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 Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2015 5:49 pm
The Family ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 7:21 pm
◈◈◈◈ȽɄϹΛϨ βΗΛӃҬΛ◈◈◈◈ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ They hadn't even made it onto the doorstep before Lucas could make out the usual commotion on the inside of the house. The twins, Louisa and Lucielle, were probably tormenting poor Reuben, the youngest of the Bhakta children. His father's voice could be heard in loud, angry shouts, strained and stressed after a long day. His mother was yelling not at the children, but at him for being so harsh on them. Meanwhile, Grandma Deveshi was probably in the living room playing chess against herself.
"I am so, so sorry," he apologized a final time before releasing her arm and opening the door. Immediately all the noise came to a screeching hault, only to come crashing back full force on him. His little sisters had in fact been picking on Reuben, who was crying as they tugged on the ears of his footed bear pajamas. As soon as the three saw him walk in though, the teasing and wailing was replaced by gleaming eyes and excited shouts.
"Big brother, big brother!" the youngest Bhakta child cried, both in joy and relief at Lucas' return. He was the only one who could really control Louisa and Lucielle, after all. "Lu and Lou are being mean to me! Make them stop!" Lucas couldn't even open his mouth before the small child was bounding towards him, launching himself off the ground to scrabble his way up the eldest child and cling to his neck.
Heaving a sigh, he nudged Zoey inside with his free hand, the one not keeping Reuben balanced on his hip. "Are they?" he asked, trying to smile through his discomfort. "You should stand up to them."
"Daddy says if I hit then I'll get hit on my bottom!" he protested, sticking his bottom lip out.
"Then you should use your big boy words instead." He ruffled the little boy's head and playfully tugged the hood of his pajamas over his eyes. "Meanwhile, I'll distract papa bear." He set him down, and Reuben seemed to take the advice to heart. However, his idea of "big boy words" was apparently making loud, growling imitations of a bear at the twins. "Dad, this is Zoey. You know," he added tersely, "the new student you didn't think existed?"
Mr. Hendricks looked at the young girl appraisingly, an eyebrow quirking upwards. "Oh really. So tell me, Zoey," he managed with a smile, "what was Lucas doing showing you around so late? Can't your teachers do that instead-"
"Judas!" Lucas' mother interrupted, appalled. "Don't interrogate the poor girl!" She practically shoved her husband aside, bowing a little in greeting to their guest. "My name is Mishti. This is my husband Judas. That was Reuben, just a moment ago... the girls, Lucielle and Louisa ran off somewhere... ah! But grandma Deveshi is there playing chess." He knew it. "I'm so sorry about the fright we must've given you, dear."
Lucas groaned, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his fingers. This was going to be a long evening. ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 7:48 pm
After being greeted by quite the number of the family members, Zoey was glad she had her eyes closed, otherwise she might be intimidated by the sudden approach of everyone. Especially after hearing Judas questioning her. Before she could even reply, Lucas's mother interrupted and apologized on their behalf. "A-ah.. no... please."She quickly bowed towards Mishti, despite not knowing how she looked like, she could sense everyone's souls, therefore she could give herself an idea of how close or distant they were. "I'm sorry I had to kidnap your son. I-I was just really nervous. I didn't knew this city at all. He was just kind enough to lead me through the school and now the city. I can get lots at times. This place is so big... please. I'm the one at fault for Lucas's delay. hope you can forgive me."
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 8:11 pm
◈◈◈◈ȽɄϹΛϨ βΗΛӃҬΛ◈◈◈◈ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ "Not at all, dear!" Mishti exclaimed, reaching out to gently pat Zoey's cheek. It was probably from her that Lucas got his affectionate streak, and his hard stare from his father. "We're happy to have Lucas participating at school. He used to have such a hard time making friends as a child, you know. He's almost grown out of it now, but oh he had the most beautiful accent, just like his grandfather-"
"Alright, mom," Lucas cut in, stuffing his hands in his pockets. The three young siblings came bustling back in, the girls giggling and squealing as they were chased by a pitifully roaring Reuben. "That's enough. I was going to walk Zoey home, and then I'll be back. Promise."
"Nonsense!" his mother exclaimed. "It's nearly supper time and your father's cooked us a marvelous meal. There's plenty for our guest to stay and eat before you have to take her home." Lucas had no time to object as Lucielle and Louisa attacked his legs, each only reaching up to about his waist.
