis: *shivers a little more as she tries to hold in the anger at the thought of harm coming to Matthew, but then gasps and hurries to yank the window open before a narrow blast of energy shoots from her chest*
Matthew: *eye wide, is immediately at his wife's side* Are you alright?
Charis: *voice tense and low* Don't touch me yet!
Matthew: *jerks back, unsure of what to do*
Kataeni: *sets Beitu on the table, ready to do whatever is needed*
Charis: *the light is strong now in her eyes, and she's shaking harder* Just... tell me you're alright. Please.
Matthew: *blurts* I'm fine! *stares into her eyes* I'm fine now.
Charis: *glowing golden tears trickle down her cheeks for a moment, and then turn to clear water as the glow dies away from her eyes* Good... Good.
Matthew: *squeezes her close* What happened to you?
Charis: *hides her face against his shoulder and shakes her head* I don't know if I want to tell you.
Matthew: *rumbles*
Jamal: *is that polite tap on the door*
Charis: *flinches and hisses*
Jamal: *to everyone in the house* -I come in peace, my lady! I have the groceries!-
Kataeni: *scurries to the door*
Jamal: *softly glowing ruby eyes are wide as the door opens. He looks a little spooked*
Kataeni: *tries to project soothing vibes* Hello Jamal. We had a little accident before you arrived. Everything's alright. *moves to take the groceries*
Jamal: *hands over the bag of holding* *softly* They're not from the same reality.
Kataeni: Oh? *glances upstairs in thought, then looks back to the genie* I had wondered...
Jamal: *softly* The reality split at one moment. *also glances upward* She's a like a techno-ghost.
Kataeni: *eyebrows furrow* "Techno ghost"? Hmm... Thank you, Jamal. I'm sure that will help in the future. *smiles* See you tomorrow?
Jamal: *smiles, though the expression's just a bit shaky* Yes, tomorrow. Lord willing. *turns to go*
Kataeni: *waves to him and shuts the door, steeling herself before returning upstairs*
Charis: *has a handful of soft cream fuzz with a blue face and white toes* What is she telling me?
Beitu: *sniffing around*
Matthew: Beats me. *surprised the bat came over in the first place*
Charis: The squeaking doesn't sound upset. *uses finger of other hand to gently touch the tiny head*
Beitu: *ears droop as she's poked, only to pop back up again when the pokage stops*
Kataeni: *smiles as she sets the food on the counter* I think she's curious.
Beitu: *sees Mom and flaps over*
Charis: *startles as the little bat abandons ship, then walks over to packages out of the bag*
Matthew: *follows his wife, observing her carefully*
Charis: *curiously picks up a woven shut package made of palm leaf* What's this?
Kataeni: I believe that's the meat.
Matthew: Oh, is it dinosaur?
Charis: *trying to figure out how to open the package, but can find no pull tab* What is dinosaur?
Matthew: You cut it open. And it's a big lizard Swindle Co. sells. Tastes like beef.
Charis: *perks and goes to the drawer for a carving knife. Comes back and slits the package open, and then looks surprised* It's raw, but already sliced.
Kataeni: Yes, Lacey the butcher will cut up whatever we need for us. She's very accomodating. *pulls a device from the bag and blinks at it*
Charis: *looks over there and perks* Matthew, do you want to grind the beans? *it's a question, but it sounds like an order*
Matthew: *perks at the prospect of espresso* Yes Ma'am! *roots through the bag for the beans*
Charis: *grabs the spice bottle and applies a thick layer to one slice of the raw meat, then rolls it up and holds it to his mouth*
Matthew: *holds his mouth open*
Charis: *pops the treat into the mouth, then pats his bum with the other hand and turns her attention to figuring out what's in all the other strange packages made from organic stuff instead of plastic*
Matthew: *noms happily and nearly skips on his way to the kitchen table, sitting in the Voyaen-sized chair to grind his beans*
Kataeni: *trying so hard not to laugh*
Charis: *sees the girl's eyes sparkling, and that imperious face cracks into a grin*
Kataeni: *sees the woman finally smile and returns the sentiment* Can I help? *reaches back into the bag to pull out... another machine* What... is this?
Charis: *studies it for a moment, and then nods* That's the espresso machine. *picks up something wrapped in a big purple cabbage leaf and unrolls the leaf* *frown of surprise* The noodles aren't dried.
Kataeni: Ah. *sees the shining noodles* Nope, they're fresh! *pauses* What is "espresso?"
Matthew: It's like coffee, but supercharged. *presses the button and the grinder whirs noisily to life*
Charis: Mute that thing, you dope. *scowls at husband, just as she always had*
Matthew: *playing around* What? I can't hear you!
Charis: *picks up the spice shaker and offers to throw it at him, her expression stern and menacing*
Matthew: *laughs and activates the sound-dampening force field*
Kataeni: I think I've smelled that before, in lots of urban markets.
Charis: *as she finds out that this folded container of bark contains the broth in condensed form* Probably, it's popular in several galaxies.
Matthew: *gives the beans a few more pule-grinds for good measure, then moves to plug in the espresso machine* *hums*
Charis: *studies the big, strap-like leaves of one of the hill onions, then looks down at the girl* Do you know how to clean these and slice them fine?
Kataeni: Yes. *settles Beitu on her head and takes the onion, then moves to find a knife and cutting board*
Charis: *finds the other vegetables and offers them too* I'll cook the meat. If Matthew stops eating it.
Matthew: What? *across the room, but somehow managed to sneak yet more meat. Currently trying to hide the evidence... in his mouth*
Kataeni: *takes those veggies too* I'm excited to try this dish!
Charis: Do you like Voyaen spices? *goes to give the big pot a quick wash and then set it on the cooktop before adding the condensed broth and some water*
Kataeni: I'm not sure. Matthew tends to eat the spiciest things he can find. *stifles a giggle*
Charis: *glances over, her expression a little blank as she tries to fit the reply to the answer* Of course he does. He's always liked good food.
Matthew: *smiles at his wife* And you always cook it.
Charis: *calmly, though she's smiling* I'm sure Kataeni has done fine.
Matthew: *senses danger* ....
Kataeni: I usually cook something simple for breakfast. He doesn't spend much time here, so he gets his meals from the Black Dog or the mall.
Charis: *surprised* Oh. *frowns slightly and turns her attention to stirring the broth with the big butcher knife, since she didn't see the spoon out on the balcony by Kataeni's stove*
Matthew: *breathes a silent prayer of thanks*
Kataeni: *currently force-pushing the veggies into neat piles* I'm almost done here- Oh! I have a spoon, let me get it. *goes to the balcony*
Charis: *blink* What's it doing out there?
Kataeni: *laughs as she hands Charis the simple metal spoon* That's where my wood stove is.
Matthew: Babe, you want foam in your cup?
