|
Post by Aiko on Dec 13, 2015 19:59:52 GMT -7
"Never!" Matt laughed, hugging her like a teddy bear as the others caught up. "You are mine and mine alone! Don't you know how this works? I have kidnapped the princess, and now she must serve me for all eternity! Bwahaha! Such sweet music we will make!"
"Because she ignored the rules!" Max huffed. He snuggled in against Zach and mumbled under his breath as he pretended to pout, trying not to smile like an idiot.
Mariah held Faye's hand, trying to keep her calm. He was having enough trouble not bouncing off the walls himself. This was their third appointment, and so far the baby had been uncooperative. Just like a baby boy, he thought. He could already tell this kid was going to be trouble. His coworkers at the office had a betting pool going on what the baby would be, and with each unsuccessful ultrasound the stakes grew higher and higher. He wasn't sure how he'd started making friends with them all, perhaps it was the new tattoo that finally replaced the old one on his collarbone. Whatever it was, it made the long days sitting at a desk that much more bearable.
Adam bit his lip and looked up at her. "Is there any leftovers in the fridge?" He asked. Daddy had made them several microwaveable dinners before he'd left so that they wouldn't have to eat Mama's cooking. Mama was a really bad cook. "If not, can I have a sammich?"
Mac swallowed and hugged Grace close. She didn't want to leave. "I have to go, my vacation time is up and I have to go back to work," she said. She didn't want to leave. She looked at Sam, her heart in her eyes as she tried to comfort the crying child. She didn't want to leave. "Ssh, ssh, there there, don't cry. You'll be having too much fun on the ranch and making new friends at school that you won't even miss me!" She didn't want to leave.
|
|
|
Post by jaguarsheart on Dec 13, 2015 20:13:04 GMT -7
Faye turned to Mariah, a big smile on her face, "I bet our baby will tell us today. I feel it." She leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to his lips, then looked at her belly, "I've gotten bigger too. I know that's supposed to happen... but it always surprises me." She sighed, leaning back in her chair, "I'm going to need more new pants now." She pouted, her hand now brushing at her shirt, "I don't even fit into your favorite outfit anymore." She said, speaking of the white corset and garter. She dropped her head to the back of the chair, "And I feel like I never will..." Then her head popped up and she smiled at him, "How does you chest feel" She asked, eyes drifting down as if she could see the new tattoo through his shirt.
Tony smiled at Adam, "I'm sure there is... and it's probably better to heat up the food, huh?" She turned to the freezer and pulled down a couple of meals, "Alright... chicken alfreado or chicken nuggets?" She smiled at Adam, "And we have juice in the fridge if you'd like that."
Grace shook her head against Mac's chest, "That's not true!" But she stepped back anyway, wiping at her nose and cheeks, "I'll miss you." Then she turned and sat down in one of the empty seats they were standing next to. Now it was Sam's turn... and he couldn't make his feet move. So he stared at her until he could finally step forward. He pulled her into his arms, pressing his face to her neck as he took in a deep breath. He didn't want to let her go, didn't want to watch her walk away and leave him... "You call me if you need anything, understand?" He asked, more of a command than a question, "Anything, Mackenzie, and I'll be there."
|
|
|
Post by Miki on Dec 13, 2015 21:20:07 GMT -7
Soul rolled her eyes and licked Matt's arm, hoping that he'd get grossed out and let her go. Then again, maybe it was just slimy dog slobber he really didn't like, but it was worth a try and better than hurting him just because he was being a goof.
As the rest of the group walked up to find Soul licking Matt's arm, Mickey made a face. "Eww, that's nasty. Remind me never to pick her up."
"You got it," Brett agreed, though he didn't look obviously disgusted. "Matt, dude, just set her down before she bites you." It was only halfway a joke, since he couldn't say for sure that Soul wouldn't bite him. He just didn't know her well enough. After all, he hadn't exactly expected this...
