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Post by aaaahhhh on Nov 2, 2008 21:48:27 GMT -5
Out in front of the ice cream parlor, Arianna sat at one of the tables with a baby buggy on one side stuffed with her purse and baby bag, and a high chair on other side. It was a warm day and she had on only some jeans and a short sleeve sweater shirt while the baby, giggling and smiling in the high chair, wore cute little black jersey over a long sleeved onsie. If not for the pigtails, someone might mistake the baby for a boy. They might also think the baby belonged to someone else. Jadon looked much more like her dad; the only feature from her mum being the shape and color of her eyes. In her mum's eyes, she was cutest, sweetest thing in the world.
"Ooh, you like the carrots, don't you?" Arianna grinned at Jadon as the baby reached her hand out for the little spoon on which her mum had scooped up some mushy cooked carrots. It was hard to see why a baby would enjoy mushed anything, but Arianna bet it was really good eatin' after months of the same thing day in and day out. Even she couldn't see eating her favorite food every meal for six months. She had been gradually introducing soft foods to Jadon, but it wasn't until the last month that the baby had really started to enjoy them.
"When daddy gets here, we'll convince him to get us some ice cream. You'll like that," even if Jadon didn't enjoy the ice cream, Arianna was more than willing to finish it off. She didn't think that would be a problem, though. So far Jadon had proved to have an appetite like her daddy, liking nearly everything her mum had put near her mouth.
"Do you think he'll like our surprise?" Arianna asked as she held out another bite for Jadon. The baby squealed then took the spoon of carrots into her mouth. Arianna could only take that as a yes.
[OPEN. Very extremely OPEN. ;D ]
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Nicolae Torque
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Everyone has a price, what's yours?
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Nov 5, 2008 8:25:44 GMT -5
Nic left the office early. He tucked up the collar of his cloak and waved bye to his employees; knowing them they probably weren't that far behind him. He glanced at the note that the owl had just sent him and shook his head while smiling on the inside. He was getting a small reprieve from everything and was able to just enjoy life now, so if his wife said she had a surprise and if he could meet her at the ice cream shop, you better believe he could spare the time.
Nic came up behind Ari in time to hear her talking to Jadon. He smiled and leaned over Ari kissing her on the cheek. "Think he'll like what surprise?" Nic let Jadon finish her carrots before picking her up and sitting her down in lap. She immediately put her hands on his chest creating orange marks on his black cloak, but he didn't care. He took the spoon from Ari and finished feeding Jadon. "So what surprise?"
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Post by aaaahhhh on Nov 7, 2008 2:35:14 GMT -5
Both girls' faces lit up when Nic arrived. He always did his best to spend as much time as possible with them and every moment spent together as a family was a special one to remember. Arianna still felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Heck, Nic could still make her heart jump when he touched her or whispered in her ear.
"Hey, how was work?" Arianna asked, getting in a quick peck before Nic sat down, taking Jadon in his lap. "We were just trying to figure out how best to convince you to buy us some ice cream," she claimed, grinning.
"And the surprise...." she reached into the buggy and pulled out large bag. It was way too big to be hiding in the buggy, but that was the joy of magic. If they'd met Nic out in the muggle side of London, though, she'd have to wait to pull the bag out. Someone was bound to question how she was able to shove such a large bag in there and still have room for the baby. "We've been busy all day. Actually, we've got two surprises. I'm not sure which one you want to see first, though, so we'll start with these."
Setting the bag on the table, Arianna reached inside and pulled out a large portfolio; the kind you see art students carrying around school. Inside were numerous photographs of Arianna and Jadon. Not your normal family pictures, but professional ones done up in a studio with soft lighting and all the works. Her personal favorite had herself in a towel, hair pulled up in a bun and Jadon held up in front of her. Both had bubbles on their heads, noses touching because Jadon had thought it a good time to give her mum one of those open-mouthed kisses. There were tons more and Arianna was rather pleased with the results. Of all things artistic, photography was not her forte.
"I'd like some with all of us, but I was bored this morning and decided to practice with the camera," thank goodness there were places that could develop film in a few hours. Arianna couldn't wait to see the results.