Charis: *glad for husband distraction so that she doesn't do something rude and gawk* We don't have any topping, do we?
Matthew: Nope, just whole milk. *crosses to the small refrigerator and shows the half-empty bottle*
Charis: *slender brows arch* It's blue.
Kataeni: Yes, it's Bantha milk. Somehow that's all we can get out here.
Matthew: Almost all. *goes back to the espresso machine to fiddle with knobs*
Charis: *wrinkles that proud nose at the thought of coffee with no sweet whip on top*
Matthew: *laughs* I can go get some whip cream if you want. It won't take long. *begins making a cup with LOTS of milk and foam*
Charis: Hmmm. Alright. *looks into the pot, and then starts adding the sliced meat* You'll need to hurry.
Matthew: Can do. *hands a steaming espresso cup to Kataeni* But first I want to see this.
Kataeni: *blinks, but accepts* For me?
Charis: *gives him that Look. Not the 'stop NOW' one, but the 'I see what you're doing there' one*
Kataeni: *sips, then twitches, barely succeeding in keeping the beverage in*
Matthew: *giggles* Guess how much coffee was in that.
Charis: I've seen the video of your first taste of coffee. *adds more meat*
Kataeni: *coughs, going to the sink for water*
Matthew: About 5 drops. That's how much.
Charis: Are you sure her race can take coffee safely? *still calm*
Kataeni: *drinking from her hand*
Matthew: *shrugs* She can push things with her mind. *smooches his wife on the cheek* Be right back! *jogs downstairs to get more clothes and money*
Charis: *turns and checks on the girl while still stirring the soup*
Kataeni: *wiping her mouth, now seems ok* Wow! That's bitter!
Charis: *blinks* Oh. Yes, I guess it is. That's why I like whip on it. Are you alright?
Kataeni: *laughs* Yes, I'm fine. *stares at the cup. It was a gift, and she can't bring herself to throw it out* *drinks more* >_<
Charis: *grimaces* Get that bigger cup and put more milk in it. *yes, she understands the girl's actions*
front door: *can be heard sliding open and closed as Matthew leaves*
Kataeni: *takes the cup and milk, spying something under all the empty packages* Oh! Jamal got some cookies! How nice of him!
Charis: Cookies? *moves the pot off the stove as she looks over her shoulder*
Kataeni: Yes, my favorite rosemary cookies. *shows the package, which contains 2 sleeves of tan-colored wafers* Would you like one?
Charis: *smile that is surprisingly gentle for that imperious face* No thank you. You enjoy them.
Kataeni: *fixes the coffee and milk as instructed, then dips a cookie in* Mmmm...
Charis: *smiles again and turns back to the pot, but then jumps and looks toward the balcony window as a thump comes from out there* *deep frown* Someone just threw a huge dead rat onto the balcony.
Kataeni: Oh, the delivery is here! *opens the door and hefts the 30-lb rat* Thanks, Joshua! *closes the door again*
Charis: *amazed look for the girl* Delivery?
Kataeni: Yes. *opens the stasis box with the Force and shoves the rat inside* The Fire Tribe's hunters make regular runs to the rat pits, and give us a share of their kills on account of Matthew's good standing with them. *pushes the long floppy tail into the box and shuts it, then goes to wash her hands* I'll butcher it later.
Charis: *deep frown* What do we want with rats? *then looks toward the entry as she hears the front door open very slowly*
Beitu: *perks and glides down the stairs to meet the visitor*
Kataeni: *smiles* That must be Tiger.
Charis: *quietly, as she hears the little bat's soft talk* Who's that? *going to ask about the rat again later*
Kataeni: One of the neighbor's sons. He likes to get away from his noisy household sometimes. *calls down from the top of the stairs* Sorry I have company today, Tiger. But do you want a cookie?
Tiger: *ears droop as his dark eyes go sad behind his glasses* Nah. I et. *gently tosses Beitu toward the stairs after smoothing her head with one finger*
Charis: I'm not company, Kataeni.
Beitu: *disappointed chitters as she lands on a step*
Kataeni: I'm sorry. We can go to the park tomorrow. *thinks she will need some time away herself*
Tiger: *bit of a perk and that shy, sweet smile that lights up his little face* 'Kay. *lifts a hand to wave as he turns to slip outside again. Startled sound as he runs into a brawny leg enclosed in a loud-coloured skirt*
Matthew: Woah! *holds up the shopping bag lest he accidentally hit the kid*
Tiger: *quail chick. Hiding kitten!*
Charis: *has set the soup down and is coming to see what's going on*
Matthew: *backs off* Hey, it's ok, come on...
Tiger: *peeeeks, his glasses slightly askew. And then he startles as a hand touches his back and shoots a scared look toward the toucher*
Charis: Shhhh. What's wrong? *gentleness in the proud face, and concern for this little one* Did you hit your head on his knee?
Matthew: I don't think so. *kneels down, smiling*
Kataeni: *comes down the stairs* Is everything alright?
Charis: *can't resist gently smoothing the soft fur on the little boy's head* Hey, he only looks scary. You don't need to be afraid of that guy. The bat crawls in his hair.
Matthew: *small explosive laugh* It's true.
Tiger: *shy peek toward the man. But then he can't help closing his eyes as a soft, soft rumble of sound starts up as the lady smooths his ears*
Matthew: Hey, is that Roy's kid? What's his name...
Kataeni: *has been silently watching the woman work her magic* Tiger.
Matthew: Tiger! Of course. I hear about you all the time.
Tiger: *peeks at him again, but that soft purr continues*
Charis: *longing in her eyes as she watches the little guy and feels his child's warmth under her hand* Do your parents know you're here?
Tiger: *nods* *quietly* M' too quiet to keep up, but they know where I am.
Kataeni: He comes here a lot to relax. He must have seen Matthew leaving and thought I was alone.
Charis: Here? *amused look for her husband* It wouldn't have been quiet enough to relax anywhere you were.
Tiger: *watching them with perked ears even as the purring continues*
Matthew: *chuckles* Hey, I can be quiet.
Charis: *Look!* Only when you're passed out drunk. And then you snore.
Kataeni: *snickers before she can stop herself*
Matthew: *pout*
Tiger: *impulsive hug for the big man that he usually skittishly avoids. So much hug!*
Charis: *snarking at husband forgotten as her eyes shine*
Matthew: *a bit startled, but puts a big hand on the kid's back* *smiles down at him*
Tiger: *love love love! And then turns and slams very lightly into Charis to give her fuzzy squishes too*
Charis: *proud chin trembles as she hugs the little boy*
Kataeni: *glad the boy is accepting her new friends*
Matthew: *if he knows his wife she's loving every second of this*
Charis: *hugs the little boy, and then lets go when he does, her expression quizzical as she waits to see what he'll do next*
Tiger: *he'll hug Kataeni, of course. And hold out the little treat that he brought for Beitu*
Kataeni: *gives him a big squeeze, then waits for Beitu to appear*
Beitu: *was waiting on the railing; pounces on the treat!*
Tiger: *laughs happily and feeds the fluffy little bat* I nearly have enough saved up to buy a wispy. I have enough for a normal fur one, but I wanna fuzzy like Beitu.
