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Post by arianna on Jul 7, 2007 18:41:46 GMT -5
Arianna bounced along the sidewalk, making sure to kick up her heals every few steps and revel in the fact that she no longer had to wear that stupid brace anymore. Her first stop after returning to London had been Mungos, where the Healers looked her over and performed various x-ray spells and movement tests on her leg, then sent her off saying that it was as good as new again. Arianna couldn't be happier. Finally she would be able to run and play and walk up and down stairs without feeling like everyday tasks had turned to workouts. She was free and more than ready for the holidays.
"I think....we should go shopping for a tree tomorrow," Arianna voiced aloud, turning to the boy beside her. she wore a short light blue woolen sweater dress underneath her fur-lined blue silk cape, white opaque tights, and nice warm boots on her feet to keep warm. Still, no matter what she wore on the outside, Arianna never felt warmer than when he held her hand. Too cheesy love-storyish? Perhaps. But Arianna couldn't help how she felt around him and wouldn't want it to stop no matter what.
"We'll also need decorations...I don't have any yet and....." the girl, erm...young woman, since she was nearly eighteen....halted suddenly in the middle of the sidewalk, her left foot stuck in a small pile of snow someone had forgotten to clear away. Blue eyes stared at the dark car parked outside the four-story building that had been their destination. A Lincoln Town car. Arianna could think of only one reason why such a car was parked outside her building: her parents. They were early. By about two weeks. As much as Arianna wanted to see her parents and tell them about everything that was going on in her life, she wasn't so sure about Nic. Yes, she'd love them to meet him, but...what if he didn't?
"Niccy?" she questioned carefully, biting her bottom lip slightly. "Are you...Do you want to meet my parents? It looks like they're already here....If you don't want to, we can....find you another place to stay....or sneak you in through the back....I really want you to meet them. I think they'll really like you....It's up to you, though."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 8, 2007 11:09:32 GMT -5
Nic walked beside Ari holding her hand with a small smile on his lips while inside he was in agony. How was he going to explain to Ari who his guardian is? Why she was bound to show up at any moment? He was almost 16, practically an adult in the wizarding world and since he and his guardian were both educated in the muggle world they tend to think morelike muggles, so she kept screaming how he was still a child. Okay, so she never screamed more like quietly stated. So he had to do what he had to do. He snuck off. Unfortunately like an idiot he had already told her where he was bound to be hopefully that mistake would make him seem more practical, reliable, and all that other garbage she kept spewing for him to be.
Nic's head jerked up when he heard his nickname that Ari used when she was worried about his answer. It also meant doing something he really really really didn't want to do. PARENTS! Nic stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. "Yeah, I can meet ya rents if ya promise that when Age...er Akina shows up you can't get mad? Uh, Akina's my ... aunt?"
Nic couldn't remember if he told Ari about his guardian and Agent Stone being the one that watches him here in London. He hoped he wasn't going to be caught in a lie, but he was embarassed. He felt like a man, but was being treated like kid. Nic dragged her forward to stop any questions, but faltered when he saw the car. "Uh, this ain't your moms cars, right?"
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Post by arianna on Jul 8, 2007 12:43:36 GMT -5
{16? I thought you said 17 somewhere else } Arianna raised a curious eyebrow at Nic. She'd heard about this Akina woman before, but only in passing. Nic had never really explained who the woman was and Arianna had just assumed she was a family friend who kept tabs on him. A little too often, it seemed. Whoever she was, Nic would have to explain later. Arianna was too nervous to try and concentrate on this Akina woman. She was, however, certain that Akina wasn't Nic's aunt. "No....why would a be mad?" okay, maybe she would if the woman tried to cause trouble. But then, who wouldn't? They were supposed to be getting away from all the troubles at school and have a good holiday. Arianna would scream if anyone tried to mess that up. Moving closer to the car for inspection, Arianna jumped back, nearly bumping into Nic, when she noticed someone sitting in the front seat. The driver was dosing and clearly did not see either of them standing there. He did look familiar, though. "Ministry," she replied, shrugging slightly, though it made her even more nervous to admit that her parents were important enough to be carted around by the ministry's vehicles. "Mum and dad don't drive.....Don't have to....back home, really."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 8, 2007 22:38:35 GMT -5
{Nope. He's 16 and will turn 17 this month, oh wait, it's past Nov. 10th so now he's 17. nevermind your right. }
Nic nodded listening to what Ari was saying, but not quite understanding. "I'm sorry, ma, what do you mean dey don't have ta drive. Dey from da inner city too?" Nic couldn't possibly see Ari growing up in the city, but maybe that's because she's always here. Maybe her parents were like his real aunt who didn't get her license til she was 24 and only because she moved to the suburbs and they didn't have a bus system or a subway out there.
Nic was trying to ignore the nagging answer that wanted to leave his mouth to explain why Ari might be mad at Akina. 1. Nic never called Akina, Akina. She was always Agent Stone or Agent Akina when they were being ''friendly''. 2. Agent Akina was always around and she really didn't like him being out by himself. It wasn't like he was going to kill another person. 3. He hadn't exactly told Agent Stone about Ari. He was sure she would approve, but he didn't want his old life to get mixed up with his new life.
