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 Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:07 pm
-Day 7-
Sniffing before he opened his eyes, Levi searched for any scent of fruit. The coast, it seemed, was clear. Opening one eye, then the other, Levi sat up slowly and yawned.
Something was wrong.
Freezing where he sat, Levi closed his eyes...feeling the motion of the ship around it. It was short, choppy...there was an odd tug he'd never felt upon the Near Miss. He had to tell the Captain!!
Struggling out of bed, Levi dashed down the hall...the crew sliding expertly to the side as he passed. Skidding out onto deck, the news on his lips, Levi ambled to a stop.
It was sunrise...the coast painted in pinks and yellows as far as the eye could see.
The coast. Distant cities glimmered like gems through the haze, filling his heart with excitement.
He was home!!
Gaping at the lighthouse, Levi recognized the distant harbor...and there upon the cliff! "Mah house!! See? Eh mine!!" Pointing to the Villa, Levi grabbed the nearest deckhand...refusing to stop tugging till Ian looked.
"I see it, I see it! Congrats, kid." Tugging free, Ian continued to trudge...arms full of gear to be stored below. Pushing past the Captain as he decended into the hold, Ian kept muttering about working in fast food. Apparently he deemed it easier.
Sean made his way over to Levi, kneeling beside the boy. "Well. I thought you weren't excited to go home."
Glancing up at the older man, Levi shrugged...but his eyes wandered back to the dock once more. All the flashing lights...just for him! How could he not be excited?!
**
It was all a blur to Aki as the ship pulled into the harbor. Struggling past the men in uniforms, tripping over the cot the paramedics laid out, Aki clung to the last post of the pier.
Why couldn't they be faster!?
Levi never even had a chance to make it to the dock. Rushing past an irritated looking red headed lad as she charged up the gang plank, Aki spotted her boy instantly, laughter bubbling up with the tears.
"Levi!!"
She hugged him tightly despite his protests. She hardly recognized him..his skin was so tan and clothes so big...even his hair seemed longer!! Covering his face in kisses, Aki couldn't stop laughing...but there was something she had to do. Her back was to the dawn, the pale disc of the moon fading on the horizon.
Fading, but not gone.
Lowering her head, both hands still on Levi's shoulders, Aki reached deep within herself and called quietly for her goddess. There was no pause, no refusal she'd so feared...the smooth magic poured into her. It was faint, but then, so was the moon.
But it was enough.
**
Levi struggled against the kisses, sighing in relief as Aki pulled back. Giving Sean a wry look, Levi shrugged...or tried too. It was hard with Aki's hands on his shoulders.
Abruptly, his embarrassment was forgotten. Serenity flooded through him, his little chin lowering to his chest. Suddenly, everything felt right...every ache he felt faded, and every scratch began slowly to mend.
It felt like when he had stood in the crow's nest of the Near Miss, the wind stealing away his breath. It felt...like being at sea again.
Gasping as it faded, Levi opened his eyes once more...staring in amazement at Aki. A halo of moonlight shined silently around her, illuminating her face from every side. Slowly, he smiled...shaking his head.
He didn't know Aki could glow!!
**
Stepping back as the paramedics rushed in, Aki held up one hand to Levi...a promise that she wouldn't be far away. He grumbled as they checked his vitals, searching the boy over for any signs of dehydration or exposure.
Across the way, Captain Arlan motioned vaguely, his voice rumbling distantly. Several officers nodded as he spoke, taking notes in tiny pads. One shook her head in disbelief...staring out at the vast expanse of sea behind them.
An awful long way for one little boy.
**
"Yes, he's back....I know. Thank you for everything. Sure, sure thing. Bye, love!" Hanging up the phone, Aki dusted her hands on the towel tucked into her pocket....calling out from the kitchen.
"Lunch soon, honey! Wrap it up!"
Levi grumbled something in response, grabbing a differently colored crayon and returning to his drawing. He had his very own section in the vacation book...and he was almost all done!
Scribbled blue water, a bright yellow sun, and a little green island decorated the page. Gripping the brown in his fist, ignoring the way it snapped in half under pressure, Levi added two boats to the picture...a small one, and a big one.
He didn't even look up as the smell of tropical fruit suddenly filled the room.
"Welcome home.." The sultry voice echoed softly in his ear, a heavily accented purr. Without missing a beat, Levi finished drawing the last sail on the big boat.
"Hush, Inah." Home indeed.
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Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 4:43 pm
Raife Raife felt a slight tug on her hair from the baby clinging to her back as they rounded the corner to Aki's house. "We're going to meet some more people, Mik, I told you when we left the house." She peered back and smiled. "More friends. 'Member?" Mikhael nodded and rested his head on her back. So many people over the last few days. But Raife's scheme seemed to be working. The emersion into a world of people that wouldn't hurt him was denaturing his drop-of-a-hat crying. ....Sort of. Last night at the house, Guinness had come a little too close into his personal space on his way to get a beer, and had almost stepped on Mik's wing, which had caused a shivery, terrified, crying fit, despite Guin's claims that it wasn't a real wing, and wouldn't hurt him. The man could be heartless. Stepping up the stairs to Aki's door, she knocked resoundingly, hoping that maybe it'd get her out of the bath this time. Aki Aki perked up at the knock, motioning for Desperate to stay put. The police had stopped by more than once since Levi had been found, and Aki didn't wish to debate the legality of owning an elephant. Cradling Nisha to her chest, patting the tired girl's back, Aki opened the door carefully. "We're fine, really! Thank you for-Raife!! Aw, hey darling!! Come in!!" Pulling the door open wider, Aki offered her old friend a warm smile...which melted slowly into shock as she spied the babe upon Raife's back. "Oh...oh my!! Looks like we've both been busy! This is Nisha!" Giggling, still trying to pat the yawning girl to sleep, Aki stepped back to make room for them to enter. "It's so good to see you! Have a seat, I'm about to fix some lunch for Levi after I put her down for a nap. Hungry, you two?" Raife Raife chuckled as Aki whirlwinded her entrance. "Well, I did actually come to check on you and Levi. ...and.....new baby?" Raife smiled at the sleepy little one on Aki's shoulder. "Nisha, you say?" Mikhael peered a bit, then curled in tighter into himself, still hanging from her back. Too much excitement. "It's nice to meet you, Nisha." She smiled and wiggled her fingers at the baby while her own hid himself. Jesus. "Well....the...mysterious disappearing baby is Mikhael. Mik....." She tried to reach around her back for him, but he squirmed out of her reach. She smiled apologetically. "I suppose I could use a little food at least, even if he doesn't seem up to socializing. Aki Nisha blinked as the fluff detached from the woman's back...peeking at her before disappearing once more. Gurgling, she stretched one hand towards Raife...sighing curiously. "Nope, none for you, girl. You've been a mite too cranky for my tastes. Bed first, then play." Motioning Raife into the kitchen as she disappeared down the hall, Aki bounced Nisha as the first few sniffles began to appear. All was silent in the bedroom, until... "Hoh! Ah yuu!!" Galloping down the hall, Levi came to a skidding halt before Raife. Grabbing her hand, Levi tugged her into the kitchen, finally struggling up onto a stool. Grinning, he peered around...obviously confused. Aki had said guests...not guest!"Ah whe? Bebe? Ah gohn?" Raife Raife grinned, always pleased to see the energetic little pirate, even as Mikhael folded tighter into himself. She was used to that by now. She smiled at Levi, and ruffled his hair, then pressed her finger to her lips and pointed silently to her back, still holding Levi's hand. That way, she could control him and keep him from poking the baby, if such was his desire. "Hey yourself, kiddo. It's good to see you, as always." Aki "Yah! Nodding, Levi returned the sentiment...shaking his hair out of his laughing blue eyes. Leaning forward on the stool, he wiggled his fingers...trying to rid himself of Raife's hand. When it became evident that wasn't happening, he gazed up at her in confusion. "Ah goh! Ah pet!""Honey, babies aren't for petting. You know that. Remember what happened when you tried to pet Lafe?" Aki strolled back into the kitchen, pulling the burp cloth off her shoulder and tossing it into the kitchen hamper. Levi sighed, remembering Lafe's ears pinning back like an angry kitty. His hand stopped moving in Raife's as he pondered this. "Ah show pisher!" Twisting to point towards the back room with his free hand, Levi looked askance at first Aki, then Raife. "Yah?" Raife Raife smiled. "Please!" She let go of his hand so he could go get the picture, and wiggled her arms around to wrassle with the clingy baby, grabbing him lightly and pressing him on her lap as she sat down on a stool. He squirmed a bit on her lap, especially as she tucked back the hood of the jacket so that he had to look out and about. Mikhael's eyes were wide and frightened, clinging at Raife as he basically tried to scale her like a tree, gently pushed back down onto her lap by her hands, which were gently pulling his grabby hands off her shirt and tucking him onto her lap, wrapping the jacket tight around him so he'd feel safe. Aki Levi slid off the stool and hurried down the hall...stocking feet once more sliding on the floor. As Aki finished washing her hands, drying them briskly on a towel tucked through the handle of the fridge door, she caught sight of the unhooded baby and paused. "Oh Raife!! Mikhael...is adorable!!"" Aki breathed softly her amazement, restraining her own temptation to reach out. It was evident how nervous the little one was...she didn't want him to feel anything but safe in the arms of his mother. "When?! From...where?" It seemed like an odd question, but Aki was rather certain Raife hadn't been pregnant last she saw. Unless Raifes had an unusually short gestation period, this baby was a blessing rather than homegrown. The sounds of Levi rustling about in his new room echoed down the hall...along with the sound of clattering books and a distant "Buddy 'ell!"Flicking her gaze from the babe in Raife's arms to the hall, Aki sighed. There was no help for it. Raife Raife couldn't help but giggle at the sounds Levi was making, even as they made her baby more nervous. She stroked a hand over his hair. "Ahn....he's my little rescue baby." She smiled a little, sadly, and placed her hands lightly over Mikhael's ears, despite his squirming. He understood..way too much. "Trance found him on a raid....they raid labs...he was in a cage. Like an animal. And...he's...not whole anymore." She frowned a bit, keeping her hands over Mikhael's ears, so they could talk. He was trying to bat at her hands with his wings now, puffing a bit angrily. Aki Aki opened her mouth to ask, completely confused...but shut it again slowly. Shaking her head in sadness, the elf mustered a smile for the babe. "I...see. We can chat more later, I think Le-" "Heoh! Ah buk!" walking a bit more carefully, arms clutching something to his chest, Levi pushed the vacation book up on the counter before pulling himself up onto the stool. "Ah buk, eh pishers, eh yah! Meh!" Flipping past the pages of his aquarium trip with Aki, Levi tapped the page about his adventure at sea...a brightly colored page of scribbles attempting to illustrate an island, the sun, and two ships at sea. Pushing the book a tiny bit closer to Mik, Levi propped his chin in his hand as he leaned forward...swinging both legs. "Yah?"Raife Raife let go of Mik's head and leant in close to the book and Levi, very interested in the pictures and showing it, not wanting to disappoint the boy, if Mik didn't show any interest. At first, the baby just shook his head and hair a bit, poking at his ears. That had felt weird. But he looked interested in the appearance of a book. He craned up a little, tentatively from Raife's lap, keeping clear of Levi, but trying to get in to see what was in the book. He watched Levi as much as the book, suspiciously. Raife talked to Mikhael and Levi as if Mik was paying attention to her, hoping he was. "Wow, Levi, It's like I was practically there!" She smiled, and pointed with a finger at the island scribble, squinting a little. What....was that? Yellow...and surrounded by blue....with some green...related to the sea....oh! "Is...that an island?" Mikhael was now peering directly at the book, having perched just high enough to see the book. He seemed to be completely absorbed in the drawings, to the exclusion of anyone else around, pressing a small hand to the pages. Aki Aki watched quietly...unwinding the tie on the bread bag. There was something so eye catching about the boy...a fragile, vibrant life to him that almost brought tears to her eyes. Perhaps it was due to Nisha's sudden arrival...suddenly babies seemed like the greatest gift the world had to offer. Levi's thoughts were on nothing so maternal. Folding his arms