"Luke," Lucielle beamed up at him, while he could only watch in dismay as his mother already began tugging Zoey into the dining room and chatting her ear off. Unlike him, she either hadn't noticed the girl's closed eyes, or had enough manners not to ask. "Louisa and I figured out how to wield each other today! Do you wanna see?"
"Maybe after dinner," he told them, desperate to catch up with his mother and attempt damage-control.
"Awwww," Louisa whined, her glasses slipping down her nose. "But we've been waiting all night to show you! It's not fair... you always come home so late..."
"Girls," his father barked, pinching the bridge of his nose just as Lucas had. "Go to the table for dinner, and stope pestering your brother."
"Yes, daddy!" the two girls said in unison before scurrying off. Lucas followed to the dining room reluctantly, nodding a subtle thanks to his father. If there was one thing they shared, it was the exhaustion of keeping three rambunctious, young Weapons in line. ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2015 8:45 pm
"B-but!"With eyes closed or not, Zoey would soon become aware of how powerless she was in front of Mishti as she was guided with little to no problem towards the table. The girl would soon hear everyone going on the tables's direction, which made her feel a little embarrassed. She could get faint scent of the food, it seemed delicious but with her eyes closed there was no idea for her to know where it was. And things could get a little awkward. But she couldn't even dare to open her eyes right now.
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 7:49 pm
◈◈◈◈ȽɄϹΛϨ βΗΛӃҬΛ◈◈◈◈ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ Smothering his grumbles and concerns, Lucas took his seat at the table and swallowed thickly, eyeing Zoey with muted anxiety. It was more than just his overbearing mother, intense father and rowdy siblings. The customs of Deveshi Bhakta's heritage played a huge role in their daily lives, and not just as members of the Dragon Kin. He hoped that perhaps his mother would spare them the usual, mealtime ceremony, but of course there was no such luck.
"Lucas," his mother said cheerily as she brought him the first plate piled with food, "would you like to perform the Pūjā for us tonight? I'm sure your friend would be very interested to see it." Heat circled his cheeks as he glanced at the small altar in the corner of the room, one he had been relieved that Zoey couldn't have noticed with her eyes closed. He remembered when his father used to be curmudgeonly towards the mealtime ceremony, but had since gotten used to adopting his wife's culture, as she had his own.
He had to suppress a groan as he nodded, rose from his seat with the plate in one hand, and took Zoey's with the other to show her to the altar. He kneeled before it and instructed her to do the same, placing the plate of food at the center. Then he lit a stick of incense and rang the little gold bell thrice. He began to hum as softly as he could in his native tongue, stern and nervous as he mumbled out hymns and prayers, his palms pressed together and eyes closed. Within a few moments the ritual was over, and he gave a low bow in front of the alter and the small figures of their Hindu Gods.
When he stood, it was as proud and erect as ever, though he felt as if the heat in his cheeks could melt a wax figuring. With the plate of blessed food, he walked back to thetable and set it where Zoey had been sitting. "The guest always receives the plate of offering," he explained with a little clear of his throat before taking his seat beside her.
"Beautifully done, as always," his mother fawned. "Now, enjoy everyone!" She too pressed her hands together and gave a little bow of thanks to their Gods before tucking into her own plate of food, eyeing Zoey expectantly. "Don't be shy, dear. Go on."
Lucas again swallowed thickly, nudging his guest with his elbow with a desperate glance. There was no way to nonverbally communicate how rude it would've been to refuse the blessed plate of food, so he could merely plead with his eyes and his soul.
"Big brother," Reuben asked through a big bite of chicken, only to receive a light swat on his hand from Grandma Deveshi for talking with his mouthful. He swallowed and muttered an apology before continuing. "Is she your girlfriend? Or do you hold her hand because she's blind?"
"Reuben," his father cut in before even Mishti Bhakta could. "That's rude. Finish your dinner, and then go to your room."
"But papa!"