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Nicolae Torque
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Everyone has a price, what's yours?
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Nov 8, 2008 6:00:19 GMT -5
Nic shrugged at Ari's question about work. It was easy and he would have been bored if it wasn't a cover. He was looking at Jadon as he fed her and his head picked up at the ice cream statement. Nic had a small smile on his face as he wiped the carrots from Jadon's mouth, that she just spit out, and returned it to her lips. "Is that so?" Nic put down the spoon and lifted Jadon up high over his face. "You and mommy want ice cream? You both want daddy to buy you some ice cream?" Jadon clapped her hands, barely missing, and squealed causing a huge goop of mushed orange stuff to land on Nic's nose.
As Nic lowered Jadon the carrots went down his mouth, his chin, and dropped on his black cloak. Nic handed Jadon back to her mother so he could clean up. He found a napkin and cleaned his face. All the while he hadn't really lost that smile. He should have known better. At least he hadn't bounced her this time. Now that was something for the horror movies.
Nic looked down at the table where the large portfolio laid. As he dabbed at his cloak he flipped the pages and the old Nic showed. He looked younger, happier, and less hard. His smile was real potent and he was dazzled with the pictures. "Ari, these are ... Fantastic! Thank you!" He truly meant it and the pictures were great. His wife and daughter looked beautiful and he was so delighted with his gift.
"I'll go get that ice cream now. What kind do you want?" Nic rose in his seat and waited for Ari to place her order. He was going to get a regular plain vanilla for him and Jadon to share if she wanted more. But knowing her she would. He was just glad that though she had his appetite she had Ari's frame and was so petite.
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Post by aaaahhhh on Nov 8, 2008 22:27:46 GMT -5
"Oh, don't...be care....ful," Arianna shook her head and tried to hold back her laughter, but it came out in a snort. Nic had yet to learn that lifting a baby who had just eaten wasn't a good idea. They already had trouble with spitting and throwing up; there were days Arianna hardly dared to give Jadon a hug.
"I bet she did that on purpose," Arianna claimed, still giggling a bit as she took Jadon in her lap. "Didn't you?" she reached into the diaper bag and pulled out some wipes to clean up the baby, careful not to squish her as she leaned toward the buggy. Arianna didn't want to end up looking like Nic right now.
"I'm glad you like the pictures," she paused with a wet wipe near Jadon's face and leaned toward Nic to give him a kiss on the cheek. She was glad he liked them. It had been fun playing around with the camera and taking all sorts of pictures of Jadon. It made her day even better to see how much Nic enjoyed them, too. "I've got something else for you, but I'll let you get the ice cream first. I'm in the mood for....I'll try some of that berry burst flavor, but not too much. Maybe mix it in with some chocolate. Last time it felt like I was going to lose all my teeth when it exploded."
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Nicolae Torque
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Everyone has a price, what's yours?
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Nov 14, 2008 6:55:15 GMT -5
Nic nodded at Ari's words. "I know she did." Nic reached over to Jadon and pressed her nose to her delight. She clapped her hands and giggled. He couldn't believe all that he had. He had to go through some real crappy times, but finally he was doing something worthwhile plus he had a family. He had Ari's love and he had a darling little girl. She was the cutest little thing. Nic felt normal and this was what he longed for. A loving family.
"I do thank you again." Nic walked into the ice cream and within a few minutes came back with 1 vanilla in a bowl and some berry burst also in a bowl. Already the berries were crackling and Jadon was staring at them with awe. Nic leaned over and took Jadon back and when they passed over Ari's ice cream she was wiggling to get at the sparklies. Nic laughed and gave her a small drop of vanilla.
Nic looked around at the familiar surroundings. He hadn't tried to contact any of his friends. He knew how they were and worse what they would think of the man he had become. He wouldn't change any of it for anything. He made decent money, well enough to get back, and he had a wife and child. He couldn't ask for more. He wouldn't be judged and he was sure they would do just that. Especially since he never graduated. BUT Nic had to know how Ari felt. "So ... you like bein back? You happier hea?"