on the counter, he rested his head upon them...face tilted sideways to peer under Mik's fall of hair as the baby studied the book. Black hair, blue eyes... "Budoh!" Beaming suddenly, Levi chuckled to himself. "Ahna sitoh!" After all, it only made sense if he got a new sister, he'd get a new brother as well!! Glancing sidelong at Raife as she tapped the island, Levi offered her a crooked grin...nodding as best he could in his position. "Yah! Ah pupoh lifs! Ehn wadder." He seemed pleased that Lafe had recognized Bacalao that easily...he must be quite the artist!! In truth, Aki was surprised Raife had recognized that much...Levi's picture looked more like a whirlwind with multicolored chickenpox than anything else. Raife Raife looked up at Aki over the boys' heads and mouthed "Lucky Guess,' grinning sheepishly. Mikhael, on the other hand, seemed to understand the picture completely. His finger found and pressed against a blob that might have been anything, but he looked directly at Levi, as if to say "This is you?" He still seemed to be keeping his personal space a bit with everything but the drawing, but seemed to have relaxed a little with the introduction of the crayon fiasco. He brushed his hair out of his face and turned back to the picture, running his hands softly over the crayon marks, as if by doing so, he could tell exactly what Levi drew. Raife wouldn't put it past him. The baby had a decidedly studious look on his face. As if he was an art student, studying the Mona Lisa, not a baby looking at a crayon drawing. Aki Beaming as Mik pointed out the little black squiggle on the brown blob, Levi chuckled. Mik liked the rowboat!! The man from the docks had let Levi keep the little boat...it was anchored in the pond beside the house. He'd have to show Mik when they went outside!! Scooting a little closer, peering at the picture right alongside Mik, Levi pointed not at the black squiggle, but at the white patch behind it...one of the few places on the page crayon had not touched. "Inah." The young pirate whispered, speaking the name of the island girl. It had come to him as soon as he'd gotten home...just as the name of the island had returned to him upon the shore. Inah. Levi sniffed carefully as he pointed, searching for any signs of the tell tale sweet smell that seemed to accompany her. No, she wasn't here...which was too bad. Aki didn't seem to believe him. Rolling her eyes a bit, Aki cracked the fridge..pulling out the deli box. "Is he a vegetarian, Raife? I can just put out some snacks if he's not in the mood for a sandwich. We have P&J, egg salad, turkey, avocado...." Aki rambled as she poked through the drawer, missing the silent communication between the boys. Raife Mikhael nodded, but furrowed his brow. He seemd to know that something needed to be there to make the picture complete, but didn't exactly know what Levi was talking about. But he knew something, and looked up at Levi quizzically, as if to say "Why isn't your art complete?" He pressed his hand to the blank spot firmly, as if made anxious by the fact that it wasn't, and needing to cover it. Raife shook his head. "He'll eat anything except carrots so far. Sandwiches are a bit much for him though. Has to take things in small pieces. Doesn't have all his teeth in yet. Some of that bread and turkey would be good though. I'll tear it up nice and small for him. She mentally patted herself on the back. Perhaps she'd get ahold of this parenting thing after all. Aki Aki nodded happily, putting just that on a plate and passing to to Raife with a napkin. She'd been avoiding fruit for the simple reason that...if what Raife said meant what she thought it meant...Mik might not enjoy the sight of a knife. Just soft things for now. Throwing together a quick sandwich for Levi, loading it with roast beef and cheese, Aki passed a second plate over the counter. "You haven't met Desperate yet...Nisha's companion. I used to complain that Levi eats like an elephant, it's less amusing now that I actually have one in the house. What'll you take, sweetie?" Motioning to the spread, Aki set to work fixing herself a bacon and avocado sandwich. Levi accepted the plate with a nod...immediately peeling open the top slice to divest himself of the lettuce. He watched Mik pat his picture as he took a bite...shrugging at the baby. There wasn't much more to say about Inah, she came and went as she pleased, it seemed! Speaking around a bite of food, Levi pointed towards the book with his chin. "Ahna culoh?" He didn't mind sharing his crayons...most of them were already broken, anyway. Levi liked them like that...it made it seem like he had twice as many! Raife Raife chuckled, and smiled. "I'll make a sandwich after I finish tearing up this mess." She looked sloppier than her baby, tearing up pieces of bread and turkey. She leant in forward. And with a shocked, hissing whisper. "What the hell, Aki, you have an Elephant in the house?! Isn't that...illegal...and....big??" Mikhael meanwhile was far more interested in the colorings of others than doing so himself. He tapped the spot again, frowning, before turning to a different part of the picture, practically pressing his nose against the paper, he was leaning in so close. He pointed out a deep part of the water that seemed utterly normal, and nodded and smiled a little, as if to say "This part's my favorite. I can practically see the fish." Aki Shrugging awkwardly, Aki smiled in embarrassment. What could she do?! Give the elephant to the pound? Desperate refused to be more than a few yards away than the girl....it was a hard situation. "Well, it's just a baby. For...now..." Levi munched into his sandwich, chewing as he watched Mik. Setting down the sandwich, he reached for the book and turned the page half way. There, behind it, was another picture he'd just started...a picture of the Near Miss. The sails were the easiest to draw...just big squiggles of light grey. "Ah boht!"Raife Mik made another disgruntled noise. Another unfinished picture. Even now, he knew the boy needed a muse, but knew he wasn't the boy's muse. He would have known instantly. His hand slapped down and covered the unfinished part of the picture and he peered back down to study the finished part, his fingers tracing the lines of the sails, closing his eyes as if he could feel the breeze. "A...BABY elephant? Jesus...... What are you feeding it, woman? It's going to eat you out of house and home!" Aki "Well, it'll eat that lettuce there..." Pointing to Levi's plate, Aki shrugged...reaching back to open the pantry with one hand. "And most of this before next week." Huge bags of carrots and granola covered the pantry floor....supporting a stack of striped watermelons. "You know, the usual." Levi tilted his head as Mik covered up the blank part again. He didn't like drawings? Slipping down from the stool once more, he trotted back to the room...this time, returning with a photograph. A young woman's freckled face beamed at the camera, overexposed by the bright sun. The ocean behind her was remarkably similar to the ocean out the kitchen window. Glancing up from her sandwich, Aki recognized the picture Gyre had given Levi. Little did she know it was from the mysterious journal Levi had found hidden behind the vent! "Ah pisher?" Sliding the photo over to Mik, Levi hopped back up and took another bite...one cheek pooched out with food as he waited for the baby's reaction. Raife Mikhael studied the picture a bit, absently, tilting his head, before pushing it away and turning back to the drawing. Oh no. He was very interested in the drawing. He needed it finished. He tilted his head and uncovered the blank part, and, rather uncharacteristically bossily, grabbed Levi's hand, and pressed it to the blank paper, closing his eyes and making curves of the boat with his mind. Following from the sails already drawn on the page, he began to recreate the near miss in the blank space with Levi's hand. It took a few minutes, but when he finished, Mikhael let go of Levi's hand, shyly, and pushed it away, pressing his hand to the blank space, as if to say "There. do that." Aki Aki watched with interest...nibbling upon her sandwich. The boy seemed so at peace when he was studying the drawings!! She wasn't sure what the patting was all about, but luckily, Levi seemed to understand. Cramming the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth, Levi double tapped his plate before sliding off the stool once more. Aki sighed, shaking her head as she reached across for the plate. He was never going to lose his puppy fat if he kept eating like this!! In truth, though, that didn't seem to be a problem for the boy. If Aki wasn't mistaken, he was a good few inches taller than when he'd first come to her! Returning with arms full of paper and crayon boxes, Levi stood on his tip toes hopefully....sighing as he realized Aki was still making his second sandwich. Dropping the supplies on the ground, he snagged the vacation book from the counter as well. Plopping down on his bottom amid the pile of crayons, Levi grabbed the stubby brown...glancing up to see if Mik was following. "Coh mah? Ah coloh!" Patting the floor next to him, he settled back and began to draw. Raife Mik looked up at Raife, who nodded, and set him down gently on the ground on the other side of the coloring book as Levi. She knew he'd be uncomfortable if she set him right next to him, but he seemed to be relaxed with the coloring book as a chaperone. He settled down in a flurry of jacket and fluff, and peered down at the paper as Levi started to color, nodding approvingly. He wasn't in any means an art critic. But he couldn't stand an unfinished picture. It went against his nature. He watched the other boy color like a hawk, his eyes fixed on every move of the crayon. Raife turned to Aki, smiling absently. "He doesn't like to color much himself, but he'll watch me for hours when I do. Or when I write...or anyone. And he gets so upset when I don't finish something, and leave it for later. I've yet to ask Zeno if all muses are like this as children, or if he's different because...he's different." Aki "A...muse?" Eyes wide, Aki finished her last bite of sandwich and motioned again to the spread...indicating to Raife to take her pick. Shaking her head as she chewed, Aki tried to puzzle that out. "But...I thought muses were girls! And...insubstantial!!" She didn't mean to sound like she was protesting...the poor elf was simply confused. A few scribbles later, and Levi was finished...adding the final touch in the form of a blue streak below the boat. Voila!! Grinning at Mik, he flipped the page...into the section with the gold tab. Picking a brand new page, Levi squished up one eye at the boy...gazing at him carefully before picking out the blue crayon. "Ah daw yuu?"Raife Raife smiled. "Muses can be girls. I've never seen an insubstantial one, but I suppose that's possible too. Though, usually, they're more or less as flesh and blood as we are. They have extraordinarily long lifestyles though, so I suppose that might be why they're seen that way. The real ones are very light. I suppose since he can't fly, and he's only half, he's a little weightier than most." She tilted her head to look down at her positively delicate little boy. "Come over sometime....I'm not an expert, but I have a muse historian in house. He's quite fascinating to listen to." She sighed. "Technically, I suppose Mikhael is not truly a muse. He doesn't have anyone to muse yet, and I doubt he ever will. Many don't take kindly to half-breeds, I'm told....especially since he's the only one." A rare smile spread beaming over Mikhael's face. Mik may have not quite gotten down the difference between thank you and hello, but he understood the question. He nodded serenely, the smile still spread over his face. Draw him? Of course. That's what he was made for. Aki Nodding, Levi got to work...tongue trapped between his teeth. Coloring wasn't easy...you had to be so gentle, and hold still all the time. But that was the nice thing about sharing. He'd color for a while since Mik seemed to like it, and then maybe Mik would want to do something really fun, like the stuff Levi liked to do! Switching from blue to black, Levi continued to scribble...putting the colors where they belonged. After all, that was his general method of coloring...the shapes themselves weren't so important. Levi, however, had never had anyone so happily sit still for him before...and like Aki said, if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Grabbing light blue, Levi peeked up again...grinning absently as he noticed Mik was still smiling. His little brother was happy! That was good, Levi would be mad at someone if he was sad. Glancing back down to his picture, little hand scribbling all the while, Levi blinked in surprise. It actually kinda looked like something!!  Aki shook her head in amazement, finally throwing together a sandwich for Raife since she wasn't getting the hint. "Club, no mustard. So, a real muse?! And a new kind at that!! That's...wow. Are you free early next week? I need to head out to grab a few things for Nisha this week, but I'd love to see you then. There is so much we need to catch up on!!" Pushing the paper closer to Mik, Levi set down the peach crayon and rubbed his hand. It had been hard, but if Mik liked it, that would be worth it! Raife]"Half muse. Half human." Raife smiled. "Sure, I'm free. You can stop by the house. You haven't been by yet, it might amuse you." She drawled the last part, and took a bite of the sandwich, with a smile. "Mmh."