Kataeni: *smiles* Good! And you portioned enough for vet visits and shots too?
Tiger: Oh. He won't need shots for, like, TWO YEARS after I get 'im. 'N I know a free place for doctorin'. *has relaxed. The Morlock lack of concern for proper language is resurfacing*
Kataeni: *more smiling* Good. I can go with you to the pet store when you're ready, if you like.
Tiger: *happy grin with eyes, whiskers, and ears, as well as his mouth* Schway! *bounces a bit, but then looks toward the door* I'll go tell my olds 'n go see the Fire Tribe.
Kataeni: Safe travels. And have fun! See you tomorrow?
Tiger: Uh huh! *happy grin as he turns and is gone like a little whirlwind*
Charis: *thoughtfully, as she straightens up and pulls on Mathew's arm to bring him to his feet and inside* I see what you mean. He is quiet.
Matthew: *stands, slightly worried about that look in his wife's eyes but won't show it* Wouldn't know it from his dad. The man's in a head-splitting rock band.
Charis: *looks toward the house that shares a yard with their own as she rests one hand on the door. Brows lift as she hears a deep bass voice bellowing joyfully as lighter voices laugh and yell* That's how our house used to sound.
Matthew: When we had company. *reminds her gently*
Charis: *doesn't look up as she slides the door closed and fastens the catch* You did your own party all by yourself when you were on leave.
Matthew: *embarassed laugh as he looks to Kataeni for help*
Kataeni: *already snuck upstairs to let them have some time*
Charis: *energy plays over her frame and is gone so quickly that one might doubt they'd ever seen it. But no discharge happens this time. She's only standing there with her hand on the latch, staring into the past*
Matthew: *takes her hand gently, having nothing to say. He wishes to avoid the past if at all possible. But his stomach saves the day by growling loudly, and he remembers the grocery bag*
Charis: *blinks, and then the air is full of vituperation and conjecture on the state of the soup as she turns and runs upstairs*
Matthew: *runs after her, excited at having his life back after far too many years*
Charis: *is going to spend the rest of the evening feeding her husband and Kataeni, and trying to teach the girl the proper way to laugh at that husband*
((Written byrandom_xtras and ssjmihoshi.))
((For reference, Matthew and Kataeni live in this house right next to Fire Tribe land.))
Matthew: *walking home from the all-night party that is the Rock'nRide, trying not to rub his eyes because the makeup has smudged enough already* *smiling at the beings bustling around at the beginning, or end, of their day*
Megatron: *looks over from where he's sitting on the ground/floor over near the Visitor's Centre in the Question Square. Places the splash of bright yellow that had caught his attention, and lifts a brow as he recognizes the tall organic guy who had enjoyed Kup's match in the Rat Pits the evening before*
Bumblebee: *itty bitty chibi sees YELLOW! Runs out in front of the guy and puts tiny hands on bitty hips. Then tells the guy off in language like a hardened soldier would use*
Megatron: Ack. Bumblebee, stop.
Matthew: Haha woah... *wobbles slightly from all the alcohol* What'd I do? *places arms akimbo and stares down at the little bot expectantly*
Bumblebee: *moves her bitty mouthplate as she studies him. Then waves tiny arms descriptively and TELLS him again. With totally different words, some of which he may never have heard before*
Megatron: *tries to distract her with a human baby doll with wrecked hair* I'm sorry. She had an exciting night, and has barely slept.
Bumblebee: *BLEEEEP!*
Matthew: *BUSTS out laughing* Someone's very cranky! *leans down* You know what they say about children who don't sleep...
Bumblebee: *starts running in circles* Eeeeeeeet boogyman! *cuss!*
Megatron: *tries again to distract her with the doll, but the beloved baby is batted aside*
Matthew: *blinks at the energy, but tries to keep his tone stern* Even the boogyman is afraid of Suu-YECK. It creeps into your brain the longer you stay awake!
Bumblebee: KICK AFT! AHHHHHHH!
female voice: *murmurs sleepily from the shadow of the big grey and blue mech*
Megatron: Shhh, Kriti. She's just having a conversation.
second female voice: Y'call that a conversation, Megsy? *grumble* Torky, turn back over, I can't lay on yer side. *sound of metallic movement and a slight grunt* Well, now I'm stuck. *more movement*
Matthew: *snickers and scratches at his eyepatch* More partiers?
Megatron: My brother Torque. *nods toward the navy and tan bruiser with the white helmet shaped like a cowboy hat who is now sleeping face down and snoring sonorously into the grass, and who is serving as a bed for a tall, rangy lady in pale rose, lavender, and buttercream* His wife Mistfire, and... *huge hand rests gently on a small, slender, navy blue lady who is curled against his leg sound asleep* *voice softens* My wife, Kriti.
Matthew: No offense, but I've already forgotten their names. *chuckles and rubs his nose* But I think I remember you guys from the Black Dog.
Megatron: *reaches to try and steer the excitedly circling and cursing chibi* We go there often. *glances at the man, concern apparent in the serious blue eyes* You weren't able to go home last night?
Matthew: *laughs harder, causing him to rock back on his heels* Didn't want to!
Megatron: *understanding* You went to the event at the mall.
Mistfire: *cuddles down on her husband's back and murmurs affectionately*
Torque: *snoorrrre*
Megatron: *ignores them*
Matthew: *looks away from the heartwarming scene* I'll let you sleep. But... *pauses* It'll be loud here soon. You all haven't gone home yet?
Megatron: *serious, wry smile* Bumblebee is more than capable of waking an entire apartment block.
Bumblebee: KICK AAAAAFT!
passing Astrotrain: Shut it! Why Autobots don't install mute subroutines I'll never know...
Matthew: *snickers and chuckles escape, but are quickly contained* Good luck to you, then! *waves and continues home*
Astrotrain: *grumbles as the tiny yellow thing runs around him, matching its curses with some that would strip the paint from his parents' memorial plaques*
soft crackling: *rings through the air*
Matthew: *stops for a second, looking around for the source, but chalks it up to the growing crowd and silly things that always seem to happen by the sign*
bittyBee: *back and hugging his leg* KICK AAAAAAFFFFT!
Matthew: *jerks and wobbles slightly, groaning at the loud voice* Buddy, you go kick aft somewhere else... *rubs the ache under the patch some more*
crackling: *louder now*
bittyBee: *pauses and looks up at something in front of Mathew, then turns and runs off with her little arms in the air* Boooooogy maaaaan. Eeeeeeheeeheee!