Zach laughed, holding Max close and enjoying the simple fact that he could do so without fear of causing Max pain. "I'm not sure she even knows the rules. If you haven't noticed, she tends to make up her own."
Milo could hardly sit still as he pulled up the driveway to his half brother's house. Today was finally the day. He felt like he'd been planning it all for a lifetime, though in reality it hadn't been nearly that long. However, everything was in place, the timing was right, and he knew it was now or never. He could feel his desire for blood pulsing in him, making him antsy. Or was it his imp? He could hardly tell the difference anymore, and it didn't really matter anyway. His so-called siblings were all out of the house right now, leaving everyone inside unprotected and vulnerable. After parking his car in the driveway, Milo made sure one last time that he had everything he needed before climbing out of the car.
|
|
|
Post by Aiko on Dec 13, 2015 23:44:34 GMT -7
"I'm fine," Mariah said, grinning at her in restrained excitement. "This isn't my first rodeo, love. I know how to take care of a tattoo. I hardly feel it." Giving her hand a squeeze, he kissed her, a quick peck on the lips. He could hardly believe how far along she was. It seemed only yesterday she'd told him the news, and now it was already April!
"What's al...alf...afaydo?" Adam asked. "It sounds yucky! I want nuggets! Chicken nuggets!" he cheered, bouncing up and down. "Chicken nuggets, chicken nuggets!"
Mac clung to him as tightly as he held her, hands fisted in his shirt. "I will," she promised, choking on tears she refused to let fall. She couldn't believe how close they'd become in six short weeks. This wonderful man absolutely adored her and accepted her -all of her- and she was leaving him? She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. It was time to return to the real world. "If you ever need a good lawyer, just call me. I'll do whatever I can for you," she promised, forcing herself to step back. She picked up her bag and gave them a sad smile. "I have to go now," she said unwillingly. "Take care of each other. I'll miss you." Without waiting for a response, she turned and passed through the checkpoint, leaving her idyll behind.
Matt just held her tighter and hissed at his friends. "My dove," he said. "Get your own, all of you. Shoo! Begone!"
Jake laughed and pulled him into a headlock, forcing him to release Soul as he gave his best friend a noogie. "Make a run for it, Soul! I'll hold him off!"
"That's true," Max sighed, letting his eyes slide closed. "It's pretty annoying, really. Why can't she do things normally? Because that would be boring, that's why," he finished, answering his own question. Sitting in Zach's lap felt so warm, so right. It was hard not to doze off, yet he felt himself doing so anyways.
|
|
|
Post by jaguarsheart on Dec 14, 2015 10:32:05 GMT -7
Faye smiled wider, leaning closer to rest her head on his arm, "Do you think Tony and Adam are doing okay on their own?" She asked softly, almost sadly, "She seemed almost happier today." Faye tilted her head back to smile at him, "Maybe she misses Mark and is getting better because of it? Or maybe she is just better because a sad Tony is not a normal Tony!" She nuzzled her cheek to his arm, "It would be like me being sad all the time..." She shuddered, "That just isn't right. I don't like being sad..."
Tony smiled, "Alright. Chicken it is." She popped Adam's food into the microwave, then set hers aside to wait, "And Alfredo is a type of noodle. You can try some of mine once it's cooked." She smiled at he boy as they waited for the meal. Once it dinged she took it out, turned the nuggets, then put it in for the rest of the time.
Sam reluctantly let Mackenzie fo, then watched her until he could see her no more. His heart had broken, the priece jagged and uneven and felt like they were cutting up the inside of his chest. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then turned to Grace and held out his hand, "Come on, kid. Why don't we get some ice cream?" Grace looked up and took his hand, "I don't want her to leave."
"Me either... but we can't make her stay."
|
|
|
Post by Miki on Dec 14, 2015 21:35:55 GMT -7
After Soul was once more on the ground, she skipped away a few feet before turning and facing Matt and Jake. "Thank you for the help, but where am I going to run to?" She laughed. "He'd just find me, and we'd be back to square one." She considered. "Well, I'm not really trying to get away anyway. I was just trying to get him to put me do--" Soul was cut off as she was suddenly picked up again, though it wasn't Matt this time as Jake currently had him in a noogie. "Let me down!" She demanded, kicking out at whoever had her this time.