Mik peered down at the picture, sliding his hand down the crayon marks. For a long moment, he was frowning, and it was hard to tell if he liked it or not. Then he blushed and smiled shyly and clapped his hands a bit, looking up at Levi shyly as if to say, "What a beautiful picture of me..." He held the picture in close to himself, examining it, and sighing, relaxed and happy.[/quote]
[quote="Aki Levi nodded happily, sweeping the crayons to the side. "Ah foh yuu!" Itching his nose with the back of his hand, Levi pushed up to his feet...stretching out the drawing cramps. That was the best picture he'd ever done!! Aki mixed some iced tea in the pitcher upon the counter...pouring three glasses and filling one of Levi's old sippy cups for the boys. "No caffeine, don't worry! Mik, Levi? Are you thirsty?" Taking a sip of her own, Aki smiled. Real sun brewed iced tea was the best!! Pushing one towards Raife, Aki finally made her way out from around the side of the counter. Half of a new roast beef sandwich had mysteriously appeared on Levi's plate...bringing a wide smile to the pirates face. "Well, it seems like we've both had some luck lately, hmm? I lose a boy, and end up with two kids instead of one...and you find the cutest muse that's ever crawled! Does he get on well with the others?" Raife Raife nearly spit out the drink of tea she'd just taken with the question, laughing her head off. "He won't let anyone in the house touch him except Trance and myself. Godbless him, he's getting a lot better with children and babies his age though. We've been out socializing, haven't we, darling?" She smiled down at Mikhael, who was crawling after Levi, paper tucked very carefully in one hand, making his three 'legged' walking a little wobbly. He tried to climb up on a stool between Raife and Levi, but aside from using the stool to support his weight as he stood up, he didn't get very far, lifting and lowering his legs and looking like he was doing a little dance. Raife scooped him up onto the stool, where he sat, wobbling a little, much to Raife's worry, but eventually leant onto the table for support, burbling and drooling a little on the counter and placing the picture back in front of him again to examine. Aki Aki tilted her head. She could see that! Raife had done a lovely job getting him used to others, though. He and Levi were almost friends! At least, that's how it looked to her! Chatting as the boys munched, Aki shared her telemarketer story with Raife...laughing in embarrassment that she'd acted so crudely. It was an odd place to start, the end of the story...but it was the freshest in her mind. Once Levi had finished his sandwich, he contented himself with babbling at Mik...telling his own version of the island tale. Most of is was incomprehensible, Levi had a fondness for made up words. He's just gotten to the part about the cliffs when a sleepy cry from the back room caught his attention. "Uh oh, Neesha!"Nodding, Aki got back to her feet...draining the last sip of her tea. "I don't mean to be rude, Raife, but if she's awake then Desperate will be too. I think he'd be a bit much for Mik...for now, at least." Offering the little muse a wink, Aki couldn't help but smile. The little boy had been so relaxed, too! What a shame. Levi, however, didn't pick up on the difficulty at all. It would be fun to play all together! Raife Raife winced a little bit at the thought of the elephant and Mik together, and the chaos. "No...I completely understand." She smiled. "You take care of your new baby, and I'll take Mik to the museum. I was thinkin' about it anyway." She grinned and leant down next to Levi. "Hoi there, buddy, where's my hug and kiss? All the girls are yours right? Good place to start. Did you take the advice I gave you last time about the sweet stuff?" Aki Nodding seriously, Levi made grabby hands at Raife...planting a smooch on her cheek. Back on his own two feet, he opened his arms to Mik as well...waiting to see if the little one wanted a hug. Aki gave Raife a squeeze as well...waving goodbye sweetly to Mik. "I'm going to go grab her, and keep him in the back. Thanks for stopping by, you two! See you next week! Levi will show you out!" Raife Raife grinned, and set Mikhael down on the ground. He looked warily at Levi's open arms. Very wary. Bonding with him over pictures was one thing. Hugging was another. Instead, he remembered his goodbye to Alex recently. Trading! Levi drew him a beautiful picture, right? Well....he grasped at his hood again, and Raife smiled. She knew what was coming. He yanked off one of the prettiest long blue feathers, as he'd done for Alex and Lun, and pressed it awkwardly into Levi's palm, with a shaky smile, and then turned and lifted his arms to Raife. Raife scooped him up and smiled, whispering at Aki. "That's a very good sign." Aki Levi stared at the feather as Aki brushed by....pausing to ruffle her boys hair and whisper. "Say thank you!" Nodding mutely, Levi raised his feather like a little trophy. "Hanku!!"Trotting towards the door, Levi bumped it open...still clutching the feather with one hand. Waving goodbye happily, making sure to wave as best he could, Levi grinned at the pair. "Ahbuuuy!!" Babbling something that meant 'come back soon so we can go play in the pond' in Levi language, he shut the door carefully as they vanished. A picture for a feather!? What a good trade!! Mik was pretty cool...for a baby.
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Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:31 pm
July, 2005Aki Well, things have certainly changed! Nisha is here with us now...the last thing I expected was another addition to the household! I was a bit concerned about how Levi would take it, but I'm surprised...he's adapted remarkably well to being a big brother. Its nice to see him being so responsible! He's so young himself, I always forget that until I see him next to her. Was it leaving Sinclaire that helped him become so self sufficient? Was he always like this? One thing I have noticed is that Levi is a bit cold when he doesn't want to be bothered. If he's busy, or irritated, he'll simply leave...I found him the other day sitting on the rocks by the cliff, throwing pebbles into the ocean. He wouldn't tell me what he was thinking about, I can't help but think his journey is still on his mind. After a week at sea, it must be pretty boring here. I suppose it's time to get the beach party together. I've been promising it to him for so long now! I'll have to remind him that Nisha won't be going into the water without me...she's so little, after all! I'm sure he'll understand. He's been wanting to return to the headquarters and see the others lately...he keeps asking about all of his friends!! Perhaps later this week, it would be nice to drop him off there for a while. He could get a chance to play, and I'd have time to take Nisha shopping. It's almost time to buy Levi more clothes as well! He's nearly grown out of what he usually wears...they're so tattered and old! He refuses to let me dress him though, the best I can do is get together a few options and let him choose. All well, better than nothing I suppose!! It would be good to get him out of the house. I swear he talks to himself sometimes, back in his room when he thinks I can't hear. That's normal for kids, isn't it? I think so. Doesn't make much sense to have an imaginary friend for the sole purpose of telling them to 'go away' though. All very odd. -Aki
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Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 12:00 am
7-2-05
Shading her face with one hand, Aki peered across the yard to the children playing by the pond's edge. A pale yellow blanket was nestled upon the bank, outlining a play space in the green grass. Levi leaned over the edge, stretched across the lawn with the tip of one toe still touching the blanket.
His fingers quested to the water's edge...brushing the edge of a lily pad in bloom. Grabbing it gently, he pulled it to the edge...tugging up the trailing roots. Rinsing it clean, knocking loose a few petals from the little white lotus, the young pirate finally held it up proudly. He'd done it!
Nisha gurgled, tiny hand flapping. She'd pointed at the pretty pink flower, and just like that, it was here!! Tumbling to her side, she tried to crawl a bit closer...one leg kicking. She hadn't quite gotten the hang of crawling...
Ears flapping, Desperate wrapped his trunk around Nisha's waist...pulling her up and plopping her back down on her bottom. Upright once more, Nisha giggled...slapping her hands together once. That was better than crawling!
"Eh! Ah foh yuu." Waving the daemon away with one arm, Levi settled the wet lily pad upon his sister's head...lotus and all. It sat crooked like a floppy hat, obscuring one of the baby's wide amber eyes. With nimble fingers, Levi tied the trailing roots into an awkward bow just under the girl's chin.
Head tilting back slowly, Nisha tried to look up. Moments later she found herself staring up at the sky...feet wiggling in the air as she rested upon her back. The edge of the lily pad had flopped back, she could see again! The sky was blocked out abruptly by a looming figure, causing a sigh of concern and no few spit bubbles from little Nisha. It was Desperate!!
Aki shook her head as the daemon deftly plucked the hat from her toppled daughter...tucking it straightaway into his mouth. Levi hollered and jumped to his feet...lunging towards Desperate in a desperate attempt to save the already swallowed hat. A few minutes later, a brief chase terminated in a trunk full of water and one very soggy little pirate.
Nisha squealed with laughter, holding her toes as she rocked. Her cropped hair was mussed, standing askew in drooping spikes where the lily pad had slicked it. Cheeks almost as pink as the flower that she'd worn so briefly, she kept giggling as Levi came trudging up to the blanket once more.
"Buddy 'lellifunt."
"Levi! You watch your language around her!!"
Head snapping up at Aki's distant chiding, face painted with that haunted 'I'm in trouble' look, Levi raised his hands in disbelief. He was the one soaking wet, and he was in trouble?! Shaking her head firmly until he sighed, Levi plopped back down onto the blanket and Aki returned to her book.
Humor returning as the sun warmed him, Levi reached forward to pat Nisha's hair...flattening the cowlick. She peered up just the same, tipping back dangerously until Levi reached forward...grabbing one baby shoulder gently and guiding her back up. "Dohn fah! Ah sit." Levi simply didn't understand. Whenever she tipped over and bonked her head, she would cry! So why wouldn't she stop tipping over?
Figuring the coast was clear, Desperate finally sauntered back over. Trunk held high, he grunted at Levi...flicking his tail proudly. Glaring up with a look that promised revenge, Levi also managed a smile...surprising, considering the darkness of the bangs that had hidden his eyes. That elephant would get his. Oh yes!!
So intent was he on his staring contest with the pachyderm that Levi didn't see the baby pluck something from the air until it was too late. One of the huge dandilion seeds had bobbed upon the gentle breeze...dancing in the air. Aki always caught them carefully in two hands...making a wish before she let them go.
Nisha didn't let it go. She just ate it.
"Noh! Hey!!" Pushing forward, Levi wiggled one finger into Nisha's mouth...tipping it open carefully as he grimaced inside. Her hands flapped, but she made no real attempt to stop him...a bit surprised by the whole thing. The seed puff was there, on her tongue...all sodden and bedraggled like a wad of white thread. Levi sighed, dropping his hands once more. No help, it was too late. She'd ruined it.
Might as well let her eat it now.
Aki glanced up from her book once more, peering over the pages. Her daughter burbled happily as she gummed on spit bubbles. Levi shook his head as though she was doing it all wrong. Offering the pair a silent smile, Aki's gaze dropped back to her book. Levi was such a good brother!