Matthew: *grumbling and not paying attention* Must'a drunk more than I thought...
voice: *female, and full of ire* That's mine!
Matthew: *tries to piece together the voice, which sounds familiar despite the slight crackle* Wha...? *looks up*
woman: *appears to be made of golden light, but her features are clear. High cheekbones stand out to either side of a proud and beautifully sculpted nose and are shadowed by snapping golden eyes. A shapely body wears a near mirror image of his own dress* *she hovers there in front of him and scowls. And the scowl too is familiar*
Matthew: *snaps his mouth shut and takes a step back* But--you're dead. *accuses flatly*
woman: *hisses at him* Give it back!
Matthew: *only pauses a beat* No.
woman: *moves closer, anger making her eyes seem to let out sparks, just as they always had* Give it back!
Matthew: *fluidly, as if following a script* Only if you take it off me, Charis. *the line is humorous, but his expression is not*
woman: *gasps, and is suddenly solid and staring at her hands. Golden eyes rise up to his face and widen* *softly* Matthew?
Matthew: *blinks comically* Um...
Charis: But they killed you. I saw it. *frowns deeply, her hands dropping to her sides*
Matthew: Y-you did? *dark skin goes pale* *he doesn't remember much of his "death," but he's pretty sure it was horrible*
Charis: *reaches to touch him and blinks, then puts the other hand on his chest by the first* You're warm... *looks up and frowns* What happened to your eye?
Matthew: *stands silent, watching movements that begin to look more and more familiar. At her touch he tenses. When she opens her mouth he suddenly realizes he can bear it no longer, and covers her in possibly the tightest embrace she's ever had* Charis...
Charis: *grunts, and then she's squirming just enough to get her hands out from between them so that she can hug him back. Oh, and instigate a terrible PDA*
bittyBee: *cheer!* KISSSSSa SWAGGIN' BWAINS OUT!
Megatron: *NOT LOOKING*
Matthew: *grunts softly and nuzzles her head, inhaling the scent of her hair*
Charis: *snuzzling and hugging, and being a lot more loving than she ever let herself be before* It's you. You're here. You're here. *tries that PDA again*
bittyBee: *laughing*
Matthew: *chuckles and twirls her around* I must be dreaming. *running his hands over every inch of her to check against his memory*
Charis: *hugging him doesn't prevent her from pinching him*
Matthew: *laughs louder* It is you! *begins tickling her*
Charis: *it's her alright. That's the same hiss and lightning flash of nails that gave him more than one scar in the past!*
Matthew: *ah, he knows this game well! Deftly sweeps her up and continues tickling!*
Charis: *is gonna draw blood! And kick him. And pause and look at him funny as her attack and his tickles both start... bouncing off?* What the *deleted*?
Matthew: *blinks, the mood completely ruined as he remembers his surroundings* Aww, nooo...
Charis: *trying this weird effect out, her brow furrowed with ireful curiosity*
Matthew: I have some explaining to do. *whirls around toward the Black Dog, but the movement unbalances him more than expected*
Charis: *on her feet and bracing him* You're plastered.
Matthew: *opens mouth and considers bragging about his good time, but wisely decides against it* Yep. *warm happy smile*
Charis: Do you have quarters anywhere nearby? *curious look around the strange place where they're standing*
Matthew: *smiles wider* Yes m'lady. *sweeps her up again and begins plodding back to his tiny house*
Charis: Isn't there a cab? *looks around with a scowl*
Matthew: *stops, blinking again* Oh, I guess so. *his smile slowly widens as he realizes how silly he's been* I'm so used to walking everywhere...
Charis: *gives him a familiar Look*
Matthew: *chuckles* You know I hate paying for cabs...
Charis: *starting to scowl as she thinks of the damage he could do to himself while he's walking this unsteadily, but then flinches and looks up uncertainly as a shadow falls over them*
Matthew: *looks up, pushing past the urge to protect his wife* Oh, that's just Dreadnought. His sister owns the local bar.
Charis: *trembling slightly, but trying to hide it* Oh.
Dreadnought: *rumbles laughter* "Just" Dreadnought. Maybe I won't offer you a ride.
Matthew: *feels his wife's trembling and plays strong for her* We'll be fine! You might deliver something later though! *turns to Charis* I'm going to treat you later! They have amazing... *notices he's leaning and forcefully rights himself* ...sweets! And meat sandwiches.
Dreadnought: *amused as he gently uses one finger to prop the Voyen man up* I ain't the delivery boy.
Charis: *looks up at the humour in that deep voice and finds herself grinning that grin that used to turn her husband's head* So what are you, then?
Dreadnought: Blackout's. *grins back, his brown eyes dancing*
Matthew: *jerks at the robot's touch, masking the motion with a hop forward and a turn toward the mech* Don't get her started! *begins walking backward* She's mine for the next 12 hours, then you can give her the tour.
Charis: Give us the ride.
Dreadnought: You got it, Mama. *scoops them up*
Charis: *laughing now as she hugs her husband*
Matthew: *clings tigher to his wife, burying his head in her hair to mask gritting teeth*
Charis: *quick frown of concern as they're lifted into the air and born forward* What's wrong?
Matthew: *clears his throat, putting on the tough soldier mask* You know where I live, Dread?
Dreadnought: Yup. *few more strides, and then they're being set down in the backyard of the big McMansion that Roy of the Lovely Dictators has claimed for his family* That lil' place right there.
Charis: *despite concern for husband, she's got to grin at the swoop of being lowered from so great a height*
Matthew: *not grinning. Roller coasters stopped being fun after the first time falling from busted aircraft* Yup. This is it.
Dreadnought: *looks at the cute little house standing there by the fence that separates Roy's backyard from the Fire Tribe's field* Teni ain't home, so hope ya got yer key.
Matthew: Oh. *had honestly forgotten the girl in his joy* I got it somewhere... *tries to reach around Charis to his pockets*
Charis: *laughing about being squished and poked* Hey! Not out here!
Matthew: *gives that low chuckle that she can feel in his chest* Why, don't want the sheep seeing us? *continues poking*
Charis: *looks up as she hears Dreadnought's laughter fading away. Laughs herself as she watches the big black bot walk off*
Matthew: *eventually finds the key and opens the door. Carries her inside and quickly slides the door shut so no one can interrupt their reunion again*
Kataeni: *on her way home from the blanket factory, participating in her friends' joy* What kinds of binding traditions will you have?
Lumen: *as he happily chases after a bell on a string that he just "accidentally" let bounce off Yuffie* Oh, it'll be a basic Protestant thing. Hormah will have us do vows 'n then exchange rings. And then we'll have a reception, 'n then everyone goes to the Black Dog to get cratered or hyper or whatever.