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Post by arianna on Jul 8, 2007 23:05:58 GMT -5
{I'm always right ^.^ XP }
Arianna's head shook from side to side. There was alot she wanted to tell Nic, too, but out here on the streets wasn't a good time to talk. Neither was she so sure she'd get to tell him once they were inside. Especially with her parents here. They might pull Niccy to the side and interrogate him for all she knew. They'd pretty much done the same to Drew and it wouldn't surprise her if they did it to Nic.
"More like....country," she replied vaguely. Her eyes glanced to the alleyway where the stairs up to the apartment stood, then back to the car where the driver still dozed. "No cars. No technology, either. They must be heading somewhere, though," she noted. "Or else the car wouldn't still be here."
Arianna was now severely curious. Not only had her parents arrived early, but the ministry car was waiting for them.
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 8, 2007 23:13:53 GMT -5
Nic was all confused. "They're from the inner country. Like da mafia?" Nic followed Ari's eyes trying to discern what she was talking about. "No cars, technology? Like da old country? Wait, are ya rents gonna get all bent outta shape dat you're wid da brotha from da hood, cuz man dats just what I need."
Nic breathed a deep breath and puffed out his chest. He was ready for a fight to either defend himself or come off as a smart butt. He had enough white girlfriends from the suburbs to know how this old thing was going to play out. Ari's parents aren't going to like his attitude, his lack of speech, lack of respect, and above all his obvious lack of respect for their daughter. Whatever that meant.
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Post by arianna on Jul 8, 2007 23:24:50 GMT -5
Arianna shook her head again in answer to every question Nic had just asked. Her parents wouldn't even know what the 'hood' was, and therefore would not automatically assume that Nic was a bad guy. Arianna knew they would give him the benefit of the doubt, though that didn't mean they'd go easy on him.
"How 'bout we go inside first?" she suggested, suddenly feeling ten times more nervous than before. It wasn't even her parents she worried about now, but how Nic would feel after she told him everything. She wished she could wait a bit longer, but she knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from spilling now.
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 8, 2007 23:36:31 GMT -5
Nic nodded and took in another deep breath. "Aiight. Let's do dis." Nic couldn't believe he would have to go through this again and they had their own driver. Hopefully they were more mafia types and would accept him the way he was like their daughter did. What if Ari was one of the types that felt if that her parents were always right and if they didn't like him then she shouldn't be with him and she would dump him. Nic stuttered step as he approached the building.
"I dunno. Maybe we should go sommwhere else." Nic didn't want to lose Ari. They've been dating for about 2 months and it was everything that he always thought it would be. She was so cool and it was a breath of fresh air and just like any dying man he wanted to hold onto what he was losing.
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Post by arianna on Jul 8, 2007 23:54:36 GMT -5
Arianna stopped just a few steps in front of Nic, actually glad he had done so, too. A part of her just wanted to get it over with, but another part told her that it would've been better if her parents had waited those two weeks like they were supposed to. Maybe they'd be better prepared by then. At least they would have had those two weeks to themselves without any distractions.
Before Arianna could suggest any alternatives to meeting her parents just then, someone else decided for them.
"Ree-Ree!" an excited high-pitched voice squealed out from somewhere above them. It was followed by another voice screaming the same thing. Arianna pondered running, but knew it was too late and instead turned around, lifting her hand sheepishly to wave at the three-year old twins standing at the top of the stairs, their nurse standing close behind them, a wide smile on her lips.
"We could still make a run for it," Arianna suggested quietly, her hand gripping Nic's, body ready to do whatever he chose. "My brother and sister would be very disappointed, though."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 9, 2007 18:47:18 GMT -5
Nic blinked a couple time trying to figure out how in the wold Ree-ree was when it dawned on him. He looked at the two toddlers trying to run to Ari and he couldn't help smiling. They were so cute. Nic looked down into Ari's blue eyes and sigh. "Naw, I'm ready, plus maybe if I get in good wid ya brotha and sista they'll vouch for me." Nic waited for the tykes to make them closer and nodded with his head to the lady standing beside them. "Is that your moms?" Nic wasn't going to say anything, but that lady didn't really look like Ari, but ya never know with parents now a days.
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Post by arianna on Jul 9, 2007 23:13:04 GMT -5
Arianna grinned. They probably could have turned and left without any trouble. Arianna could have explained they'd forgotten something or wanted to stop for lunch before they got home. But seeing her brother and sister clambering down those stairs with the nurse's help was just too cute to pass up. It took them a while to make it down the two flights of stairs, but once the two hit snowy ground, they made a run for their older sister, wrapping their chubby arms around her legs.
"Niccy, I'd like you to meet Naoko," after bowing respectfully and introducing Nic to the older woman, Arianna had picked up the little boy to show him off. He quickly turned and buried his head in the girl's hair, trying to hide from Nic. "And Jai Li," her free hand ruffled the little girl's pigtails. "And their nurse.....nanny....teacher....Li Chow."