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:07 pm
[ Message temporarily off-line ]
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:53 pm
Picnic and pondscum! Yum yum!Aki Aki snapped the blanket wide, shaking it out in one quick motion. Spreading the sides, she allowed it to settle slowly to the grass...spreading out under the warm sun. The parasol was still folded, leaning against the stone wall of the house. Rummaging in her bag, Aki finally found what she was looking for...pulling out a slim white bottle. "Sunblock, Raife? This kid is out for 6 days at sea, and gets a tan. I'm in the sun for fifteen minutes, and I'm crimson." Levi ignored her comments, too busy hauling and coiling the rope. Ever since he'd thought of taking Mik out on the little boat, he'd been bugging Aki to get the boy back. Now, hauling in the little row boat from its place in the pond, it looked like he might have the chance!! "Mehk! Ah boht, yah? Ah goh?"Raife Raife smiled. "No thanks. I tan, and he's slathered." She thumbed a finger at her little boy. He was without jacket at the moment, the fight for such a feat having been marked with crying fits a plenty. They'd agreed to compromise, and she had the jacket tucked next to her, but he'd conceded that it was a bit warm to spend the whole day outside with the jacket. He instead had several feathers tied to his baggy hand-me-down baby jeans with little pieces of fishing line, so no matter how he tugged and cuddled them, they wouldn't fall off. This was good, because, at the moment, he was sitting next to Levi at the edge of the pond, gnawing on one comfortably, and watching the little boat. He didn't mind getting in a boat. He wasn't afraid of boats. He was more afraid of being alone with levi. He made a small noise of concern and looked back at Raife, then up at Levi. Aki "Well, lucky you!" Aki'd never been anything but pale. Compared to Mik, though, she had quite a bit of color!! "It's so good to see him play, he's a sweet boy, Raife." Blowing a kiss to the baby, Aki giggled...not realizing she'd gotten sunblock on the tip of her nose. "A little sensitive, but sweet!!" Leaning as he tried to pull the boat farther onto the bank of the pond, Levi's breath whoosed out of him as his feet slipped...landing on his bottom with a grunt. Gasping as breath flooded back into him, the first thing the boy did was chuckle...pushing himself to his feet once more. Mission accomplished! Climbing over the side, Levi soon peeked back at Mik over the edge...motioning the baby in. He didn't seem to realize that it might be quite a chore for one so new and small! Filled with confidence in his friend, Levi scooted back to make room. "Coh mah! Ah goh?"Raife Mikhael looked down at the boat, then drew in a heavy breath, his chest expanding with determination. Okay. He'd get in the boat. But how? He exhaled in a puff, and reached out towards Levi and the boat in a helpless baby gesture. He and walking didn't get along unless he had something to cling to and steady himself on. The boat seemed too unsteady, the way it rocked and swayed even on the quiet pond. He looked back at Raife and Aki again, and then at Levi with a whimper, and crawled closer to the boat, grabbing at it, and unsteadily stumbling back to sitting. Raife watched him with one eye, wanting to help him, but hoping that he could bond with Levi over it instead. If Levi couldn't lift him into the boat, she'd intervene. She opened up the picnic basket she'd brought out with her and smiled at Aki. "Hungry?" Aki Peering over the edge, Levi tilted his head...wondering if the boy was hurt. He didn't talk much, just like Nisha...Aki had taught him that you had to figure out what they would want to say!! "Neh fud? Ungry bebeh?" Hmm, that didn't seem to be it. The ladies had food, if that was what Mik wanted, the picnic basket was the other direction! Maybe he was just lazy, like Nisha, and wanted to be carried! Eying the lad doubtfully, Levi sized him up. Mik was pretty small, but still a bit too big to carry...perhaps a boat ride would do. Leaning forward, the edge of the boat pushing against his chest, Levi reached down with both hands and grinned. "Hup! Ahgoh!"Also keeping half an eye on the kids, Aki nodded...slipping out of her sandals and settling down on the blanket. "Sure, what did you bring? Oooh, have any chocolate? We'd wanna eat that before it melts." Nodding seriously, Aki grabbed the sunblock again...doing her legs and feet briskly. Psh. Being tan wasn't so great! Much. Raife Mikhael hesitated for a moment before climbing unsteadily up Levi's hands and the boat. The boat rocked under him, and he grabbed at Levi's shirt sleeve unsteadily, whimpering and toppling into the boat, head first. He sat there for a minute, blinking dazedly, before a smile slowly spread over his face. He'd done it! He'd gotten in the boat. He hauled himself up to sitting position, rocking back onto his butt and nuzzling at his feathers. Raife chuckled. "No chocolate. Fresh strawberry pie...with whipped cream....and fried chicken and biscuits." She grinned. "Just the way picnics should be. And sodas and juice. I have some chicken strips for mikhael. I figured that Levi would have fun with a drumstick or two instead. He's nearly a young man and all." Aki Trying his best to cushion the baby's tumble, Levi was grinning as well as he pushed himself up. That wasn't so hard! At least Mik didn't cry like Nisha did. Anytime the girl got bonked, it was tear time!! Peering at the boy as he loved on the feathers, Levi pulled out his own...revealing the elegant feather tied onto a black cord that he'd tucked inside his shirt. It was the very one Mik had given him!! "Yah! Ah mine!"Making a little 'o' face, Aki nodded in appreciation...motioning with one sunblocked covered hand to the basket. "Sold. Let's do dessert first, the kids aren't looking!!" Grinning as she finished her second leg, Aki wiped her hands on one of the kids towels. "And you're right, he'll be more than pleased with a drumstick or three. Chicken is one of his favorites! Hmm...what sorts of things does Mik like?" Tying her hair back and dusting her hands on her lap, Aki crawled closer to the basket and settled down...poking through it like a kid at Christmas. What a haul!! Raife Mikhael smiled shyly, happy to see that Levi still had the feather. He understood that it was special! He was sorta' starting to like this making friends thing. He inched towards the side of the boat, peering down at the water with interest. It was certainly different from the water in the bathtub and the pool. It was darker, and he couldn't see the bottom. He wondered how deep it was. He looked up at Levi, as if he could understand and would answer his questions. Raife smiled, and brought out the pie. "Alright, but Mik has a nose like a puppy. If this was peach pie, he'd have been all over it. He loves peaches. All fruits, really, but those are best. And those little vienna sausages things. Mostly, I think he likes those because they're easy to eat. And chocolate pudding." Aki Letting the feather settle against his chest, Levi peeked over the edge as well...gasping as the boat rocked. He wasn't used to having two people looking over the same side! Adjusting his weight instinctively, rocking back a bit as he continued to peer, Levi jabbed a finger suddenly toward a spot in the dark water. "Ah feesh!" One of the koi slid by slowly, a smooth flash of gold in the deeper water. There used to be coins down there as well...until Levi and Kaimana spent a whole day picking them out. Aki leaned forward and swiped her finger through the whipped cream...giggling as she leaned back hopefully out of reach. Pushing it into her mouth, getting a bit on her nose, Aki wiped it off with her thumb and licked that clean as well. Sunblock and all. "Ugh! Not good! Whipped....cream!...not....GOOD!" Coughing as she scraped her tongue along her teeth, Aki rummaged for a soda. Raife One of Mikhael's small hands descended down to the water, too small to reach it or the fish, his eyes wide open in delight at the fish. He couldn't really tell what they were, under the blur of the water, but they were so colorful. He tried to grab at one, and made a small noise to catch Levi's attention, and looked at him as if to say "Please bring the pond to me, it's too far away." Raife giggled helplessly at Aki's dilemma. "A-are..you okay? What happened?" She gathered something was...wrong with the whipped cream? Squirting a bit onto her finger, she dabbed it onto her tongue to test. ...It tasted normal... Aki Normal? Gazing doubtfully at Raife's placid reaction, Aki tasted her thumb again...regretting it instantly. "Oh! Yuck!! Gimme a piece off the side you tasted!!" Laughing despite herself as she cracked open a pop can, Aki made a face and chugged some down. Icky sunblock! Levi reached for the fish as well, knowing it was out of reach. The water felt nice anyway...it was hot out lately!! Pointing silently as two more appeared to glide slowly past, Levi lifted his hand from the water. Here was a silver one that might be close enough for Mik to touch! Raife Raife chuckled. "Look, here, try it." She sliced off a piece of pie and topped it with whipped cream, and pushed it and a plastic fork towards Aki. "It's fine, I swear. It tastes like..whipped cream. Not like yuck." She was already slicing off a piece of pie for herself and settling it onto a plate comfortably. Mikhael pushed himself up to his knees, leaning on the edge of the boat, it rocking a bit in response. Despite how tiny he was, so was the boat, and as he started to lean over the edge, reaching for the water and the fish, it didn't help. He wobbled precariously on the edge, trying to touch the water and the fish. Aki One of Levi's hands landed gently upon Mik's back....giving a bit of balance. Leaning forward slowly, Levi urged the boat to tip....knowing more or less how far he could push it. After all, he tumbled from it several times a day!! "Noh? Hmm. Ah daht?" Picking a new distraction, Levi pointed towards a little stand of young cattails, grinning at the thought. They could poke the fish, or better yet, wave them around!! Hoping what Raife said was true, Aki took a hopeful bite...smile brightening as she chewed. "Hey, mush bettoh!! Hmmm!" Eyes closing in pie bliss, Aki pulled the fork from her mouth. Not a bad picnic! "Mmm! So! Yes, pie. Thank you! Maybe something sweet can balance out something sad." Taking another bite, dropping her voice, Aki glanced over to the little boat bobbing in the pond. "What...did you mean about Mik? He's...not whole?" Raife Mikhael's head lifted from the water to look up at the cattails.They looked like vienna sausages on sticks, except bigger and there was all this....plant...growing out of them. He pushed off the side and crawled carefully over the boat to the side near the cattails and looked up at them as they loomed over his head. They..didn't look so much like sausages up close. And they floated in the air a bit like feathers. Curious indeed! Raife picked at the pie, rubbing her chin a bit. "Ahm....well......" She looked over at the pond, to make sure Mik wasn't in earshot. Nope. he was still safe in the little boat. Well, as safe as a rowboat got. "He....his wings....as you see them....those..aren't them. Those..aren't real. Very fine costume fakes. They open and everything." Aki Aki's brow furrowed as she searched Raife's face. Taking another bite of pie as she puzzled, Aki chewed thoughtfully. Why would a baby need fake wings, unless... "Oh. Ohh no. What happened?! Why...why was he in a lab?!" Finally setting down her plate, Aki leaned forward...eyes wet and ears tipping downward the slightest bit. Levi wrestled with the oars a bit...glad Aki had given him smaller ones. The old ones had been impossible to manage! Reaching out for the cattails, he tugged...bending them back and forth until the stalks gave. Tumbling back, falling on his bottom as the stems gave, Levi clutched the greenery carefully. They'd gotten one!! Shaking loose the other leaves, he handed the main stalk to Mik and pushed to his feet once more. Raife Raife frowned and sighed. "...There's...this small...sect of people...lead by a very awful man...no..he's inhuman. A beast. Named Spencer...and he likes to experiment on rare..creatures. Mik's about as rare as it gets. I still need to find out how Mikhael came into his possession. If he has parents....you know, what the deal is. But...I want to get him settled first. And as for the wings....it's because his real ones are clipped. And I don't mean that in the pansy pet-store parrot way." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I suppose.. a better word would be chopped." Mikhael touched the cattail curiously. Nope. Totally didn't feel like a sausage. It was just a bit rough and fuzzy at the same time. And somehow a bit delicate. He felt that if he poked it too hard, something'd happen. He didn't want to break what his friend had worked so hard to get. Instead, he gently watched as it caught the breeze, holding the end in his hand like a pinwheel. Aki Aki's mouth hadn't closed, ears dipping a bit farther. Holding her knees to her chest as though she were cold, she shook her head slowly. "That...poor boy. Did you do that for him? The wings?" Levi secured another...ignoring the stinging on his palm that might be a little leafcut. Closing his fist around the center of the stem, he poked it into the water...stirring up ripples. "Yuh sweem?"Raife Raife shook her head. "No...I'm not good at crafts. My boys Trance and Zeno got together and made them. Trance is trying to figure out a way to make them more automated at the whole opening and closing thing. As it is, Mik has to tug on them if he wants them open...kind of ruins the illusion. His real wings..are stumps now. I have to clean the cuts on them daily. I'm hoping if I keep them clean, it'll heal clean and maybe...start to grow again. I don't know if they work that way or what." She frowned, sighing a bit, and feeling helpless. Mikhael didn't understand the question. He hadn't particularly been introduced to swimming and the like. He tilted his head a bit curiously, but figured that Levi was saying something related to the water. He mirrored Levi's actions, poking at the water with the stick. The viscosity of the water made it hard for him to move the cattail much in the water with his undeveloped arm muscles, but he could poke at the water, and try to poke the fish inside. Aki Aki glanced at Mik as Raife explained, sadness in her bright eyes. The wound was too familiar...she knew that wound, the curious flex of a remnant. "It's been...a while, but I've seen something similar. When he's older, if Mik wants...I can do my best to help." 