Leon: Didn't Den say something about a dress?
Legacy: *nods* Yes. I'll be wearing a dress. I didn't want a white one though... I look really bad in all white.
Yuffie: *as she swats at Lumen* Like a ghost. Hey!
Lumen: *snerk*
Aeris: From what I understand, there were a lot of invitations sent out... More than were sent out for Den and Drill Boy's wedding.
Legacy: *nods* My mom's coming, and she asked if it was alright for her to bring her boyfriend. She hasn't told me anything about him yet, so I want to find out who he is, and I want to make sure he's treating her right.
Kataeni: *smiles at the couple, appreciating the simplicity of the affair* People usually let their real selves slip when they drink. You should have no problem getting to know him. *hopes there will be no conflict* *turns from the thought with a smile for Lumen* What kind of clothes would be appropriate?
Lumen: Well, you're one of our guests, so just comfy dress up clothes. Right, Leggy?
Legacy: *nods* Yes. As long as you're not violating the public decency laws, anything goes.
Kataeni: *nods* alright. Is Matthew invited as well?
Lumen: To the party. *nod nod. Grin*
Kataeni: *giggles* He'll like that.
Lumen: *more grin, and then surprise as he spots her house* Somebody's moving around upstairs.
Jamal: *frowns and looks that way, his softly glowing red eyes serious*
Kataeni: *smiles* Matthew is probably just getting up now. He went dancing last night.
Lumen: ...He hasn't got boobies.
Legacy: *light swat for fiance* Lu, be nice.
Sephiroth: *also frowning in that direction*
Kataeni: *blink*
Charis: *poking around the kitchen and wondering why there's nothing to eat in it. And no espresso to make* *is wearing a yellow tunic of Matthew's because it's HER colour*
Kataeni: *bids goodbye to her friends and enters softly. Noting the drawn bedroom curtain she is even more confused by the noises upstairs*
Charis: *hears the door slide open and shut downstairs and her other brow goes up before both draw together in a frown. Walks to the head of the stairs and looks down*
Kataeni: *stops at the foot of the stairs, gazing up at... a female Matthew?* *but no, that's him snoring behind the curtain* Um... hi?
Charis: Who are you? *imperious but not cold. Frowning very hard, though*
Kataeni: *blinks, sensing the unease, and lapses into peacekeeper mode as she straightens and answers warmly* My name is Kataeni. May we talk upstairs? I don't want to wake him. *indicating the bedroom behind the curtain*
Charis: *deep frown continues as she steps aside* ...Sure.
Kataeni: *climbs the stairs silently and crosses the kitchen so as to be out of the woman's personal space* I live here with Matthew. That is my bedroom. *points to the loft above Charis' head*
Charis: *surprised now* He didn't mention that anyone else lived here.
Beitu: *peeks out of Mama's collar at this new person, big ears perked*
Charis: ...You're inhabited.
Kataeni: *small giggle as she holds out a hand for the whispie* Beitu is my pet. And Matthew never told me he had friends his own species. *studies the woman carefully*
Charis: Actually, I'm his wife. Charis. *watching the little fuzzy blue-grey critter with slightly wary interest*
Kataeni: *THAT gets a blink and a confused look* Oh!
Charis: *eyes from the finger licking whispie back to the girl's face, brows lifting slightly in calm question*
Kataeni: *composes herself* Well, I don't pry into his personal life... *feeds Beitu a treat from the box on the table*
Charis: *glances toward the stairs, but then perks* Do you know the contact information for the foodstuff delivery service? We're out.
Kataeni: Oh... no, sorry. We don't do much eating here, and I usually walk to the market for groceries. I can have something delivered from the Black Dog if you like.
Charis: *slight scowl that shows restrained temper at her confusion* Do they have rhy steak? I want to make Matthew's favourite.
Kataeni: *disappointed at the other woman's frustration* I'm sure if they don't have it they can find a suitible alternative. Hrafni prides herself on being able to match a dizzying variety of cultural cuisines.
Lumen: *is that quiet rap on the front door*
Charis: *frowns down the stairs*
Kataeni: Oops! *tiptoes to the window and pokes her head out* Matthew is asleep downstairs!
Lumen: *looks up, ears perked* So who was upstairs?
Kataeni: A friend! *smiles* See you tomorrow?
Lumen: *relaxes, his tail resuming it's usual happy curve* Sure. *pauses and looks at Jamal as the young genie murmurs to him, then looks up again* Want Jamal to grab those groceries your friend's thinking of?
Kataeni: Hmm... That would be helpful. *turns back to Charis* Would you still like to cook, or have something delivered? Also, um... Would you like to be alone?
Charis: *quietly, with a touch of regality* I just want to cook my husband his favourite meal.
Kataeni: Very well. *smiles agreeably before returning to the window* Yes, could you bring the groceries please? I'll pay you when you get back.
Lumen: *looks up from watching Jamal head for the Mall* *grin* No problem. See you tomorrow! *waves as the others wave and call farewells, and then they all head toward their various homes*
Kataeni: *waves and closes the window before letting her pet scamper up to a window ledge installed just for the whispie* *speaks to Charis* Jamal will be back shortly with your ingredients. He knows the recipe well. Can I get you something to drink while we wait? Water? Sorpa- excuse me, berry juice?
Jamal: *shy touch at Kataeni's mind, asking permission to talk to her*
Kataeni: -Hello, Jamal. What do you need?-
Jamal: -How much espresso roast would she like me to buy?-
Kataeni: Excuse me, Charis? How much espresso roast do you need?
Charis: *questioning frown* Ah, a pound should be enough for now. *goes to look in the nearest cupboard again* Do we have a grinder and a perker, then? I haven't found them.
Kataeni: No, sorry. Neither of us drink coffee. -Just a pound, thank you. You should also find a grinder and...ah... a "perker"?-
Jamal: -I know where to get a good espresso machine. I'll bring sweetening syrup too.-
Kataeni: -Thank you!- *sends Jamal a warm smile before returning to her guest* I'm having Jamal bring an espresso machine. Is there any other tool you require?
Charis: *looks around. Looks in a drawer and pulls out a cleaver, which she checks the edge on. Then frowns* You've got a cooking pot, at least. *wrinkles that strong nose* Primitive thing.
Matthew: *awakened by familiar voices, glances toward the closet to see Charis' yellow dress hanging beside his own*
Kataeni: *soft laugh* I came from a primitive society. I can show you how to use it.
Charis: I know what that thing is, at least. *points to the beautiful glass topped range that Kataeni's never used for anything but counter space to sit on*
Kataeni: Hmm? Oh! *clears off a plant that had been a housewarming gift and sets it on the windowsill*
Charis: Yeah, it's the cooker. *steps over and looks more closely at the stovetop* ...And it's dusty. *instant clean mode!* *hand goes up and a zap comes out. There is a crackle, and the dust is gone*
Matthew: *smells something burning and climbs up the stairs, confused*
Kataeni: *as Matthew pokes his head up* Good afternoon, Matthew!