Brett laughed, trying to somehow hold her away from him so as not to get kicked, though it didn't work out too well. "Relax! I was just curious if it was as easy as Matt made it look!"
Zach smiled, feeling fairly content himself. Had they still been on the couch or even in the floor rather than sitting in a chair at the table, he might have been comfortable enough to just close his eyes and drift off. "Yeah, well, I can't have a boring best friend. Or boring anything it seems. I apparently have a knack for picking out people who make my life interest--" Mehki interrupted him by calling for dinner and appearing a moment later, a plastic glass full of tea in her hand. She raised an eyebrow at the sight she was met with, but Zach just raised an eyebrow back at her, causing a little smile to appear. Apparently, despite all his worries over how she'd react, she really was happy to see him and Max back to their normal selves. He was sure there was some negative reaction in there somewhere, but knowing her, Max would be gone before she let it show. Actually, she'd probably wait until she thought Zach had gone to sleep or something similar as well. Well, that was a later problem, and there was no need to worry Max over it.
Milo ignored the barrier of the door entirely as he shadow-hopped into the house. From there it was a short walk to find the source of the voices he'd heard, which came from the kitchen. He didn't hesitate to make a quick hop into there either, quickly moving in behind Adam and pick him up with one arm as the other moved to stifle any noise the child might have made and then stepped back, intending to leave before the woman noticed anything unordinary.
|
|
|
Post by Aiko on Dec 14, 2015 22:37:28 GMT -7
"It is physically impossible for you to be that sad," Mariah said. "It's just...wrong." he looked up as their names were called and squeezed her hand. "It's time," he said, voice full of excitement. "Are you ready?" He stood and helped her to her feet, hand gripping hers.
Adam stiffened, eyes going wide as someone grabbed him. He screamed into the hand, rolling his eyes back as he struggled. Who was this? How did he get here? The little boy thrashed, crying out for his Mama. He felt his young power slipping his control, which only scared him more. He wasn't supposed to show strangers! What if he hurt Mama again?! Crying, he tried to bite the hand, his shadows swirling about the room in reaction to his fright.
Matt looked up as Soul cried out. The sight of her in Brett's arms caused a wash of fury to roll over him, which he quickly suppressed, shaken. He wasn't normally a jealous man, always willing to share, but the sight of his soulmate in the arms of another made him want to tear Brett limb from limb. He took a deep breath as he pulled away from Jake's grip. Trying not to snarl, he pulled Soul away and hugged her close. "Mine," he said, going for childish but falling short.
Mehki's voice caused Max to open his eyes and sit up, startled. He'd nearly fallen asleep in Zach's lap! And Mehki had seen! He gave her a sheepish look and stood, not wanting to cause any strife. He mumbled an apology as he moved to a seat away from Zach. "So, uh, what's for dinner?"
|
|
|
Post by jaguarsheart on Dec 14, 2015 22:44:00 GMT -7
Faye practically hopped in one spot, "I'm so ready!" She followed Mariah and the nurse, hopping up onto the bed. The nurse had all the necessary items pulled out already and turned to Faye.
"Alright, go ahead and pull your shirt up pat your belly. There we go. You ready?"
Faye nodded. This was the same nurse who'd helped them in the past - his name was Elanzo - and he was very nice. He applied the cold gel - which was a part that Faye hated - then put the transducer on her abdomen. Faye's gaze was stuck on the screen, watching the snowy gray lines.