'A while' was an understatement...it had been over two centuries since Aki had aided a healing of that magnitude. Levi peered sidelong at Mik, watching him dabble. The boy was nice enough, but there was something missing. Conversation! Poking into the water again, motioning with the cattail to the shine and dart of a startled koi, Levi cleared his throat. "Pitty fish. Ah seh pitty? Pitty."Raife Mikhael nuzzled his feather, and seemed content to play with the cattail. He wasn't used to people conversing with him and expecting an answer. Raife talked at him all the time, and sometimes expected a nod here or there, but was privy to more information than Levi was. Levi hadn't discovered the small scar on his neck, or the hoarseness of the little noises he could make...or why he'd sometimes mouth words but no sound would come out. He didn't even begin to think at the moment that Levi was trying to have a dialogue. A soft wind blew over the lake and Mikhael shivered a bit. A little cold. He tucked his wings over himself comfortably like a sweater, and looked up at Levi. Raife nodded. "Thank you..." She sat thinking a moment, wondering what sort of powers Aki might have. It was obvious she was an elf...but who else knew what was different about her besides that. ...Sometimes it sucked just being human. Aki Levi raised a brow, peeking closer at Mik. Hadn't the baby heard him? Maybe he didn't think the fish were pretty. Yes! That must be it!! "Ah yuh seh noh! Noh?" Making the 'o' shape with mouth, Levi exaggerated it to help make it clear to Mik. Talking wasn't so hard! Not for some children, anyway... Aki leaned forward, pushing Raife's pie closer once more. Picking up her own, she made herself take a bite. "Thanks for...telling me. Sorry if it wasn't the best time. Sounds like the mite had it rough. Lucky to have you, it seems." Smile appearing behind the bite of pie, Aki chewed as she glanced back to the boys. Cattails! She'd already warned Levi about tearing up the flora, Desperate was doing that well enough for both of them! Raife Mikhael mimed the mouth movement, even though he DID think the fish were pretty, the beginning of the conversation had just washed over him. He was mostly just trying to do what his new friend seemed to want. Oh wait, he recognized that word. 'no' was what Raife told him when he couldn't have anymore pudding. Or, as in, 'No, Trance can't play with you right now, you're stuck here.' He didn't like that one. Why did Levi want him to say no? He shook his head and smiled instead, making the best happy noise he could, a small chirpy whispery noise. "Luckier atleast." She chuckled. "He's still got a myriad of problems to deal with. I think...I mean, I don't have any proof, but I think Spencer did something to his throat. Sometimes I'll catch him trying to talk, but no noise comes out." Aki Aki paused, another bite halfway to her mouth. The truth was hard, it seemed. "Perhaps...he's just not ready to talk yet! He's so little, so young!" Summoning a smile, Aki's eyes drifted back to the pond. What could she do?! Somewhere, a tiny guilty relief that Levi was sound and whole blossomed. Would Mik still be as happy...? The bite rested upon her fork. Smile spreading as Mik disagreed, Levi offered the boy a crooked grin. Shaking the hair out of his eyes, he nodded. "Yah! Hokay! Yah! Ah seh yyaaaahhh?" Mimicking the word slowly like Aki did for Nisha, Levi drawled as the boat rocked quietly. Mik would get it yet! Raife Soundless giggles escaped from Mik at Levi's exuberance, grinning back at him, and slapping his knees. He knew yeah too! That was a much better word. It usually went with "Yeah, we can play now,' or 'Yeah, I'll read you a bedtime story.' Much better than no. He furrowed, listening to the sound, and the way Levi's lips moved, and tried to mimic, again, no sound escaping. He even tried to draw out the word like Levi did. Aki Blinking as the boy silently reacted, Levi grinned wider in return. A new game!! Mouthing the word again, Levi nodded...he could do this! Being quiet wasn't impossible, despite what Aki said. Leaning forward he waited to see what the boy would say next...idly slapping his cattail against the pond's surface as his hand dangled over the edge. Motioning for the basket, Aki set aside her empty pie plate. "Think we should call them in to have some lunch?" Raife Mik dissolved into more helpless silent baby giggles as Levi copied HIM this time. He grinned and made one of his few and favorite noises. A quick bird chirp. It was a little hoarse, but an adequate impression. He tilted his head at Levi, and whipped his cattail a bit in the air, watching the wind catch it and bend it over. Raife looked at the sky. "Yeah, looks to be about lunch time now. And we finished our pie, so they can pig out. ...You'd be surprised how much Mikhael can pack away. I mean...considering how tiny he is." Aki "A talent they share. LEVI! ROW THIS WAY, PLEASE!!" Waving him in with a grand sweep of one arm, Aki nodded at the return wave from the boy. Slipping another plate form the stack, Aki began to dish up a plate...taking two biscuits, a drumstick, and a wing for Levi. Waiting to make her own plate, Aki set Levi's upon the blanket and rose to help him out of the boat. Waving as Aki hollered, Levi winked at Mik and began to struggle with the little oars once more. It was a gesture he'd picked up from the Captain upon the Near Miss...more easily remembered than the hand gesture Ian had used. It would come to him in time, though. Bending down to grab the rope leading from the prow ring to the coil below the bench, Levi offered the end of it to Mik. "Thow et. Teh Ahki." Making a throwing motion, the young pirate pointed vaguely to the elf standing upon the shore, hand outstretched. Raife Mik determinedly repeated the gesture, the rope flopping on the edge of the boat. He stared at it, then looked up at Aki. Oh! He got it. He wasn't stupid. The lady wanted the rope. He inched closer to the bow of the boat and tossed it as best as he could to her. Throwing the rope was certainly different from throwing a ball to Trance in the yard. It was longer and heavier and felt different in his hand. When the rope had found it's way to Aki, he wondered how HE'D get off the boat. ...Would somebody be throwing him, like the rope? Aki Hauling the boat closer, Aki held it steady as Levi slipped over the edge...swinging his legs over into the water. Good thing he was in shorts! Handing the rope off to Levi, Aki held out her arms...smiling at Mik. "That was a great throw! Would you like some lunch, sweetie?" Levi looped the rope around the stone lantern perched near the rocks at the edge of the lake. Dusting off his hands, he galloped over to Raife...flopping dramatically across her lap. Clutching his stomach with both hands, the young scallywag gazed up imploringly. "So....ungry!!"Raife Mik considered her for a long moment. He'd seen her on the shore, talking with his guardian. She hadn't hurt Raife, so maybe she'd be okay. He gauged the trip from the boat to Raife and Levi, and tentatively lifted his arms to her. If she tried to kidnap her, he'd just hit her a lot. Raife grinned at Levi. "Oh, we're hungry, are we?" She motioned to the plate of chicken strips she'd ripped up for Mikhael and the plate Aki had prepared for Levi. "Well, pick which one. We have delicious chicken strips in baby bitesized pieces...or big boy drumsticks and biscuits." She ruffled his hair and whispered. "And for later..there's pie." Aki Making a face at the mention of pie, Levi waved to the biscuit...still flopped comfortably. Opening his mouth, he pointed inward in a most helpful manner. "Yah peas!"Lifting Mik gently, Aki set him back down upon the edge of the blanket...smiling at how slight his weight felt in her arms. He might be flesh and bone, but Levi was a good sight more of it! Reaching down to take his hands, Aki helped him 'walk' over towards the food near Raife. "The Captain and the Bard are back it seems!" Gaze flattening at the sight of Levi lounging, waiting to be fed, Aki rolled her eyes. "And they demand to be fed!" Psh. Pirates. Raife Easily influenced in such manners, and delighted by his new friend's insolence, Mikhael opened his mouth and grinned, making a strained 'Ahhhh' noise and kicking his legs a bit as Aki held up him up in a standing position. Of course, being fed was hardly anything new for Mikhael, as he was barely out of that stage of life where the spoon had to be directed into his mouth. He still took a bottle at bed. Raife grinned and reached for Levi's biscuit, and directed it towards his mouth, but at the last second, veered it towards her own, and took a big bite, smirking. "Like that?" Aki Levi gazed upwards, fox eyed and wide mouthed as the biscuit traveled downwards. Wait! Wait, where was it going?! Sitting up in shock as Raife munched a huge bite from it, Levi's youngling instincts took over. Using the same tactic he used on Nisha, Levi tried to wiggle a finger into Raife's mouth and pry it gently open. "Whoa! Es foh meh! Hey!!"Aki paused as Levi scrabbled at Raife's face, still holding Mikhael's hands gently. Laughing in disbelief at both of their actions, Aki settled down and patted a spot between her and Raife...inviting the babe to crawl over. That was between the pirate and the tease!! Raife Mikhael was just as content to stay put...until he discovered not only the plate of chicken next to Aki, but his jacket was there as well! SCORE. He crawled over, nestling next to Aki on his blanket, and reaching for the chicken pieces, holding one up to Aki if she might be interested. Raife grinned, and kept her mouth firmly shut. "-eyey, oo 'ays?" With her mouth shut, she swallowed, and then opened her mouth up, empty, and grinned. "All gone." She secretly ripped a piece off the biscuit while Levi was focused on opening her mouth, and reached around, popping it in his. Aki Opening his mouth in another protest, Levi suddenly found it filled. Chewing, he gazed up at Raife suspiciously...opening his mouth once more as he swallowed. Proudly displaying the bread bits upon his tongue, he waited patiently for another. Perhaps she could redeem herself!! Face lighting up, Aki took the tiny piece from Mik happily...her cheeks blushing pink in the sun. How sweet!! "I like this! You feed mine, and yours feeds me! You're welcome back anytime, Raife!" Plucking a piece from the same plate and offering it to Mik in return, Aki dipped her head happily to the boy. Levi could learn a lesson from this babe! Raife Raife grinned. "I'm used to it. I live in a house of pushy boys. Mikhael's like a breath of fresh air. Well...unless he's got his eye on something. Usually something with feathers. I swear, some day, the boy's going to run outside and catch a bird." She ripped a piece of chicken off a drumstick, and stuck it in Levi's mouth absently, making sure to get a good chunk of skin. Mikhael delicately took the chicken from Aki and nibbled on it, testing it, before popping it all in his mouth and chewing it ferverently. It was a lot more difficult when you were missing some chewing teeth! He grabbed a whole handful of chicken this time, and offered it to Aki. She was a lot bigger than he was. Maybe that meant she needed lots of chicken! Aki Nodding her head once more, giggling, Aki took one piece from the handful and guided it back to the plate...encouraging its return. Picking up two pieces, she offered both to the tiny lad. "It's the same with Nisha. She's such a doll after dealing with him for so long! She's at Wasa's tonight, which is amazing. Levi and babysitters never really mixed." Waving Aki away with one hand, Levi chewed happily upon the chicken...finishing it and opening his mouth once more. He wasn't sure how long he could get away with this, but it was worth the risk! "Yuh kineet mah pie!" There...a fair trade!! Raife Mikhael took the chicken, stuffing it in his mouth in a delightfully normal little boy gesture, and made a light, happy humming noise. He had been hungry. Raife paused, mid feeding Levi, not sure if she had heard what she had heard. Maybe his mumbled words were misheard. "You....don't....like...pie??" Raife had the most incredulous look on her face. As if the pirate had just told her that he didn't like treasure. Aki "Ahhh cheeeeken. Hoho." Pointing into his mouth once more, Levi nudged the arm with the drumstick. He'd eat the pie if he was hungry, but why now...when there was chicken and biscuits aplenty?! Digging in the basket, Aki came up with a juice...holding it up to show Raife. "This okay for Mik?" Giving it a shake, she shrugged at the pie conversation. She'd already marveled at it. Nothing appealed to the kid more than meat, cheese, and bread! Raife Raife shook her head. "I should make you a chicken pot pie. Maybe then you'll change your tune." She fed Levi another piece of chicken, ruffling his hair absently and thinking, chuckling a little. She wondered what Mikhael'd be like in a year or two. Would he get more adventurous? Would his friends shape how he grew as much as she did? Aki's question snapped her out of her thoughts. "Oh...sure...just not the whole thing. Half. Lots of sugar." Mikhael opened his mouth, wanting the juice. He, on the other hand, loved fruit. Aki Aki opened the juice with a smile, and liberated a paper cup with her free hand. Pouring half into the glass, she handed the half empty juice container to the babe. "Careful! Don't spill!" Supporting the weight as he got his hands on it, Aki handed the cup to Levi. "You! Trust me, you don't want this poured. Sit up and drink." Levi sighed, flipping over and reaching for the cup. Tipping back his head, he drained it in one pull...feet swinging as he chugged. Crinkling the cup, he handed it back to Aki and flipped over once more. "Chikeh poppeh?"Raife Mikhael gripped the cup tightly, sipping very carefully. Raife was still teaching him to drink by himself, so he dribbled a bit down his chin and neck as he sipped the drink slowly, taking his time. He looked up at Aki and smiled a bit, kicking up his feet. She was okay for an adult type. Feeding him and all. Raife chuckled. "Yeah! Chicken Pot Pie! What, doesn't Aki feed you over there? It's pie with chicken in it. It's...like chicken and biscuits. Except better." She nodded matter of factly. Few things were better than pie. "There's beef pot pie too, and turkey. Well...frankly, I suppose you could stick anything in a pie you'd like to." Aki Aki shook her head at Raife as she leaned in with a napkin...dabbing at Mik before