Matthew: *immediately turns, embarassed, and goes back down to put clothes on*
Charis: *hears the retreating footsteps and starts to laugh, the imperious scowl totally vanishing from her face* That's my dope.
Kataeni: *blinks, oblivious* What? *feels very out of the loop*
Charis: I can't remember the number of times I used to hear, "Ewww, Daddy, you're naked!"
Kataeni: *small excited gasp* He never told me you had a child!
Charis: *expression changes to a troubled scowl, and then clears into sadness* No. He wouldn't.
Kataeni: *sighs, annoyed with herself* Sorry, I know the past is a touchy subject with many in the Nexus. *changes subject* What is this soup you're going to make?
Charis: *face brightens* It's called pho. It was an Earth recipe, but we Voyens improved it.
Kataeni: *smiles* And what's in it?
Beitu: *grows bored with looking out the window and climbs up the cabinets to investigate this new person*
Charis: Matthew likes it with the high quality protein noodles, inferno spice mix, hill onions, purple ocean cabbage, bite mushrooms, and strap leaf.
Kataeni: *nods* He does like noodles. And spicy things.
Beitu: *creeps along the tops of the cabinets, sloooowly...*
Charis: *finds some flour and studies it with a frown*
Kataeni: That's my whole-wheat flour. *the Voyaen woman will be able to see bits of chaff and such inside* I make bread sometimes. Will you be able to use that?
Matthew: *emerges from downstairs again with a neon orange-and-purple robe with black slacks* 'Morning, ladies.
Charis: "Morning". *snort* *then studies the flour some more* No. *closes the package and puts it back in the drawer*
Kataeni: Hmm... *gently pokes Jamal again* -Sorry, Jamal, but we also need protien-noodle flour.-
Matthew: *snerks at his wife* What? *opens a cabinet for a glass*
Beitu: *is pulled along with the door and lands on Matthew's head*
Jamal: -No, she wants these noodles.- *shows an image of rich black threads of great length*
Kataeni: -Ok then! Whatever she wants. Thank you again!-
Jamal: -It is no problem, my lady.-
Matthew: *laughs heartily* Beitu, what were you doing up there?
Charis: I told you your hair was a zat's nest.
Beitu: *plot failed, attempts to extricate herself from the hair and escape*
Kataeni: *chuckles and moves to collect her pet*
Charis: *laughing as she watches the tiny pet's adventure*
Matthew: *leans down, continuing to laugh as the bat tries to untangle herself*
Kataeni: *makes soothing noises, using her fingers and the Force to remove the hair* *once Beitu is free she takes her back to the table to sit and rest*
Beitu: *telling a soft, insistent, chittering story about her adventure*
Charis: *reminiscing* Remember when your holographic noan got stuck in the table, Matthew?
Matthew: *finger combing his hair as he grabs a glass* I could have reprogrammed it, you know.
Charis: You loved how lippy the thing was. *gets a glass herself and goes to the sink*
Matthew: My squad loved how lippy it was. *stops, remembering something*
Charis: *quizzical frown over her glass of water*
Kataeni: *observes quietly*
Matthew: *after a few seconds he blinks, then turns to his wife and smiles at her*
Charis: *slight scowl* Are you alright?
Matthew: It's so good to see you again. *puts his arms around her*
Charis: *sets down the glass on the counter so that she can be mushy with her husband*
Kataeni: *looks away and plays with Beitu for a minute*
Matthew: *strokes Charis' hair softly*
Charis: *breaks the kiss and looks up at him with a quizzical scowl as she reaches under his hair to touch his eye patch* *quietly* I don't remember this.
Matthew: *frowns* It... came with the new tats.
Charis: *one long finger delicately traces one mark where it comes from behind his patch, her scowl deepening* *quietly* I can feel something there.
Matthew: *quietly, ashamed* I'd rather you not know about that...
Charis: *frowns and looks up to meet his gaze* Tell me.
Matthew: *breaks away and moves to fill his water glass instead* *firmly* You don't want to know.
Kataeni: *worried*
Charis: *shivers a little more as she tries to hold in the anger at the thought of harm coming to Matthew, but then gasps and hurries to yank the window open before a narrow blast of energy shoots from her chest*
Matthew: *eye wide, is immediately at his wife's side* Are you alright?
Charis: *voice tense and low* Don't touch me yet!
Matthew: *jerks back, unsure of what to do*
Kataeni: *sets Beitu on the table, ready to do whatever is needed*
Charis: *the light is strong now in her eyes, and she's shaking harder* Just... tell me you're alright. Please.
Matthew: *blurts* I'm fine! *stares into her eyes* I'm fine now.
Charis: *glowing golden tears trickle down her cheeks for a moment, and then turn to clear water as the glow dies away from her eyes* Good... Good.
Matthew: *squeezes her close* What happened to you?
Charis: *hides her face against his shoulder and shakes her head* I don't know if I want to tell you.
Matthew: *rumbles*
Jamal: *is that polite tap on the door*
Charis: *flinches and hisses*
Jamal: *to everyone in the house* -I come in peace, my lady! I have the groceries!-
Kataeni: *scurries to the door*
Jamal: *softly glowing ruby eyes are wide as the door opens. He looks a little spooked*
Kataeni: *tries to project soothing vibes* Hello Jamal. We had a little accident before you arrived. Everything's alright. *moves to take the groceries*
Jamal: *hands over the bag of holding* *softly* They're not from the same reality.
Kataeni: Oh? *glances upstairs in thought, then looks back to the genie* I had wondered...
Jamal: *softly* The reality split at one moment. *also glances upward* She's a like a techno-ghost.
Kataeni: *eyebrows furrow* "Techno ghost"? Hmm... Thank you, Jamal. I'm sure that will help in the future. *smiles* See you tomorrow?
Jamal: *smiles, though the expression's just a bit shaky* Yes, tomorrow. Lord willing. *turns to go*
Kataeni: *waves to him and shuts the door, steeling herself before returning upstairs*
Charis: *has a handful of soft cream fuzz with a blue face and white toes* What is she telling me?
Beitu: *sniffing around*
Matthew: Beats me. *surprised the bat came over in the first place*
Charis: The squeaking doesn't sound upset. *uses finger of other hand to gently touch the tiny head*
Beitu: *ears droop as she's poked, only to pop back up again when the pokage stops*
Kataeni: *smiles as she sets the food on the counter* I think she's curious.
Beitu: *sees Mom and flaps over*
Charis: *startles as the little bat abandons ship, then walks over to packages out of the bag*
Matthew: *follows his wife, observing her carefully*
Charis: *curiously picks up a woven shut package made of palm leaf* What's this?