At this point, Arianna snorted. Little Jai Li had turned to see the tall boy standing near Ari and gazed up at him with wide eyes. She gasped something only Arianna and the nurse would understand. They both burst out laughing.
"Kuro Long....I'm not sure if she's calling you Onyx Dragon, or Dark Snake," Arianna laughed, quickly explaining the little girl's outburst. It amazed her how sharp Jai Li could be at times. "It translates either way. Take your pick."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 11, 2007 18:08:07 GMT -5
Nic smiled at the kids. They were cute. Immediately he started thinking about himself and his mother. Man, he missed her something fierce. His mind jumped to his father and he snickered. He hated that man something fierce. Then he thought about his children with Ari. Would they look like these two, hang onto her legs. "Sup Naoko and Jai Li. Those are very pretty names."
Nic wasn't sure if he was supposed to bow so he stood their slightly akwardly and nodded at the teacher. "Hey, Li Chow. It's uh, nice ta meet yall." Nic cleared his throat and bobbed his head to a beat only he could hear. He smiled at the little girl. "I like dark snake. It's a mad hot nick name. Thank ya Jai Li." Nic simled at Ari wondering how he was doing with her family.
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Post by arianna on Jul 12, 2007 0:30:31 GMT -5
Li bowed to Nic, then moved to the side to let he and Arianna and the two little ones make their way to the stairs. She would follow behind as she usually did. It still made Arianna uncomfortable, especially since she loved talking to the older woman, but it was custom and considering her family's position, Arianna couldn't fight against it.
"Then Dark Snake it is," Arianna grinned widely, taking a step closer to the building. So far, so good. Naoko had offered a little peek at Nic when he'd heard his name, then ducked his head back onto his older sister's shoulder. Arianna had expected as much, though. Naoko was quite a bit shier than his sisters and took a while to warm up to people. He'd eventually grow accustomed to Nic, though. Arianna was sure of it. After that...watch out.
And then there was Jai Li. Precocious, funny, and always the center of attention. In some ways, according to Mum and Dad, a lot like Arianna. And already attached to Nic like peanut butter on bread. In fact, she had her little arms stretched out to him, waiting to be picked up. This surprised Arianna a bit. Though Jai Li was always the first to greet a new person, she wasn't ever quite so eager to be held by them.
"Uh-oh," Arianna feigned concern, though her lips were turned up into a wide smile. "I think she's trying to steal you from me."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Jul 12, 2007 15:29:29 GMT -5
Nic didn't know whether to bow back or not. Naturally he chose to bow and stood up when she did hoping he was doing everything correctly. He was inwardly berating himself for not taking more interest in Ari's culture. Nic watched her move behind him and grinned sheepishly. Was she checking him out? Was she checking out how he was Ari? Maybe he should be on his best best BEST behavior.
Nic looked at the little girl and grinned. His aunts kids were around his age, but some of his homeboys had babies so he knew how to deal with kids. He was pretty good with them and could even change a diaper. It didn't mean he was less manly, just that he was prepared to handle his business if he ever did knock a girl up. Nic bent forward and picked her up. His was a more manly pose than Ari's as he didn't have hips like hers, but he was strong and wouldn't tire out.
"Sup, Jai Li. You're so adorable, you can steal mae from ya sistah any time." Nic smiled at Ari and again he could see his family. Whoa! Back up! "Yo Jai wan some cotton candy?" Before Nic could get an answer he pulled out his wand and made a Q like he was taught and conjured some cotton candy. It was mixed with blue and green. "Hea, have some and share some wid ya brotha." Nic hoped he was making a good first impression.
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Post by arianna on Jul 12, 2007 18:20:38 GMT -5
Arianna smiled back at Nic. She thought he was handling this rather well despite how nervous he clearly was. She could have prepared him better had she known her parents would be arriving this early. True, they hadn't really set a specific date, but Arianna had though they would have a least a week to relax before having to meet the parents. Nic was doing good, though. At least Jai Li seemed to love him already.
"Been practicing your magic skills again, huh?" Arianna always thought conjuring food out of midair was a neat trick. Jai Li thought so, too, though she wasn't quite sure what to make of the treat and spent a few minutes poking at the fluffy sugar.
"It's for eating," Arianna explained to the two little ones, plucking a piece off for herself. She made a big deal of eating it and telling them how nummy it was (it really was, too, but kids sometimes needed a bit of encouragement before they tried something new). Jai Li raised an eyebrow at Arianna, but continued to poke at the candy. It wasn't until Naoko dared to take a taste before Jai did. Arianna realized right away that it hadn't been a good idea.
"Oh! Don't..." It was too late. After screwing their faces up like a little kid who is forced to eat his vegetables, the twins both spit out what hadn't already devolved. Chubby fingers flew to their mouths and tried to wipe away the taste. When that didn't work, Jai Li reached for Nic's shirt, but was stopped when Arianna grabbed her hand.
"I'm sorry," Arianna apologized for the twins, ignoring the fact that Naoko had just ran his sticky fingers down her hair and now muttered uck uck uck. "They're not used to eating sugar. I didn't think they'd react like this, though."
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