the juice ran too far and spoiled his pale shirt. "If you can make it, go for it! Don't get him all excited about something I can't do! Dinner at your place next time, eh?" Levi's eyes grew wide as he opened his mouth for another bite....chewing thoughtfully. Chicken and biscuits...all at once? Sounded perfect. Struggling up, he nodded to Raife as he swallowed. "Yah peas."Raife Raife grinned. "Alright. I don't cook often, but I'll cook for you two." Raife couldn't make much, but she could make pie. "Next time, we meet at my place." She smiled over at Mik. "How's that sound? You can show Levi your room and everything." Mik dropped the juice -still with a bit of juice in it, that dribbled on the ground- to clap his hands in delight. How fun! Raife smiled. "We hung the picture that Levi drew for him above his bed with a finger paint he and Trance did a week ago. He loves to look at it." Aki "Really? Isn't that nice, Levi?" Scooping up the juice, Aki set it right once more...not worrying about what had spilled. Handing it back to Mik with a smile, she reached forward to trap a bit of chicken in a biscuit. "We should get a picture of the two of you!" Peering up at Raife to see if the other woman was interested, Aki couldn't help but smile at the possibilities. What a cute photoshoot that would be! Munching a bit, she scooted the chicken plate closer to Mikhael...making sure dinner was within reach. "We're heading into town soon to get some shopping for Nisha done. Could be the same day!" Raife Raife chuckled. "I'm sure Mikhael'd like that. He seems to be most at peace when he's posing for something. And I don't think it's vanity...just a muse thing. He doesn't ever particularly look at himself in the mirror or anything. In fact, he doesn't notice them. I guess posing makes him feel useful." Mikhael grabbed a piece of chicken, and crawled over to Levi, taking a cue from Raife's lead, and dropped it in his waiting mouth, with a grin, then crawling back to Aki and curling up next to her, his back against her leg comfortably, with a sigh. Aki Aki giggled as Mik crawled back towards her...adjusting her leg to make him more comfortable as he curled up. For a moment, her hand lifted...moving with the intent of a friendly pet. She paused as Mik rustled gently, settling down. The lad was a bit shy...perhaps she should let him keep coming to her rather than push her luck. Withdrawing her hand once more, smiling at the top of the baby's head, Aki glanced up at Raife. "Well, I'll make an appointment for next week! I doubt Levi will be interested, but he'd do it for Mik. Wouldn't he?" Levi was still lounging across Raife's lap, chewing happily. That was mighty kind of Mik...he'd trade some photos for that!! Besides, friends were good to have...It was boring shopping alone with Aki. "Hokay. Moh peas." Little mouth opening once more, Levi pointed inward helpfully. Raife Raife chuckled a bit. "Sounds great. Looks like he's getting comfortable with you too." She smiled, watching her little one curl up against Aki's leg. He liked to sleep with something at his back. She had a couple theories on the matter, but was mostly just pleased that he'd trusted Aki enough to be the something at his back. She turned to Levi and his open mouth. "There? Are you sure you don't want it....here?" She pointed at Levi's ear. "Or...here?" And his nose. "Orr.....HERE?!" Her wily fingers found his ribs and tickled mercilessly. Mikhael yawned like a puppy and grabbed a bit of the hem of his jacket and pulled it over him, with a quiet sigh. His hand grasped a bit behind him until he found Aki's leg, and petted it, as if to say, "You stay there." Aki Tickling Mik's hand with her pinky gently, Aki nodded...even though the boy couldn't see her gesture. She stayed still, unconsciously invoking a calming aura, as she did for the children before bed. She doubted it would have any affect in broad daylight, but it was habit. Levi stared at Raife as she poked at his ear...a smile appearing as she pushed his nose. Eyes going wide, he watched her finger hover over her side...shaking his head as it descended. Too late!! Gasping as he giggled, Levi kicked and wiggled....curling forward into a protective ball. Still laughing, he opened his mouth wide...clamping down on Raife's arm. Chewing thoughtfully, careful not to actually hurt the woman, he gazed up at her with glittering azure eyes....daring her to tickle him again. "Mmmph! Mmuhummunmpm!"Raife Raife couldn't help but giggle herself as the boy struggled like a baited fish, then 'bit' her arm. She gasped in mock terror. "Oh no! I've gone and tickled a pirahna!" She scooped him up in her arms, and stood up slowly, then marched towards the water. "I better throw it back before it eats me up!" Mikhael's fingers wiggled at the little tickle, then dove back into the jacket. There was a lot of suspicious shifting, then Mikhael seemed to have turned around, as two curious eyes peered up at Aki from inside the folds of the jacket. Aki Peeking down as Mik shifted, Aki smiled gently at the lad...eyes flicking to Raife only long enough to give the woman a quick nod. Sure! Toss the brat in!! Peering back down at Mik, Aki sighed softly in elven. -'Ahh, Little Cloud! Sleep comes more swiftly when the sun rests as well, hmm?'- As much as she wanted to brush the hair from his eyes, Aki simply smiled...leaving her own hair in her face as well. Chuckling as Raife called him a pirahna, Levi chewed a bit more firmly...yanking his head back as he was hauled into the air. "Whoa! Wha-? Noh....noh!!"Staring up in disbelief, gripping Raife's shirt with one hand, Levi shook his head rapidly. A swim meant a bath, and that was the last thing he wanted!!! Raife Mikhael had enough trouble understanding English sometimes. But by peering down at him, she was shielding him from the sun, and that was quite nice. He rubbed at his sunscreen covered nose a little, and looked around a little. Raife Wait. Where did Raife go? And Levi? He sat up suddenly, a panicky look in his eyes. He was just beginning to trust Aki. He didn't want to be left alone with her. He started hyperventilating a bit, his eyes darting back and forth, his finger grabbing firmly at his jacket feathers. Oh man. Who knew what might happen when Raife wasn't around? Raife grinned, unknowing of her baby's inner turmoil, strolled down to the edge of the lake, then started swinging Levi, as if to throw him in. "Oneee.." A powerful swing forward. "Twooooo..." Another. "THREE!" She made as if to toss him, but didn't put any force into it, so he landed back in her arms, instead of in the water. Aki Aki leaned forward, peeking at Mik. The poor lad was scared out of his wits!! "Come here, honey. I'll take you to Raife." Opening her arms, Aki nodded with her chin towards the pond...where Raife's voice echoed back towards them. Levi clung as she counted...lips moving along with her count. He half wanted to go splash, but a bath! Oh woe, a bath!! Gripping her shirt tighter, gasping as the count reached three, Levi flopped back into her arms and pried his eyes open. He wasn't wet! She hadn't done it!! Grinning widely, Levi released his death grip on her shirt and patted her cheek. "Fadey cat! Thbbbbt!!"Raife Raife arched her eyebrows at the retort, and easily released her arms out from beneath the relaxed boy, letting him plop into the pond next to her feet with a cheeky grin. "I don't believe I was the one clinging at my shirt." Mikhael pushed himself up to an unsteady half-standing position, leaning on Aki and a rock, and peering out at the water. Ohhh, there they were. He blinked startledly as Raife let Levi drop into the water, and looked a mixture of horrified and confused and amused, all at once. It was like he wasn't sure to laugh or cry for his friend. "ehn." He made a tiny, almost inaudible little baby noise, and pointed. Aki Aki offered the hem of her skirt to the baby, nodding at his noise. "Yup! They're there!! Wanna go that way?" She wasn't sure if the lad would want to take her hand...the skirt was almost as good. Glancing up as Raife plopped Levi into the water, Aki stared in shock...she hadn't actually expected Raife to do it! Laughing quietly, she shook her head...they were both crazy. Levi had only a moment to take a breath before he hit the surface...squeezing his eyes shut as murky water flooded over his face. It wasnt deep, but it was enough to bring back the flashes...swirling hair and heavy clothes...the taste of salt and the familiar flutter in the pit of his stomach... Levi sat up with a gasp, laughing as he coughed. Without missing a beat, he lunged forward...wrapping his arms around Raife's knees and leaning back with all his weight. Goht yuu!! Haha!!"Raife Thankfully, he was a little thing, and Raife was not. Well...it would have been thankful if not for the rock. The rock that Raife tripped on, and sent her sprawling and flailing into the water. Despite the presence of children, Raife swore the air blue as she came up for air, dunking the little pirate back under the water too, lightly, picking algae out of her hair. "Mother of God....Levi..." She shook her waterlogged hair out like a dog, water spraying everywhere, as well as her overlong hair. She was wet, her going-out-and-seeing-people outfit totally messy and covered in water and mud, and well....there was only one thing to do. Share the love. She rose out of the water, and started towards Aki, dripping wet, her arms outstretched. "Aki..your son dunked me...I need a hug..." Few things on earth would have looked less huggable. Mikhael giggled silently, hiding behind Aki's skirt, and peered out at his guardian. Sometimes she was so weird. Aki Levi was laughing wholeheartedly....wrestling with Raife in the water. She was way better than Aki, perhaps he should offer to trade!! Well, Aki did feed him a lot, that must count for something. Taking a breath as he was dunked again, Levi bobbed to the surface as Raife waded onto shore. "Hey! Noh dun!! Ah bahk!!"Shaking her head with disbelief, Aki took a step back...eyes going wide. Hunkering down, Aki crawled around behind Mik....which was amusing, since he was trying to hide behind her. Peeking up over the baby's shoulder, still supporting him so he could stay upright, Aki pleaded with Raife. "You can't hug me! I'm an elf! We melt into sugar puddles when we get wet!!!" Raife Mikhael, with owlish eyes and waving arms, crawled under Aki's skirt and latched onto her leg, grabbing tightly. He liked baths, but Raife looked icky and dirty and inna scary. Raife motioned at Levi, hoping he'd get the hint and advance on Aki as well. The baby was a baby, but Aki was full grown and deserved to be covered in pond sludge. Picking more algae out of her hair, she flicked it at Aki. Aki Aki shook her head, mouth open in protest...at the exact moment the algae whipped towards her face. Standing frozen, the slimy green string half in and half out of her still open mouth, Aki's face crumpled in disgust. Levi took that as an opportunity to hug Aki's other leg. Grinning past the hem of her skirt at Mik, Levi offered the boy a wink. Right about then, Aki sucked the entire string of goo into her mouth...spitting it towards Raife's feet. Damn her bad aim!! "You have until I pry these kids off to run, darling. That should give you a good thirty seconds!!" Raife Raife grinned widely. "Like I'm scared of you." She plastered herself on Aki in a hug, and gave her a wet sloppy algae kiss on her cheek. Mikhael took the opportunity to crawl away from Aki, not wanting to be caught in a drippy mess with the rest of them. His pale blue jeans - Raife had anticipated the grass, and changed him out of his normal white ones into cheaper, easier to clean ones - scuffled across the grass, grabbing up grass stains. When he flipped onto his butt, appropriately away from the pondscum hug, he eyed his grass stains with curiosity. The grass was like walking on crayons! Aki Shrieking as Raife cuddled her, Aki squirmed...algae splattered cheeks tinting pink as she struggled. "You're horrible! What kind of role model are you?! MIK! Adults aren't usually like this, I swear!! Levi, I'll deal with YOU later!!" Grabbing Raife's cheeks in both hands, Aki gave her a huge kiss on the forehead...sucking for all she was worth. If she could just hold on, forehead hickies were fast and oh so glaring!! Levi chuckled, still clutching Aki's leg as she wrestled with Raife, wobbling as his guardian danced about. "Lah skared uh yuu!" Trying to mimick Raife's brave sentiment, Levi eventually tumbled free....rolling to a stop beside Mik. Grinning up at his friend, Levi ran his fingers though his hair...slicking it back out of his face. "Ah wet!"Raife Raife pulled away just in time, the red mark on her forehead about to edge towards something more sinister. Or just weird. She rubbed her head. "What were you trying to do, woman, make out with my forehead?" She tilted her head at Levi and Mik, sitting on the grass, and tilted her head towards Aki, whispering. "Do you think they need a B-A-T-H?" Mikhael reached over and dutifully picked algae off of his friend, scootching in close. He didn't mind that Levi was wet. Raife had said he was a pirate, and that pirates liked water...well, Levi was in his natural element then. Or was it elephant? Sometimes he got his words mixed up... Aki "I find your forehead very attractive! Don't be so critical." Sticking out her tongue, Aki scraped some algae off against her teeth in the same gesture and spat it to the side. How lady like! "I think you're right. You can use the second bathroom here, if you'd like...but I won't blame you for wanting a fresh change of clothes from home. I doubt either of us are the right size!" Giving Raife a squelching hug, Aki blew Mik a kiss....bending to scoop Levi up as well. Sighing, the lad realized what was going on...waving with wry amusement to Mik. "Bubye!! Coh bahk soon!" Puckering up for a kiss from Raife, Levi laid a sloppy one on her cheek...wrinkling his nose in a smile at the salty plant taste. "It was great to see you two, we'll catch you again soon for photos and shopping!!" Raife Raife kissed Levi back, their leaving ritual -hey, she had to get her kisses before the ladies stole them all- and ruffled his hair, wrinkling her nose a bit too. "Your pond tastes gross." She scooped up Mikhael, gingerly holding his jacket so it wouldn't get covered in pond scum. That thing had to be drycleaned, and she didn't trust them with it. "Yeah, I'll head home. Especially if I'll be seeing you next week. Take care, yeah? And remember, Levi, Pot pie!" She waved and departed, grabbing up her picnic basket on the way.