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Post by aaaahhhh on Nov 14, 2008 22:13:29 GMT -5
Arianna's eyes went wide like Jadon's when Nic came back with the ice cream. Wizards were always able to take ordinary things and make them even more amazing. It was also cute to see how Jadon reacted to the ice cream. Arianna didn't think she would enjoy the popping in her mouth, though, so any tasting would have to wait until she was older.
With Jadon back in Nic's lap, Arianna scooted her chair closer until their knees were touching. She loved her little family. With everything that had happened the last year, it was amazing they were able to be together now, as happy as they were. A Jadon, her little miracle. Arianna never planned to get pregnant before she was married, but could never ever convince herself that it would have been better if she had. She'd already known she'd wanted kids with Nic so it didn't matter when they came. Jadon brought so much joy into her life, on top of the joy she already felt being with Nic, Arianna would never want to change things.
"I'm happy where ever you are," Arianna replied. She took a bite of her popping, snapping ice cream and leaned in to steal a kiss from Nic. It was a good thing Jadon was too young to protest. "But, yes. London feels more like home."
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Nov 15, 2008 7:36:02 GMT -5
Nic ate some of the vanilla ice cream before giving Jadon another droplet. He liked watching her expression as she gummed it. He made sure not to give her alot, but it seemed the tiny droplet did give her a small brain freeze or maybe it was just really cold as she gave this odd little face. Nic smiled and chuckled as he felt Ari's lips move against his own. Before Ari could pull further away Nic brought her back and kissed her again.
Nic should have been paying more attention because Jadon decided to put her hands in the ice cream. Currently she was sucking on her little fingers while the ice cream ran down her arms and on her cute little outfit. Nic shook his head and started cleaning her up. She was a handful. "Than this is where we'll stay. I'm just happy your apartment is still available to us and had such good upkeep." Nic felt a little bad that he couldn't afford to give Ari everything she was used to. He knew her parents gave them money and helped out when times were tough. Nic didn't like that or want that, but what was he to do than keep working and hope he makes more money in the end.
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Post by aaaahhhh on Nov 23, 2008 3:26:22 GMT -5
This was nice. Really nice. Every single time she kissed Nic, he always had to pull her back for more. It sometimes made them late for things, but she never complained. Knowing how much he cared for and wanted her was so much more important than catching those first few minutes of the movie or nearly missing a dinner reservation. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Jadon was right up there, nearly tying for first place, but she wouldn't be here without Nic, so that put him just a smidgen higher up.
Looking down to see the mess her daughter was now creating, Arianna giggled. She really needed to start carrying a camera around to capture these antics. They'd be good for laughs later on. Maybe even blackmail when Jadon started dating.
"Thank you for being open to moving back," Arianna couldn't help herself and leaned in to kiss Nic again; this time on the cheek because he was still busy getting Jadon cleaned off. She didn't want to tell him that her mum and dad had a hand in making sure the apartment was available for them to move back into. Arianna didn't know exactly how they'd done it, nor did she think they would tell her. She knew how badly Nic wanted to take care of her and Jadon and give them everything they wanted and that it bugged him when they had to ask for help.
"I really love you, Niccy," Arianna had leaned back to watch Nic as he took care of Jadon's mess. He was so good with their daughter and seeing the two of them together...oh, man, Arianna knew for sure that she was luckiest woman in the world. No one could possibly have a better life than she did. "I was thinking, after we put Jadon down for her nap....." she let that thought linger in the air, a slightly devilish grin passing over her lips for a moment before moving on, reaching for the portfolio of photos.
"We got your tattoo drawn..." Arianna flipped through the photos carefully. Her smile slowly faded to a frown as she reached the last photo and saw that nothing sat behind it. "I must've left it at home...Oh, Nic, it's so lovely....possibly the best thing I've drawn. Jadon had to get herself in there, of course....put a little hand print in the bottom corner when I wasn't looking and it just fit so perfectly....I really hope I didn't lose it."
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Nicolae Torque
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Everyone has a price, what's yours?