Tony was about to pull out the nugget dinner for Adam when the shadows began swirling in the room. She frowned, then turned, "Adam, honey what's- Adam!" Tony cried, instinctively reaching out even through the counter was between her, Adam, and the intruder, "No! Stop!" She didn't know what else to do. As she rushed forward she grabbed a knife out of the cutting block, then called to Adam, "Hop to me now! Quickly!" She didn't care that he wasn't supposed to show others. She needed her son away from that man!
|
|
|
Post by Miki on Dec 15, 2015 21:26:01 GMT -7
Brett blinked at Matt in surprise and confusion, exchanging a look with Mickey to confirm that it hadn't just been his imagination. Matt was actually upset. "Well Jake, I think you hit the whole witch thing on the head."
Even crushed against Matt's chest with her feet dangling off the ground and feeling rather resigned about the whole ordeal, Soul caught the strange note in Matt's voice. "Hey, it's fine. I just don't really appreciate being picked up like a five year old. I like my feet on the ground and it hurts my armpits anyway," She kicked her feet for effect, having misinterpreted Matt's mood. Since he tended to worry easily though, she figured they was just another one of those times. "Speaking of which... could you put me down now so I can go witch Brett for picking me up to begin with?" She let Matt get away with it because she didn't really know a way to stop him and it didn't bother her that badly since he was one person. She couldn't have everyone thinking they could get away with it though!
Mehki wanted to reassure Max and tell him not to apologize, but she suspected bringing it up would only make the situation more awkward, so she followed his lead with the change of subject. Really, Zach was probably the only person in the room who looked perfectly at ease with everything going on around him. "Dinner? Oh yeah, I made soup. It's still cold out and I've been really wanting it for some reason so I hope it's okay with you guys."
"As long as it isn't poisoned," Zach told her with a cheeky grin.
"Nah, poison's too good for you," Mehki replied, ignoring him as he places a hand over his heart and gave her a wounded look. "I already set out bowls in the kitchen so just go ahead and get what you want," She said to Max.
Rather than take the chance that the child might be able to gather up enough concentration to make the hop, Milo hit him over the head with the hand that had been covering his mouth. It wasn't particularly hard, since he couldn't kill the kid yet, just enough to knock him out. The swirling shadows soon dissipated, and Milo had a free hand to face the interfering woman with as he reached for a knife of his own. "Stay back," he warned, deep voice a growl. "And I won't hurt you. I'm just here for him." Actually, hurting her was appealing to his imp, she who dared point a knife at him, but his imp also understood the need to leave. No one else was home yet... they could and would eventually come back.
|
|
|
Post by jaguarsheart on Dec 16, 2015 22:26:42 GMT -7
"No! Adam!" Tony cried as the man hid the boy, "Please, stop!" The need to cry filled her, but she pushed it back. This wasn't the time for her to become hysterical. "Wait, please... Just.... Take me." Eyes wide. Tony met the man's gaze, "Adam is just a boy... But I'm... I'm Mark's wife. I'll willingly go with you, but you have to promise not to hurt Adam and to leave him... Please..." She didn't know what else to do. So she slowly set the knife on the counter, eyes still locked to the strangers, and took a few steps closer, "Take me instead."
|
|
|
Post by Aiko on Dec 17, 2015 21:09:35 GMT -7
Mariah held Faye's hand as he watched the screen. With every ultrasound, the grey blurs grey more distinct. He didn't even need the doctor to make out what the baby's form. "Well?" He asked. "Any luck?"
Adam's struggles ceased as he slumped, unconscious, in the man's arms, a helpless hostage.
Jake stared at his best friend. Matt really liked this girl. Why? Sure, she was fun to hang out with, and cute in her own way, but Matt could and usually did have his pick of the ladies. He could have anyone he wanted. He was usually seen with supermodels and celebrities hanging off his arm. So what about this tiny little girl drew him? He didn't get it. Compared to his usual fare, she was plain, nothing special to look at. Could it...could Matt actually be in love? No, impossible. Jake had seen Matt in love before. Hadn't he?
Matt huffed and hugged her closer. "No, mine," he said, managing to get the proper tone this time. Still carrying her, he stepped onto the elevator when it arrived, putting himself between her and the boys. His demon was hissing in possessive rage, and it was difficult to hold it back.