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 1:03 pm
July 18th, 2004The gravel crunched underfoot as Aki strolled up the driveway, squinting at the mail as she leafed through the envelopes she held. The sun was setting...as beautiful as the pink and gold sky was, it was a tad hard to read by. Levi had long since grown tired of the trudging, bounding up the slight incline with energy that Aki envied. The tattered ends of his headscarf trailing, Levi ambled to a stop by one of the squat stone lanterns ringing the pond...poking his hand into the shadows it held. Stepping absently over a pothole as she continued to flip past bills, Aki paused at a colorful flyer...holding it up to read it by twilight. "Gold Mountain...blah blah blah...slots, over one million in prizes..." Hmm. A new casino? Aki stuck it back into the wad of mail, and flipped to the last few envelopes. Though he was yards away, Levi's head popped up briefly as the word 'gold' crossed Aki's lips. False alarm, apparently. Crouching once more, ignoring the fireflies that rose up around him and flickered silently, Levi worked his hand farther under the warm stone lantern. Had to be here....somewhere!! "Oh? Here's one for you!!" Calling across the driveway to Levi, Aki paused...waving the letter gently. Where had that boy gone?! Opening her mouth to call again just as Levi popped up from the lakes edge, Aki motioned him over. "A letter! It's from Sinclaire, honey! Don't you want to see?" Tucking his shirt, Levi strolled towards his new guardian...peering curiously at the letter from his old. "Yah! Gibbit." Snatching the letter from Aki, despite her protests over the lack of the word 'please', Levi tore it open and shook out a stiff card. A corner of a second piece of paper peeked out from the edges...without delay, he tugged it from his resting place. It was a picture! Of him!! "Levi! It's beautiful!! It looks just like you, if maybe a bit older...." Trailing off as she spotted the words on the cover of the card, Aki breathed a soft sigh. ' Happy....Birthday?' Excitement settled over her. Today was Levi's birthday?! She hadn't known!! Levi peered at the card for a moment...eyes scanning over the words, pausing only briefly in recognition of his own name. There was a ship on the card...one with big fluffy sails on a glittering green sea!! Smiling slowly, Levi poked the ship with his finger...remembering all the fun he had with Sin. She was a good card picker! Since he was occupied with the card, Aki pulled the sketch from his other hand...looking it over once more. Perhaps....perhaps it wasnt too far off after all. Glancing back to the young pirate, Aki smiled at the dark bangs across his face...the sleeves on his jacket too short, and feet bare as always. He'd grown into the pants she'd bought for him...it seemed like just a month ago they'd been too big!! Finally reaction to the gaze that had settled upon him, Levi glanced up with a raised brow...staring back at Aki. Uh oh. Had she found out about...? Smiling brightly, Levi offered the card up to her in an attempt for distraction...backing away towards the house in what he hoped was a casual manner. For a moment, Aki smiled back...simply content to see her baby in a new light. It's didn't take her long to notice the too wide smile, though, or the eyes that held a touch of forced innocence. He was up to something. "Levi, guess what?!" Suspicion flitered across him, drawing one brow back down. "Whut?"Motioning him close, Aki bent to whisper....cupping her hand alongside her mouth. Unable to help himself, Levi edged closer...suspicion fading into curiosity. turning his ear towards her, Levi leaned in as Aki whispered. " It's your birthday...and you're hiding something!!"Levi gasped as the onslaught of tickles began...dropping into a protective crouch as Aki's fingers poked and prodded his ribs. Laughing helplessly, he tried to push her away...smooshing his hand across her face. Aki didn't stop till she found what she was looking for, though...and pulled the long handled lighter from it's hiding place under the boy's arm. She that was what he'd been doing over there!!! "This belongs by the lantern, and you belong in the house eating your birthday dinner!!" Pushing the lighter back into his hands, Aki pointed to the pond...lunging towards him in a tickle feint when he didn't move fast enough. Levi slid the lighter back under the stone lantern, promising himself he'd return to claim it another day. Dashing towards the house with the intent of locking his guardian out, Levi chuckled and galloped towards the villa...laughing as Aki beat him to the front door. "Yoh fast!!" "Nope. You're just easy to read. Go check on Nisha for me, would you? Then grab my sewing kit and meet me in the kitchen!" Bending to plant a tiny kiss on the top of Levi's head, Aki smiled as he scrubbed it off with one hand and strolled down the hall. She went the other way, heading to the kitchen. It wouldn't take long to make the boy his favorite meal, and considering today was his birthday, it seemed a worthy venture!! Tummy rumbling at the sounds of clinking from the kitchen, Levi finally made it to Nisha and Aki's room, peering inside quietly. This used to be his room too, until he moved into the spare room right next to it. Both Nisha and her Daemon were curled up in the center of Aki's bed....flopped in a tangled pile of pillows and sheets. Smiling at his baby sister, Levi silently wished her good dreams...since dreaming was one of her favorite things to do!! By the time Levi returned with the sewing kit, Aki was half way done. Something was sizzling in a hot iron pan, filling the room with an aroma Levi loved. Setting the heavy box on the kitchen table, he slid onto one of the seats...feet kicking as he sniffed. "Whutcha make dah foh??" "For you!!" Sliding the eggs out of the pan, pushing them up against the bacon, Aki spun as the microwave beeped and added some potatoes to the mix. Eyes wide, Levi stared at the plate set down before him. There was even toast with peanut butter!! "...buckfist? Ah nih?"Aki shrugged, throwing together a BLT for herself and settling down across from him. "It's your birthday, boy!! Why not?!" His grin spread slowly, fork clutched in one fist. Breakfast...for dinner!! It didn't get any better than that!! Wolfing a few bites, Levi paused to chug from his milk mug...offering Aki a wide and genuine white moustached smile. "Hanku!!""No problem! Perhaps next week, we can have a few friends over?" Taking a bite of her sandwich, relishing the crunch, Aki pushed a napkin closer to the boypig. He accepted it absently, cleaning his face in one long wipe. "Yah! Ah Mik eh Alux eh Lafeh eh Demah eh ah gurls!" "All the girls? That's a lot, Levi." Shrugging, Levi wadded up a whole piece of bacon and shoved it in his mouth...breathing steam as he tried to cool his hot tongue. "Ah ubbem."** Half an hour later, seconds were finished and the table as cleared. Levi'd accepted a cookie in lieu of a birthday cake...he wasn't that fond of sweets anyway. His jacket lay rumbled on the kitchen table...surrounded by the innards of Aki's sewing kit. "Levi, I dunno what we can do with this!! The sleeves are too short, and there are half a dozen holes!!" Resting his chin in the palm of one hand, elbow propped on the table, Levi shrugged. She'd better figure out something, cause he wasn't giving up his favorite jacket!! Poking through the box of scraps as Aki fretted, Levi pulled out a string of lace. Hmmm! Folding the sleeves back in cuffs, Aki considered it...wrinkling her nose as she tugged at the material. The sound of ripping stitches made her wince, sure enough, a new hole had opened in the armpit. "Well, that's that, then. We'll just have to get you one that fits properly!" Levi pushed forward as Aki rose, grabbing at the sleeve of the jacket she tried to take with her. She was taking it away!! "Noh! Eh mine! Eh mah birfday!"- rip-Both of them froze, staring at the sleeve that Levi clutched, one knee on the table as he'd reached for it. Levi began to smile...holding the limp cloth up for Aki's inspection. "Eh fit now!"Face settling slowly into her hand, Aki sighed. If it was broken, break it more and make it better! What a pirate motto. Offering the boy the other sleeve, Aki braced...giggling as he settled back into his chair with a whump. "There! Both sleeves off! What are you going to do now?!" Levi slid off his chair, feet reaching the ground faster than they used to. Lifting his arms, he slipped into his new sleeveless jacket...turning this way and that like Aki did when she tried on clothes. "Yah?"Still laughing, his guardian shook her head wryly. "Fine, but I'm patching up those holes. Pick some scraps you like, and let's getter done. It's almost bed time, birthday boy!!"
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Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 12:38 am
Lost stories.
One hand against the doorframe, Levi peered into the dark bedroom...accounting for Aki, his baby sister, and her Daemon. All sound asleep, as well should be. Fading back into the dark of the hall, Levi returned silently to his room.
His pajamas no longer seemed to fit...instead, he wore only tattered shorts, the baggy fabric ending unevenly mid calf. The shard of his necklace was cold against his bare chest...thin silhouettte slipping briefly past the light of the window.
The young pirate did not return to bed, however. His hammock swung slowly, empty but for a few begemmed pillows. Tying his wild hair back with a short length of cord, Levi lowered himself gracefully to his knees. It was going to be a tight fit.
Lifting the vent open, propping the hinge, he studied the narrow opening.
Only a few short months ago, he'd used the passage without trouble...but his shoulders seemed a bit wider than they had then, and his legs longer. Grinning carelessly, Levi pushed forward...squeezing his eyes closed and ignoring the scrape of metal against his hip as he pulled himself in.
Tight, but possible.
The space within the wall was smaller as well. Clicking the button on the cheap plastic flashlight, Levi narrowed his eyes at the startled squeak and scuttle of shy rodents. Light flooded over his collection...gleaming yellow on dusty bottles, pooling brightly along the length of filched silver pens. Candle sticks and tapered candles, shining silverware and dull pocket change. Coiled belts, an old pouch...a butterfly clip and broken wine glass...
He loved it all.
One thing, however, particularly intrigued him.
Pulling the journal off the beam, settling it into his lap, Levi flipped it open....fishing the picture out from between the pages. The girl was there, smiling as always. Her too bright face was silhouetted by the bright blue sea....fluffy clouds the same hue as her sunkissed cheeks.
Setting the picture gently aside, gazing just a moment longer, Levi finally peered back down at the book upon his lap. The golden glow of the flashlight barely illuminated the pages of handscrawled text...spidery thin letters, with a certain uneven charisma. Reading wasn't something Levi had ever sought to learn, but he certainly burned with curiousity. Who had written it all?! Was it a story of that girl?
The pictures helped little. Itching his shoulder as the dust rose in a lazy cloud from the yellowed pages, Levi hunched a bit closer. Sketchy doodles dotted the chapters, some scribbled out in a fit of modesty. Levi liked the pictures of boats the best. There was the stone lantern, out by the lake...and a pair of laughing eyes, scrawled across the top of the page.
One picture in particular always fascinated him though. It was a simple enough picture...a set of stairs. Even Levi could tell that. Steep and crooked stairs. It wasn't the pictre that interested him, however. It was the fact he'd never seen them.
All the other doodles were common sights. Where were the stairs?
Closing the book slowly, Levi sighed. He'd never gone beyond the page with the stairs. It was a riddle to be solved to the young pirate...and solve it, he would.
Rising to his feet, Levi tucked the book back up upon the beam and turned, losing his breath as he came almost face to face with someone entirely unexpected. His stomach tightened as flinched, unsure if he should run or charge.
Inah simply smiled.
"Inah."
"Levi."
Every detail of the girl was so clear...the fall of her hair, the curve of her hips. The scent of oversweet fruit reached him suddenly. He'd been holding his breath.
Heart pounding, Levi simply stared. She smiled slowly, brown eyes crinkling as she stepped forward...the shells at her ankle rattling quietly as she stepped forward. The darkness of the inner walls beyond clung to her gently, the web strewn beams framing her fluid stride. Her hand lifted in offering.
A smile touched Levi's lips, but hovered uncertainly in his eyes. She seemed nice enough, and she was certainly a pleasant sight...they had both been fifteen the year of the storm.
Fifteen. Fifteen? As his eyes narrowed in confusion, the memory was lost...vanishing as suddenly as Inah. Gasping, Levi stumbled forward...hand finally raising in return. Too late! The space she had filled was empty!!
Walking backwards as a chill ran through him, Levi paused once again by the vent. She'd left nothing behind. As his eyes graced the dust to confirm that, squinting in the dim light, Levi snorted in wry humor.
Not even footprints. Only his showed in the fine film of pale sediment.
Clicking the flashlight off bravely, though he was still within the walls, Levi wormed his way back out of the vent. His heart was still racing...suddenly a pillow filled hammock seemed like a minor blessing. Brushing off his long shorts and unbinding his hair with a yank of the cording, Levi was ready for bed.
He was rather looking forward to his dreams.
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Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:45 am
A secret shared...
"Levi, you be careful with her!!" Aki's voice rang out from the living room, echoing against the stone walls of the Villa. Sighing, the young pirate leaned out of his room...raising a weary brow at his guardian.
"Uh, yeah."
"Don't be sassy with me! Just be careful!"
Ducking back into his room, Levi shook his head...shrugging wryly at Nisha. Giggling at her older brother, she clapped her hands in delight. "Baaaah! Babababa!"
"Noh babah. Eh book."
Nisha knew that word. Looking a bit crestfallen at hearing 'no', even Desperate mumbled to himself...trumpeting quietly as he poked at the back of Nisha's head. Wincing, Nisha leaned forward and tried to bat the trunk away....that was loud!!