Kataeni: I believe that's the meat.
Matthew: Oh, is it dinosaur?
Charis: *trying to figure out how to open the package, but can find no pull tab* What is dinosaur?
Matthew: You cut it open. And it's a big lizard Swindle Co. sells. Tastes like beef.
Charis: *perks and goes to the drawer for a carving knife. Comes back and slits the package open, and then looks surprised* It's raw, but already sliced.
Kataeni: Yes, Lacey the butcher will cut up whatever we need for us. She's very accomodating. *pulls a device from the bag and blinks at it*
Charis: *looks over there and perks* Matthew, do you want to grind the beans? *it's a question, but it sounds like an order*
Matthew: *perks at the prospect of espresso* Yes Ma'am! *roots through the bag for the beans*
Charis: *grabs the spice bottle and applies a thick layer to one slice of the raw meat, then rolls it up and holds it to his mouth*
Matthew: *holds his mouth open*
Charis: *pops the treat into the mouth, then pats his bum with the other hand and turns her attention to figuring out what's in all the other strange packages made from organic stuff instead of plastic*
Matthew: *noms happily and nearly skips on his way to the kitchen table, sitting in the Voyaen-sized chair to grind his beans*
Kataeni: *trying so hard not to laugh*
Charis: *sees the girl's eyes sparkling, and that imperious face cracks into a grin*
Kataeni: *sees the woman finally smile and returns the sentiment* Can I help? *reaches back into the bag to pull out... another machine* What... is this?
Charis: *studies it for a moment, and then nods* That's the espresso machine. *picks up something wrapped in a big purple cabbage leaf and unrolls the leaf* *frown of surprise* The noodles aren't dried.
Kataeni: Ah. *sees the shining noodles* Nope, they're fresh! *pauses* What is "espresso?"
Matthew: It's like coffee, but supercharged. *presses the button and the grinder whirs noisily to life*
Charis: Mute that thing, you dope. *scowls at husband, just as she always had*
Matthew: *playing around* What? I can't hear you!
Charis: *picks up the spice shaker and offers to throw it at him, her expression stern and menacing*
Matthew: *laughs and activates the sound-dampening force field*
Kataeni: I think I've smelled that before, in lots of urban markets.
Charis: *as she finds out that this folded container of bark contains the broth in condensed form* Probably, it's popular in several galaxies.
Matthew: *gives the beans a few more pule-grinds for good measure, then moves to plug in the espresso machine* *hums*
Charis: *studies the big, strap-like leaves of one of the hill onions, then looks down at the girl* Do you know how to clean these and slice them fine?
Kataeni: Yes. *settles Beitu on her head and takes the onion, then moves to find a knife and cutting board*
Charis: *finds the other vegetables and offers them too* I'll cook the meat. If Matthew stops eating it.
Matthew: What? *across the room, but somehow managed to sneak yet more meat. Currently trying to hide the evidence... in his mouth*
Kataeni: *takes those veggies too* I'm excited to try this dish!
Charis: Do you like Voyaen spices? *goes to give the big pot a quick wash and then set it on the cooktop before adding the condensed broth and some water*
Kataeni: I'm not sure. Matthew tends to eat the spiciest things he can find. *stifles a giggle*
Charis: *glances over, her expression a little blank as she tries to fit the reply to the answer* Of course he does. He's always liked good food.
Matthew: *smiles at his wife* And you always cook it.
Charis: *calmly, though she's smiling* I'm sure Kataeni has done fine.
Matthew: *senses danger* ....
Kataeni: I usually cook something simple for breakfast. He doesn't spend much time here, so he gets his meals from the Black Dog or the mall.
Charis: *surprised* Oh. *frowns slightly and turns her attention to stirring the broth with the big butcher knife, since she didn't see the spoon out on the balcony by Kataeni's stove*
Matthew: *breathes a silent prayer of thanks*
Kataeni: *currently force-pushing the veggies into neat piles* I'm almost done here- Oh! I have a spoon, let me get it. *goes to the balcony*
Charis: *blink* What's it doing out there?
Kataeni: *laughs as she hands Charis the simple metal spoon* That's where my wood stove is.
Matthew: Babe, you want foam in your cup?
Charis: *glad for husband distraction so that she doesn't do something rude and gawk* We don't have any topping, do we?
Matthew: Nope, just whole milk. *crosses to the small refrigerator and shows the half-empty bottle*
Charis: *slender brows arch* It's blue.
Kataeni: Yes, it's Bantha milk. Somehow that's all we can get out here.
Matthew: Almost all. *goes back to the espresso machine to fiddle with knobs*
Charis: *wrinkles that proud nose at the thought of coffee with no sweet whip on top*
Matthew: *laughs* I can go get some whip cream if you want. It won't take long. *begins making a cup with LOTS of milk and foam*
Charis: Hmmm. Alright. *looks into the pot, and then starts adding the sliced meat* You'll need to hurry.
Matthew: Can do. *hands a steaming espresso cup to Kataeni* But first I want to see this.
Kataeni: *blinks, but accepts* For me?
Charis: *gives him that Look. Not the 'stop NOW' one, but the 'I see what you're doing there' one*
Kataeni: *sips, then twitches, barely succeeding in keeping the beverage in*
Matthew: *giggles* Guess how much coffee was in that.
Charis: I've seen the video of your first taste of coffee. *adds more meat*
Kataeni: *coughs, going to the sink for water*
Matthew: About 5 drops. That's how much.
Charis: Are you sure her race can take coffee safely? *still calm*
Kataeni: *drinking from her hand*
Matthew: *shrugs* She can push things with her mind. *smooches his wife on the cheek* Be right back! *jogs downstairs to get more clothes and money*
Charis: *turns and checks on the girl while still stirring the soup*
Kataeni: *wiping her mouth, now seems ok* Wow! That's bitter!
Charis: *blinks* Oh. Yes, I guess it is. That's why I like whip on it. Are you alright?
Kataeni: *laughs* Yes, I'm fine. *stares at the cup. It was a gift, and she can't bring herself to throw it out* *drinks more* >_<
Charis: *grimaces* Get that bigger cup and put more milk in it. *yes, she understands the girl's actions*
front door: *can be heard sliding open and closed as Matthew leaves*
Kataeni: *takes the cup and milk, spying something under all the empty packages* Oh! Jamal got some cookies! How nice of him!
Charis: Cookies? *moves the pot off the stove as she looks over her shoulder*
Kataeni: Yes, my favorite rosemary cookies. *shows the package, which contains 2 sleeves of tan-colored wafers* Would you like one?
Charis: *smile that is surprisingly gentle for that imperious face* No thank you. You enjoy them.
Kataeni: *fixes the coffee and milk as instructed, then dips a cookie in* Mmmm...
