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 Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:05 pm
As they started playing, Phoenix felt himself relax all the more. He didn't feel like the owner of Ambrosia, single dad of one and soon to be two that he was. He loved being those things, but at that point in time he didn't have any responsibilities.
When the topic turned to his anxieties over the new Raevan, Phoenix felt reality slip back to the front of his mind again. He leaned back a bit from the game, looking at his new friend with uncertainty.
"I feel like it's a bit of a weird thing to be so nervous about. I've been doing the dad thing for years now. But it's different." He focused his eyes back on the game, but he was more distracted now. "I guess I just don't know what to expect. I've met a few Raevans now, and they're all so vastly different."
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:12 pm
"Yeah, all Raevans are pretty different, all right. I might have felt a little more nervous had I not been given Ethiriel when she was already a Frei, but I think once things settle you'll be just fine!" Henry said, giving Phoenix a large and genuine smile before turning his attention back to the game -- they were now on Gyroman's level.
With his smile still in place, Henry continued, "I think that's the fun in it, though; learning about your new Raevan and getting to know them, their quirks. I've always wanted a kid, and while Ethiriel never really felt like a child to me, it does help ease the want. If you ever need any help," he nudged Phoenix gently, "I'm just a phone call away. I'm sure Ethiriel would love to meet your Frei once they come around, too!"
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:50 pm
Phoenix laughed a bit, pausing to focus on the game before he could properly answer. Meeting Ethiriel really had eased his mind a bit about the whole thing. She seemed to be such a pleasant individual. But then again, he had nothing but good things to say about all the Raevans he'd met so far.
"I suppose no matter what it'll be an interesting period of transition." Even if things went as smoothly as possible it would be a big change for all of them. "But what do you mean? About when you got Ethiriel?" He realized he'd asked so little about Henry and Ethiriel, and felt a tad guilty about it.
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:56 pm
Henry beamed. "That's the spirit!" he said, keeping his eyes on the screen as he masterfully tapped buttons. The nurse had only met a few pre-Raevan guardians, but it always cheered him up to hear the idea warming up to them.
"Mm? Oh, yeah--" Henry trailed off, smirk remaining despite his set brows. "I'm not her original guardian... He kind of... jumped ship -- he didn't feel like he was in a good enough place to take care of her, so he approached me. We had done some work together at one point, so I guess he had a good impression of me." His voice had softened, but it was still easily heard over the ruckus of the arcade. "I think she's still pretty bitter about it, even if she won't say..."
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:03 pm
He could almost literally feel the pang hit his heart at the mention of Ethiriel's original guardian leaving. Phoenix knew it probably wasn't anything at all the same, but he immediately thought back to Adriana leaving him. Leaving Zoe. He winced. It was beyond his comprehension how one could walk away like that. But at least Ethiriel's guardian had had the decency to communicate. Adriana hadn't even been able to do that for them. She was just gone.
He stopped mid-game to place a hand on Henry's shoulder. "Well, I don't know a thing about the situation, but you and Ethiriel looked very happy when you came into Ambrosia the other day." He smiled warmly, game forgotten. "At least from what I can tell it looks like she's in good hands. She's lucky to have you."
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:17 pm
Despite enjoying games, Henry wasn't one to prioritize them over human communication, so once Phoenix's hand met his shoulder, the nurse turned to face him fully. His smile softened as his companion spoke, and he couldn't help but admire the man in that moment.
"Thanks..." Henry said softly, smile widening to meet his eyes. "I feel like I'm the lucky one, though. Not only do I have her in my life, I've met so many wonderful people among the Lab! It's like my family keeps growing!"
With the game forgotten, Henry watched Phoenix while he spoke. "Even if you're nervous now, once your Raevan is born I'm sure everything will fall into place. I can't compare it to parenthood, but it's a good feeling being able to take care of such wonderful and complex people. You'll be in love the moment you meat them, I'm sure!" With this, Henry placed his own hand against Phoenix's shoulder and squeezed lightly.
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:28 pm
The sentiments warmed Phoenix's heart. "I appreciate it, man." He said with a soft laugh, but he had to clear his throat and shake away the sudden urge to tear up. The memories mixed with the promise of good things to come had put him in an emotional state. He wasn't especially shy about his emotions -- hell, he'd certainly shed a few tears when Zeke had given him the news -- but he still didn't want to bring on the waterworks right then.
"I'm not just nervous. I'm excited as hell about this." He laughed again, this time a bit more cheerful. "I love being a dad, and to me this feels just the same as expecting another kid. I'm anxious, but knowing how much I love being Zoe's dad also makes it easier."
His face turned deadpan then. "Plus there's no diapers this way." He gave a thumbs up.
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:35 pm
At Phoenix's sentiments, Henry offered a wide, toothy grin in response.
"That's so good to hear!" he cheered, giving the man another solid pat on the shoulder. Henry, admittedly, was a little envious of Phoenix -- he was going to get to experience the "birth" of a Raevan as well as having a child of his own. The nurse knew from a young age that he wanted to be a dad, and while things seemed promising with Candice, they were far from ready to make that dream a reality. "You'll make an awesome over-again dad!"
Phoenix's joke caused a laugh to burst from Henry's chest, loud but under control. He nodded his head, pulling his hand away from the man to cross both arms at his chest. "Not any that I've had to deal with!" Henry chuckled, passing a glance at the cabinet, which now showed a game-over screen. This also made the nurse laugh as he decided to steer them away from the game.
"Hardest part is figuring out their food, I figure. Ethiriel's needs were already figured out by the time she came into my life, so I didn't have to worry much about it."
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Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:58 pm
"Hush, you'll make me blush," Phoenix said lightly, waving at Henry dismissively and looking up at the ceiling. He hoped that he was right though. After meeting Lorin he'd realized that not all Raevans appeared to look or act the same age. What if they were more like a teenager? No matter what the situation, he'd still be taking them in without any sort of transition comparable to having a baby. He was terrified that he wouldn't know how to handle them.
When the topic turned to food, Phoenix groaned. "Don't remind me, I'm getting hungry," he said through a chuckle. "But I'm not looking forward to figuring that out in the slightest." Every Raevan he'd met so far ate so differently. It was interesting and magnificent, but how would he know? Would the Raevan? "I'm sure I'll figure it all out eventually. And if I don't, I can always call and bug you."
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Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 12:03 am
Waving his hand in a flamboyant fashion, Henry batted his eyelashes and grinned devilishly. It wasn't often that he got to joke with others like this -- usually just Aaron -- and he reveled in the fact that he and Phoenix seemed to hit it off so well.
"Well," Henry started, hiking a thumb back towards the lobby of the theater. "I think we have a remedy for that, my friend!"
The nurse had never thought to ask any other guardians how they had come across their particular Raevans' food source, but the more he thought about it the more he wanted to ask... especially since he'd been trying to give so many new guardians advice on the matter. Perhaps he could bother Aaron and Claire, or maybe even Duncan about it sometime. Placing his hand on his chest, Henry feigned offense. "Goodness me, sir! Like you could ever be a bother," he winked.
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Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 2:22 pm
Phoenix scoffed, feigning a haughty demeanor and closing his eyes, snootily raising his nose to the ceiling. "I suppose this is true, good sir," he said in a nasally voice, flaring his nostrils. "When I call upon you you should be honored."
Still remaining in character, the man puffed his chest out dramatically and began walking out of the arcade with his arms bent just so at his sides. His stride was important, tall. "Come now, Henry! We eat." Fin.
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