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Dec 4, 2008 18:20:55 GMT -5
Nic felt Ari's lips on his cheek and he turned to her with a soft smile on his face. He went back to cleaning the mess and chuckled. How did his wife do this? Jaden was a bundle full and he loved his child, but man if she didn't get into a lot scrapes. Nic chuckled again, he was the same way so he couldn't really complain; not that he was. He was very appreciated of his daughter and his wife.
"It's what you wanted to do. I'll do anything to try and make you happy. You know that, ma. I just wish..." Nic trailed off. He wasn't going to get into it again. He made alright at the realty business and he made more paper when he had to go away on "trips" so it wasn't that bad. He just knew she was accustomed to better and he wasn't quite there yet.
Nic's head snapped up and he matched Ari's evil grin. "Oh yeah. I would LOVE that." Jadon was clean and just a bit sticky. He scooped some ice cream into a spoon and gave her a little bit. He gave her another spoon which she banged against the table. "I can't wait to see it. I'm thinking on my whole back as well. I'm sure you'll find it. I can't wait to see it." Nic was actually excited about the tat.
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Post by aaaahhhh on Dec 8, 2008 1:15:40 GMT -5
"It'll look wonderful on you," Arianna could imagine it already...the snake and jaguar entwined together on Nic's muscular back. It was a complement to her own tattoo, but more powerful and masculine. She couldn't think of a better canvas than Nic's wonderful, beautiful body. Just the thought of it....well, she certainly shouldn't make her thoughts public right then.
"But you know, I wonder who else is still around...I haven't heard from Krissy since school and everyone else....." her nose scrunched up slightly as she poked at her bowl of ice cream and stuck a big spoonful in her mouth. Out of all her school friends, Krissy was the one Arianna most wanted to see.
Realizing a bit too late that this wasn't the type of ice cream to be eating in huge mouthfuls, Arianna had swallowed one of the berries before it exploded in her throat. This caused her to choke and sputter, much to Jadon's delight, coughing out a large portion of of her ice cream. Her eyes were now streaming and throat tickling with the oddest sensation. Arianna now remembered why she had sworn never to eat this ice cream ever again. Last time was slightly worse, though she was now worried that some of the berries would still be crackling on the way out.
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Nicolae Torque
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Post by Nicolae Torque on Dec 15, 2008 8:33:44 GMT -5
Nic couldn't wait to see it and he wished Ari had brought the picture with her. He wondered if he could get the ink done in magical paint so that the tat would move. That would be really interesting and cool. Nic could just imagine his tat moving with his emotions. Maybe that wouldn't be a good idea. It would be a tell and he couldn't afford those.
Nic nodded. "Yeah," but he wasn't sure he wanted to see old friends. He wasn't the same guy. He didn't even graduate and worst he was what they surely hated most. Nic wasn't sure he could face his old friends. No, he could face them he just wasn't sure he wanted to. It would be hard seeing smiling faces and knowing that what they fear or were angry at he was a part of. He wondered if he could handle the guilt.
Nic thumped Air on the bag as Jadon clapped her hands and gurgled. She dropped the spoon trying to grab the sparker that came from Ari's mouth. "Honey, are you okay?" Nic kept thumping and had to make sure Jadon didn't get any of her mom's ice cream. "Do you need me to get you some water? Pumpkin juice? Can you at least breathe?" Nic was starting to get a bit worried and panic was setting in his eyes.
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Post by aaaahhhh on Jan 9, 2009 1:20:55 GMT -5
Arianna held back the urge to cough again, though the tickling was a bit more than she could handle and her eyes watered. She could only nod at Nic's questions since she was sure words would be extremely difficult. Jadon seemed to find the whole thing funny, though, and was giggling at her mum while trying to get the ice cream she knew had caused the commotion.
"Water.....please," Arianna finally gasped, pushing the ice cream away out of Jadon's reach. Of course the baby was upset by this and made it known by letting out a piercing wail. Arianna shook her head at Jadon and pulled the baby into her arms, coughing as she tried to explain why she wouldn't let Jadon have any of the sparkly berry ice cream. Instead of calming down, though, Jadon continued to cry and made an attempt to get out of her mum's arms. Arianna bit her lip as she looked up at Nic, the expression on her face could be read as saying 'Someone needs a nap.'
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