Max slipped off to the kitchen to fix his soup the way he liked it, thinking over what had just happened. Why did he feel embarrassed, like he'd been caught cheating? It wasn't as if he and Mehki were in a relationship, or even wanted to be. Or was he wrong? Despite everything, did she still want to be with him? Had he made a mistake in acting on his feelings for Zach after all? He didn't want to hurt anyone.
|
|
|
Post by Miki on Dec 21, 2015 0:59:34 GMT -7
Jake's lack of response wasn't particularly reassuring, especially considering the stare he was giving Matt. At least it confirmed that Brett hadn't been imagining things and that Matt was acting weird though.
Matt's response drew a sigh from Soul, who noticed that just about all conversation between everyone else had come to a standstill. She guessed she wasn't the only who thought Matt had acted a bit out of character. "Actually, I'm mine, not anyone else's, and since asking didn't do me any good last time... Matt, set me down. You can't just carry me everywhere, and I'm not sure why you'd want to try!"
Zach followed Max, a little smile apparent as he swept into the kitchen. Rather than just making one bowl, however, he made two. Mehki had stayed back so the kitchen wouldn't get crowded, planning on getting her food after he and Max had cleared out, but he figured he'd save her the trip and take her soup to her. Reassured by Mehki's behavior, he didn't appear half as awkward as Max.
Though she'd put her knife down, when the woman stepped closer, Milo brandished his own knife, holding it close to the unconscious boy in his arms since she seemed more responsive to threats against the child. "Stay right there," he growled. "You aren't who I'm here for. His death will hurt more." And that was the ultimate goal.
|
|
|
Post by jaguarsheart on Dec 21, 2015 12:23:40 GMT -7
Tony froze when the knife pressed to Adam's skin. Her eyes were glued to the spot as fear ran through her, "Wait... please, I can-" Then a thought struck. He hadn't seemed surprised when she'd told Adam to hop to her... and he looked almost familiar... could it be that he was like Mark and the others? "Wait. Take me. Trust me, if you take me it will hurt Mark more... I'm his wife. His... his soulmate." She swallowed, "And the Maledire's only get one." Ok, that was a lie... but like she'd tell this guy the truth? "Just... Just put Adam down. Promise you won't hurt him and I will go with you willingly. I won't fight. That'll make it easier to keep me contained than a scare child who is only just learning his powers and could kill you both..."
The technician stared at the screen a little longer, before sighing and shaking his head, "No," He said, then froze the screen on a particularly good image. He took the transducer off of Faye's abdomen before grabbing a towel so that she could clean the gel off, "Your baby just wants to be a surprise." He pointed to a very small, barely there section, "That little spot there may indicate male, but honestly I'm not too sure. I'd still go with unknown for now."
Faye wiped at her tummy, then smiled at the tech, "I think we're having a boy. I can feel it!"
He laughed, "Well, let's set another appointment for a few weeks out and see what we can find then."
|
|
|
Post by Aiko on Dec 22, 2015 12:35:32 GMT -7
Matt fought with his demon a moment longer, but finally came out on top. "Fiiiine," he whined, setting her down. "I cant help it, you know? You're just too cute and easy to snuggle. Doesn't she look snuggly, guys?" He asked the other, trying to recapture the playful mood he'd broken. He was still shaken over the strength of his demon's rage towards Brett. He was his friend. He didn't mean anything by it. The way he'd reacted had been unnecessary. Brett wouldn't poach.
Max glanced up at Zach, trying to force a smile. "Sorry, I...Is she too upset?" He craned hs neck back towards the dining area. "I don't want to hurt her, things are tense enough...Do you think I should leave?"
Mariah sighed and hung his head. "This kid..." he grumbled. "He's as difficult as his mother!" He gave the tech a doleful look. "What am I gonna do? Faye's a headache all on her own. Throw a mini Faye into the mix, boy or girl, and I'm done for! They'll put me in an early grave!"
|
|