Now Lucas did groan, leaning forward to hold his burning face in his hands. ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2015 9:03 pm
Trying her best to follow up, Zoey flustered as she heard Lucas praying out to their family altar... for some reason, she felt at ease as she heard his voice humming inside her head. But after a few moments, the ritual was over and she was guided back at the table. Once she was told the guest was to receiver the plate of offering, she startled lightly, since she dared not to open her eyes, but how would she receive instead? With a nervous giggle, she took the plate after extending her hands so that Lucas could place it over them. With the meister's help she finally placed the plate over the table and everyone would began with the delightfully scented dinner. It was hard for her to join, but thankfully Lucas was there for her, which she appreciated, but couldn't help but keep this soft blush upon her cheeks given how much of a burden she was to Lucas, yet the boy never pointed that out on her but rather endured her during this whole ordeal with his parents. She was about to eat as Mishti insisted. Placing both hands together and making a light reverence. "Thanks for the food."Said the pink haired girl, taking her careful time to hold a piece of chicken, but finding it was so hard since it didn't had a soul to detect. Luckily, Lucas held her hand and guided her towards the plate with the food so she could finally grab something to eat. But once she was about to take the first bite Reuben cleared the room's chatter with his voice, flustering the pink haired girl and almost making her open her eyes. After that, she heard his father calling out on him as to punish him. Given her forgiving nature, she couldn't just have him endure all the guilt. After all, their voices sounded so young, and her motherly instincts were really strong. "Please, don't punish the boy... it's alright. I'm the one at fault for getting Lucas in trouble... So it should be fine by me to explain this curious boy."She commented, a nervous giggle followed soon after, since she didn't knew how would Lucas's father take this. After hearing nothing else, she turned her face on Reuben's direction, her hand still holding onto Lucas's, a little tighter just now as she was still nervous but somehow she found the courage to move on. "Your big brother here is a wonderful person, kind, as I'm sure his mother is. Strong and wise as his father. And a heart just as big as his wonderful family. To see me in this state, he couldn't bear to let me part like this... he...we'll, he took responsibility of me... which I'm grateful he had done.
So please...Reuben right? Please do your best and grow up to be such a wonderful man as your big brother... would you do that for me?"She asked the boy kindly with an earnest smile. Still bearing with the fluster in her face, which somehow, holding Lucas's hand it helped her diminish it.
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 5:19 pm
◈◈◈◈ȽɄϹΛϨ βΗΛӃҬΛ◈◈◈◈ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ Through all of Zoey's praise, Lucas could only avert his eyes and hope the heat in his cheeks was unnoticeable as he picked disinterestedly at his food. He wasn't so sure if he deserved all of her kind words, especially considering their interaction had started as simply an excuse to stay out rather than return home. Meanwhile, his mother beamed with approval, his father nodded with a gruff agreement, and Reuben seemed to light up. "I promise!" he insisted as he stuck his fork in the air like a salute of some sort. "I'm going to be just like big brother!"
Through most of the meal Lucas was quiet, only answering in single syllables. If his mother asked how the day was, he'd say fine. If his father asked how his grades were, he'd say good. Of course he didn't mean to seem rude, but this was just not at all how he'd wanted the night to go. He'd never had a friend over at his house before, let alone someone he'd known only for a day. Nobody had ever met his family before, and by no means was that an accident. They were clearly very different from the average household, and that was something he liked to keep as private as possible. After being bullied so much as a younger kid for his accent, he'd never quite been comfortable showing just how different they really were. Having to perform the Pūjā with Zoey right there had just made it worse.
After he'd cleared his plate he stood to take it to the sink, carrying Zoey's empty one along with him. "M'gonna walk her home," he told his mother and father, touching her arm to let her know he was beside her, ready to lead her out. "I shouldn't be gone long."
"Alright dear," his mother said with a little wave. "Don't be a stranger, Zoey. Feel free to come over any time!"
