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 Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 3:41 pm
"Marcella?" Right. Well.. it certainly didn't help much, but knowing that there was more wished of him than just watching the houses did at least feel better. Of course, the houses were a lot easier to care for than a whole person! How much care did Marcella actually need? He rarely talked to her himself. Any time he went over, the pair of siblings seemed content enough to leave each other alone. This.. was going to be a sharp learning curve. Against his instincts, he sighed and nodded slowly. "Yeah.. I can do that." With a low sigh, she stood up and rubbed at his face. This was all so much to take in... He finally looked to Uquin's face again, but seeing his father's haggard features just reinforced that, yes, things really were that bad. Lioe wasn't really equipped to be a comforter. No one came to him when they had problems, and he didn't really like going to others either. Still, as much for Uquin as himself, he found himself closing that space without a word to wrap his father in a tight hug.
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:24 pm
(9/10) As it was, Uquin had already asked for family friends to watch Marcella long enough for Rivyn to get things set up. It wasn't as if he was asking Lioe to house and feed her, but ... having family still felt better than leaving her alone. Uquin hadn't known how worried he was... both about Lioe's reaction, and how this conversation would go, until the boy was acquiescing. He felt tension ease out of him, at least for a moment, as he nodded his head and let out a sigh he hadn't known he'd been holding.
Lioe matched that sigh with one of his own, and immediately that guilt returned. He... really hadn't wanted to dump this news on him, then leave him on his own to handle the fallout, but the alternatives were staying here and hoping things worked out without his and Zadia's interference, or bringing the whole family along. He'd thought, long and hard, about the ramifications of either option. Leaving Marcella and Lioe behind risked them missing out on saying final farewells to Isaia, if his condition was grave... but bringing them meant Marcella possibly seeing some terrible things that he wouldn't be able to shelter her from.
There was so much to tend to, plans to make - things to pack. But rushing off after delivering such news felt wrong, so he lingered, uncomfortable and stressed - until Lioe stepped close and... offered him a hug.
Uquin didn't hesitate to embrace his boy in turn, gently bracing a hand against the back of his head as he squeezed him back. It... was more a comfort than he'd realized, and he prayed it was for Lioe as well. "I'll send word, soon as I can. Go to your uncle for anything you need - you aren't alone in this."
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:56 pm
It felt strange, to say the least. When was the last time he had hugged his father? At best though... the contact was indeed a comfort. Considering his earlier feelings, having the reassurance of that firm hold was, frankly, reassuring. Being left home still held its sting, but it was the best way for him to help. He squeezed his eyes shut to chase off the heat trying to escape. He only nodded in reply for the moment, taking long, even breaths without letting go. He'd never actually felt alone; not knowing his birth siblings were around. If Isaia left them so soon though... "Don't worry about us. We'll be here when you get back." It was tempting to add 'with everyone' onto the statement.. but he couldn't bring himself to do it. As freewheeling as his imagination could be, he was a man with both feet on the ground. He knew the chances of finding Maritza were slim.. and there was no pretending otherwise. "Just please be careful."
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Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:52 pm
(10/10) Uquin cared immensely for his children, but he would admit that with the triplets he had been... spread thin as a parent. It had always been easier for him to give affection and warm words when they were little; once they were teens, he'd backed off and tried to give them their space. Still, if that approach meant his children hesitated before reaching for reassurance, then... then perhaps he hadn't been as emotionally available as he should have been.
Especially for Lioe, who had suffered as many middle children did, despite the fact he and his siblings had been the same age for such a long time. "I know. You always make me proud." Uquin said, squeezing him once more before letting go. He didn't expect any danger for himself or Zadia, in this upcoming trip, but he appreciated it nonetheless. "I know everything will be fine here, with you keeping watch. I'll take care of Zadia, and bring Isaia home."
Regardless of... what condition that was in, there was no way he would leave his son in a foreign place alone.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:34 am
With so many people in the family, Lioe had always been more than willing to slip under the radar of the group. Being counted on was a stark contrast to his usual family role. It might have felt good if the circumstances hadn't been so dire... "I know you will." Of his parents, he had always felt closer to his father; even if they weren't exactly "close." He knew that Uquin wouldn't stop until the whole family was home, one way or another...
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