Charis: *smiles again and turns back to the pot, but then jumps and looks toward the balcony window as a thump comes from out there* *deep frown* Someone just threw a huge dead rat onto the balcony.
Kataeni: Oh, the delivery is here! *opens the door and hefts the 30-lb rat* Thanks, Joshua! *closes the door again*
Charis: *amazed look for the girl* Delivery?
Kataeni: Yes. *opens the stasis box with the Force and shoves the rat inside* The Fire Tribe's hunters make regular runs to the rat pits, and give us a share of their kills on account of Matthew's good standing with them. *pushes the long floppy tail into the box and shuts it, then goes to wash her hands* I'll butcher it later.
Charis: *deep frown* What do we want with rats? *then looks toward the entry as she hears the front door open very slowly*
Beitu: *perks and glides down the stairs to meet the visitor*
Kataeni: *smiles* That must be Tiger.
Charis: *quietly, as she hears the little bat's soft talk* Who's that? *going to ask about the rat again later*
Kataeni: One of the neighbor's sons. He likes to get away from his noisy household sometimes. *calls down from the top of the stairs* Sorry I have company today, Tiger. But do you want a cookie?
Tiger: *ears droop as his dark eyes go sad behind his glasses* Nah. I et. *gently tosses Beitu toward the stairs after smoothing her head with one finger*
Charis: I'm not company, Kataeni.
Beitu: *disappointed chitters as she lands on a step*
Kataeni: I'm sorry. We can go to the park tomorrow. *thinks she will need some time away herself*
Tiger: *bit of a perk and that shy, sweet smile that lights up his little face* 'Kay. *lifts a hand to wave as he turns to slip outside again. Startled sound as he runs into a brawny leg enclosed in a loud-coloured skirt*
Matthew: Woah! *holds up the shopping bag lest he accidentally hit the kid*
Tiger: *quail chick. Hiding kitten!*
Charis: *has set the soup down and is coming to see what's going on*
Matthew: *backs off* Hey, it's ok, come on...
Tiger: *peeeeks, his glasses slightly askew. And then he startles as a hand touches his back and shoots a scared look toward the toucher*
Charis: Shhhh. What's wrong? *gentleness in the proud face, and concern for this little one* Did you hit your head on his knee?
Matthew: I don't think so. *kneels down, smiling*
Kataeni: *comes down the stairs* Is everything alright?
Charis: *can't resist gently smoothing the soft fur on the little boy's head* Hey, he only looks scary. You don't need to be afraid of that guy. The bat crawls in his hair.
Matthew: *small explosive laugh* It's true.
Tiger: *shy peek toward the man. But then he can't help closing his eyes as a soft, soft rumble of sound starts up as the lady smooths his ears*
Matthew: Hey, is that Roy's kid? What's his name...
Kataeni: *has been silently watching the woman work her magic* Tiger.
Matthew: Tiger! Of course. I hear about you all the time.
Tiger: *peeks at him again, but that soft purr continues*
Charis: *longing in her eyes as she watches the little guy and feels his child's warmth under her hand* Do your parents know you're here?
Tiger: *nods* *quietly* M' too quiet to keep up, but they know where I am.
Kataeni: He comes here a lot to relax. He must have seen Matthew leaving and thought I was alone.
Charis: Here? *amused look for her husband* It wouldn't have been quiet enough to relax anywhere you were.
Tiger: *watching them with perked ears even as the purring continues*
Matthew: *chuckles* Hey, I can be quiet.
Charis: *Look!* Only when you're passed out drunk. And then you snore.
Kataeni: *snickers before she can stop herself*
Matthew: *pout*
Tiger: *impulsive hug for the big man that he usually skittishly avoids. So much hug!*
Charis: *snarking at husband forgotten as her eyes shine*
Matthew: *a bit startled, but puts a big hand on the kid's back* *smiles down at him*
Tiger: *love love love! And then turns and slams very lightly into Charis to give her fuzzy squishes too*
Charis: *proud chin trembles as she hugs the little boy*
Kataeni: *glad the boy is accepting her new friends*
Matthew: *if he knows his wife she's loving every second of this*
Charis: *hugs the little boy, and then lets go when he does, her expression quizzical as she waits to see what he'll do next*
Tiger: *he'll hug Kataeni, of course. And hold out the little treat that he brought for Beitu*
Kataeni: *gives him a big squeeze, then waits for Beitu to appear*
Beitu: *was waiting on the railing; pounces on the treat!*
Tiger: *laughs happily and feeds the fluffy little bat* I nearly have enough saved up to buy a wispy. I have enough for a normal fur one, but I wanna fuzzy like Beitu.
Kataeni: *smiles* Good! And you portioned enough for vet visits and shots too?
Tiger: Oh. He won't need shots for, like, TWO YEARS after I get 'im. 'N I know a free place for doctorin'. *has relaxed. The Morlock lack of concern for proper language is resurfacing*
Kataeni: *more smiling* Good. I can go with you to the pet store when you're ready, if you like.
Tiger: *happy grin with eyes, whiskers, and ears, as well as his mouth* Schway! *bounces a bit, but then looks toward the door* I'll go tell my olds 'n go see the Fire Tribe.
Kataeni: Safe travels. And have fun! See you tomorrow?
Tiger: Uh huh! *happy grin as he turns and is gone like a little whirlwind*
Charis: *thoughtfully, as she straightens up and pulls on Mathew's arm to bring him to his feet and inside* I see what you mean. He is quiet.
Matthew: *stands, slightly worried about that look in his wife's eyes but won't show it* Wouldn't know it from his dad. The man's in a head-splitting rock band.
Charis: *looks toward the house that shares a yard with their own as she rests one hand on the door. Brows lift as she hears a deep bass voice bellowing joyfully as lighter voices laugh and yell* That's how our house used to sound.
Matthew: When we had company. *reminds her gently*
Charis: *doesn't look up as she slides the door closed and fastens the catch* You did your own party all by yourself when you were on leave.
Matthew: *embarassed laugh as he looks to Kataeni for help*
Kataeni: *already snuck upstairs to let them have some time*
Charis: *energy plays over her frame and is gone so quickly that one might doubt they'd ever seen it. But no discharge happens this time. She's only standing there with her hand on the latch, staring into the past*
Matthew: *takes her hand gently, having nothing to say. He wishes to avoid the past if at all possible. But his stomach saves the day by growling loudly, and he remembers the grocery bag*
Charis: *blinks, and then the air is full of vituperation and conjecture on the state of the soup as she turns and runs upstairs*
Matthew: *runs after her, excited at having his life back after far too many years*
Charis: *is going to spend the rest of the evening feeding her husband and Kataeni, and trying to teach the girl the proper way to laugh at that husband*
((Written by
random_xtras and ssjmihoshi.))