If Lucas had anything to say about it, it wouldn't be any time soon. He gave a bow of goodbye to his family and then made his way out to the door, Zoey's arm in his. "I'm really sorry," he repeated as they stood on the doorstep, clearing his throat. "About all of that. My dad can be pretty intense... my siblings are nosy and mom's very... friendly." He rubbed the back of his neck and began leading her down the steps. "I hope they didn't freak you out too much." ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 6:28 pm
As Reuben made his promise, Zoey would smile gently at the little boy. Unable to contain herself she snatched Reuben in arms and hugged her. "Oh I bet you do... and you better be just as handsome... if not more."She did her best to contain herself, but someone as adorable as Reuben was too much for her to resist. After spoiling the young one, she padded his head gently as she released the boy, flustering lightly. Dinner continued rather slowly, but it wasn't that bad. She didn't knew Mishti would be really like her mother, thus it was the easiest person she could get along. While Judas was strict at times he did seem to have a kind heart to it. It was actually cute to appreciate it from her soul perception. For some reason, she would actually feel at home. Once dinner was over, she hugged Reuben one last time, before bidding farewell to each one of them with a reverence. Only to be invited by Mishti to come along another time. "I would love to... thank you for having me tonight. And please... forgive me for causing your son trouble."With that, Zoey would leave with Lucas having to hear his apology which made her chuckle. "Oh don't be sorry, parents are always like that. In fact... Mishti san ... she's really a lot like my mom. I can't really say much about you father... I never met mine."With sort of a nervous laugh she would also address her little issue with Reuben. "I'm sorry about Reuben... I got carried away. I never had a younger sibling. I'm the youngest in my family and we barely see one another... actually I'm kinda jealous of your family. The closest sibling I have is my brother..."Was it the food, the home like mood Bhaka house held. Who knew, but Zoey felt in such high spirits, enough to be talking about herself, Perhaps it was a leftover of Mishti's influence in her. None the less, she hugged Lucas's arm with a wide smile. "I wouldn't mind kidnapping you from time to time. So... whenever you feel like being out, you could call me. If that makes you feel better."Zoey giggled with amusement yet a strong blush on her cheeks. Still, she felt a lot more open minded and talkative than before.
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 7:47 pm
◈◈◈◈ȽɄϹΛϨ βΗΛӃҬΛ◈◈◈◈ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ۞ ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ Lucas couldn't help but be surprised as Zoey showered his little brother in a kind of motherly affection that rivaled Mishti's. The little boy giggled and hugged her back, affectionate as one might expect, and he seemed to grin even wider than before after he'd been released. Even Judas couldn't help but smile at the occurrence.
Even if it had been embarrassing and nerve-wracking, Lucas ad to admit that it could've been worse. His sisters could've transformed and started wielding each other to show off, as they'd insisted they'd learned how to do. Reuben could've thrown a tantrum and made a wreck of things with his own weapon forms. His mother could've gushed and kissed and fawned all over him, like she did when guests weren't around. Taking a deep breath, he found himself almost relieved. As if that night was proof he had nothing to hide from his less eccentric friends any longer.
The fact that Zoey insisted him she'd enjoyed the night, enjoyed dinner and even his mother's affection, only reassured that. He couldn't help but chuckle, low and purring, as she apologized about his brother. "Don't be," he told her with a little squeeze of his arm around hers. "Between my sisters and my dad, mom's got a lot of slack to pick up in terms of love and care. He can be a handful, twins will be twins, and my dad... well, he can have a short temper after spending all evening with them with only my gramma to aid him."
When she returned his squeeze, though in much more of a hug, a dull grin spread across his face. "Considering the good impression you made, you'll be the perfect get-out-of-jail-free card. Even my dad seemed to like you, and that's no easy feat." Leading her away from the house, he leaned down and gave her temple a little kiss, like he had when they'd first met those hours ago- brief and simple. Friendly, as he saw it. "So, do you actually want to go home, or do you think we can abscond from responsibility a little while longer? Your pick this time."
[Exit to: Death Park] ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2015 9:35 pm
The pink haired girl smiled, holding onto Lucas as they passed the fence. With Lucas's struggle apparently over, she couldn't help but think she did enjoyed this evening. It was interesting yet also a guilty pleasure to see the many emotions flowing through Lucas's soul during the whole ordeal, she could sense that at least now that they were outside his house he could be at ease. Which reminded her of her own situation regarding her eyes. Once she could close them she could feel herself at ease. Lucas explained the many facets of his family. And how the little ones were a hand full. "Well... maybe..."She seemed hesitant at first, but after a few seconds, she continued. "It wouldn't be fair for me to ask you this but... are you free tomorrow?"Zoey asked, a nervous giggle would escape from her lips. "Right now is a little too late to meet up with my family, but I believe it's only fair you get to know mine."The pink haired girl had the intention of being fair with Lucas, after all she got to peep within Lucas's intimate circle which was his family. Giving thought to it, she concluded it was the right thing to do, so they may be called even. However, she was paralyzed for a second once the boy kissed her once more. It was more of a surprise than a shock this time, as she still did not expect it, yet, because of her mood, Zoey's surprise didn't end with just the blush, but rather a bright smile which welcomed his kind gesture. Then, without warning, Zoey would extend her hand and hold the boy's face, just enough so that her lips could reach his cheek this time. Returning kindness with kindness. "Next time... You'll get to meet my family."She replied at Lucas, holding onto him as she lead the way...in some sort of way. [Exit to Death Park]
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