Settling down by the low wall vent, Levi listened carefully for a moment. Aki was still busy in the front room, her voice reached him through the walls distantly. Raising a finger to his lips, he tried to shush the pair...lifting the vent open and reaching far inside. It had to be here somewhere!
Nisha watched wide eyed as Levi's arm disappeared into the vent. Leaning forward until she flopped onto her tummy, Nisha burbled as Desperate wrapped his trunk around her middle and pulled her back onto her bottom. Where was brother going?!
Settling back once more, closing the vent quietly, Levi blew the dust from the cover of the book. It puffed upwards in a great cloud, motes seeming to sparkle in the thick sunbeam that pushed in through the window. "See?"
Nisha saw, but it wasn't the book that interested her. A tiny bead of baby drool perched upon her lower lip...trembling and threatening to spill. The dust was so pretty, hanging in the light and air!! Raising one hand towards it, even though she was feet away, Nisha tried to reach the floating specks in the lazy air.
Flipping open the cover, sending the weightless dust tumbling in warm eddies, Levi pushed aside the pages he'd already seen. He slowed at the sketch of the stairs...narrowing his eyes at the old diary. It had been weeks of searching, but the boy still hadn't found the mysterious steps. "Luhk."
Nisha blinked, dropping her hand as Levi broke her concentration. The dust in the air swirled suddenly, though the babe was too far to make a stir. Slapping her hands to the ground, motes forgotten, she crawled forward curiously. "Ahhmah?"
"Noh. Ah dis!" Tapping the old pages, Levi held the next page gently between his finger and thumb. Desperate ambled forward after Nisha, ears flapping and creating a massive wave through the dusty heavy air. He opened his mouth helpfully, pointing inside with the tip of his trunk. Levi shook his head, offering the pachyderm an irritated glance. Eat the book? Not on his watch.
Pulling his sister closer, wrapping one arm around her littleness as he snugged her against his side, Levi set the book across their laps. She peered down with wide eyes at the yellowed pages...staring at the spidery handwriting as she burbled. A story?
Taking a breath, Levi turned the page slowly. He'd never seen the second half of the book...he didn't want to spoil the story. Since he couldn't find the stairs, though, there was no point in waiting...right?
Right.
The page crinkled as it settled in a new direction. Even Desperate fell silent as the pair leaned forward....staring at the new sketch they'd uncovered. A hand print. Tiny and wrinkled, it smudged the page with faded black ink...placed carefully within a border of doodled vines and hearts.
Not for the first time, Levi wished he could read what all the words said. He could only make out the numbers, the first set written in delicate writing below the hand print. Sep 26th, 1996.
Giggling, Nisha leaned farther forward....slapping her hand right over the other handprint. They were just the same size!! Well, almost...even Nisha's tiny hand was a little bit bigger than the print on the page. Curling back as Levi poked her in the side, Nisha hiccuped and shrieked with laughter. "Eeeeeha!! Nahnah!!"
Grinning at his sister, Levi shook his head and returned his gaze to the book....smile fading slowly. There was a second date to the right of the first, written in such thin and shaky letters that he almost hadn't seen it.
Oct 31th, 1996.
Closing the book slowly, Levi stared at the scratched and battered cover. Even Nisha's fluttering hand against his ribs couldn't break him of his quiet confusion. What did it mean?
Overhead, the dust spun slowly...hanging over the pair of children like a huge celestial halo. "Levi? Nisha? Lunch!!" Jumping at her mother's voice, Nisha twisted to peer out of the room and into the hall...the airborne dust puffing back into a formless cloud.
Desperate was already on the move. Lunch was much better than some old book!
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:59 pm
Into the Raife's den!Aki Aki dropped to one knee, tugging Levi's jacket straight. The pirate accepted the fussing with minimal irritation....after all, it's what mothers were for! The tie, however, was going a bit far. His guardian, of course, loved it. She'd ordered it online just for this occasion...how could anyone resist something so cute?! The huge skull and cross bone motif was vibrant against the black, and matched the patch on that eccentric jacket of his. "You look so handsome! Do you want to knock?" Rising as she brushed her knee, Aki scooped up the embroidered satin wine bag...cradling the vintage in one arm. Levi held a package as well...a square box a bit smaller than Aki's wine bag. It was wrapped in pale blue paper, decorated with curled ribbons of purest white. He hadn't wrapped it, of course...but the name on the card was carefully lettered in big wobbly capitals. T-O: M-I-KHolding the box carefully, Levi raised his hand and knocked...shave and a hair cut. Raife The first audible sound from inside the house was something akin to a raptor's hunting keen. It resounded through the house and out the windows and it seemed a wonder nothing shattered. Then there was some muffled yelling over the noise, and finally a quieting followed by the thumping sound of awkward running steps to the door. The heavy wooden front door opened to reveal Raife with the baby Mikhael tucked in her arms, wearing what appeared to be a well-worn pair of hand-me-down baby jeans and a neat little shirt and baby hoodie, both blue with holes cut carefully in the back for his wing stubs. His wing accessories were tucked carefully over the wing stumps, hiding them carefully. Both Raife and the baby had faces covered with dirt and their hands were grimy. Raife's face turned into a look of surprise, then happiness, then sheepishness at the sight of such well dressed house guests. "Oh! Well! ...Look at you two! Come in, please! Boy, don't you look sharp! Both of you! Lovely tie! Sharp..nice.....clothes..." She trailed off, looking a bit worn. Aki "It's amazing the illusion a tie can grant, hmm?" Winking at Raife, Aki rustled Levi's hair a bit...surprisingly, making it neater than it had been. Leaning to the side a bit to peek at Mik, Aki offered him a gentle wave. "Looks like the two of you have been having fun, hmmm?" Levi waved as well, lighting up as he spotted Mik. Holding the box out proudly, the young pirate gifted the lad with a fox eyed grin. "Eh foh yuh! Yah upin eet?"Stepping inside as Raife had invited them, Aki found a place for her coat and purse. Boys! "There will be time for that, Levi! Let's get comfy first!!" Despite her own advice, Aki leaned in to give Raife a squeeze...offering the wine bag she held with a smile. "Thanks for having us!" Raife Abruptly deciding to set the gift on the couch, Levi trotted up to Raife and smiled at his young friend's guardian...nodding once as a greeting. Angling his body a bit to the side, Levi held up his arms and made grabby hands for Mik. He wasn't big enough to carry him properly, or for any length of time, but it was worth a try! He had to get Mik to that present, and fast! Adults had no real concept of the sheer importance of present opening. And if you wanted something done right... "Coh mah!"Aki paused for a moment to watch, protective instinct murmuring distantly. She'd seen Levi carry Nisha...balancing her on one hip, arms wrapped widely around her. Mik wasn't too much bigger...older perhaps, but still. But would Raife let him? "I hope you all enjoy it, it's an elven vintage. Sorry to get all snooty on you!" Laughing, Aki shrugged...still keeping half an eye on Levi as she glanced about. "Are the others home? Or was that interesting wail just the plumbing?" Raife Raife absentmindedly let Mik down into Levi's arms, pausing a bit in her thoughts to make sure Mikhael got where he needed to go. He may have been bigger, but the baby was deceptively light. His bones were thin and even hollow in some places. The mark of a flier. The baby grabbed tightly onto Levi's clothes, a bit worried about falling, but mostly excited about seeing his friend again. Oh, if only his feet were steady enough to walk, the things he would show Levi! They were on his turf now! Raife kept in thought for a moment longer, then snapped out of it, and smiled. "Hmm? Oh, that's Cray. He's outside with the loverboys, getting rid of some of his extra energy. I swear, for every inch of quiet this one is...well, Cray's a handful. Thankfully, he's not my charge. Takes the two of them just to keep up with him." She then added hastily. "..Trance and Nero. They're a couple. You...don't have a problem with that, do you? I mean....I don't mean any insult by it...some people..just....aren't comfortable." She babbled weakly. Who knew? Aki seemed pretty open, but she might not have reacted well to gay boys running around. One of them probably shirtless. Aki Grunting as the baby settled into his arms, Levi smiled slowly...giving him a bounce. Either he was getting stronger, or Mik was all fluff! Walking with a bit of a stagger, one leg stiff, the pirate thumped his way to the couch. Everything was ready!! Plopping Mik down upon the cushions, making Aki wince, the boy grabbed the box and settled it in front of his pale friend. "Hokay, goh!"Shifting her gaze back to Raife, Aki's eyes went steadily wider. Oh, oh no! Perhaps Raife had thought her wince was about Trance and Nero being a couple?! "No! I...well..." Trying not to trip over her words, Aki gave up with a helpless smile. "It would make me a bit of a hypocrite. But thank you for being sensitive!" Drifting a bit closer to the boys, Aki made sure things were proceeding safely. After all, she knew what was in the little box! Distantly hoping she hadn't just startled Raife, Aki tried to think back...hadn't she told her friend that she and Wasa were partners? Oh, bother. "Ah, I was going to tell you about the bottle! As I mentioned, it's not a strictly 'conventional' ferment...a little goes a long way! Well, if you're behind, I'd be glad to give you a hand...they seem to be settled." More than likely, opening the package would be half the adventure. Smiling at the irony as she remembered the tricksome box that Raife had gifted, Aki shook her head. They'd never managed to get it open!! Fluffing the curling ribbons a bit to get Mik's attention, Levi settled down onto his knees on the floor before the couch. Resting his weight on his elbow digging into the cushions, the lad leaned forward to watch his friend's progress. "Yuh can!"Raife Mik bounced and flounced and settled among the cushions, his eyes narrowing like a kitten's as he settled among the pillows, then widened at the gift in front of him. He hadn't ever opened a present before. Well, not with wrapping and all. It looked so pretty. He seemed to think the whole box was the present at first, and flopped over it lightly, hugging it tightly with a happy noise. He LOVED pretty boxes! What a great gift! "Hypocrite...?" Raife blinked blankly then smiled. "Oh! You're...!" She chuckled and snapped her fingers teasingly. "Rats! Too bad I'm not interested in girls." She smiled and gestured to the kitchen. "Well, if you want to help, we can convene over the pot pie. It needs to be freed from its sweltering prison. I'm sure Levi and Mik'll be fine for a few minutes. The house had to be baby proofed now that Cray can walk. Godhelpusall." Aki Laughing as she followed Raife into the kitchen, Aki made for the sink once she spotted it...running some hot water and giving her hands a scrub. Patting them dry, she commented over one shoulder. "Is there such a thing as baby proofing?! I thought I had it down, until I added an elephant into the mix. Pachyderm proof is another matter entirely." Aki made way for Raife in case she wanted to use it as well. After that much gardening, it would be a pretty good bet! "Just let me know what to help with! It smells wonderful..." Laughing, Levi poked Mik in the side...trying to get a giggle out of the boy. Tapping the top of the box, Levi made a tugging motion with the ribbons. "Yah upin eet! Rip rip rip!!" The concept of enjoying a pretty wrapped for what it was had never occurred to the lad...it was always what was inside that mattered!! "Ah hup?"Raife Raife did indeed make a beeline for the sink, scrubbing all the way up to her elbows like a surgeon, and even scrubbing her face. Sufficiently waterlogged, she dried off and turned to the stove, pulling on a pair of oven mitts. "Well, first there were those little cabinet locks....that seemed sufficient enough at first until he learned to open them. So we put real locks on the dangerous cabinets. Under the sinks and all." She gestured to the sink, which had a rather nasty looking padlock on the front it. "Then...we had to fix the lock on the front bathroom...he has a habit of bursting in on people while they're peeing, and he also likes flushing things down the toilet. He's a bit short for the doorknobs yet, but he can fly." She shook her head. "It's chaos. I had to take down the ceiling fans." She opened the stove, the delightful smell of chicken and pie filling the small kitchen. "Mmh. I love pie." Mikhael tentatively tugged at a ribbon. Oh! It came undone! He looked up at Levi hesitantly, to make sure it was alright, before diving in and ripping through the paper carefully to the box inside. Aki "Cray, you mean? Well, do I get to meet him?! Ooh, speaking of which...I may have another new addition soon!" Sighing with weary love, Aki smiled wryly. Her hands were always full...without Wasa, she'd be crazy by now!! "Oh, it's gorgeous. Good thing you made enough, Levi is bottomless!" At the mention of her boy, Aki took a few steps backwards...leaning to peer into the other room. Still behaving. Remarkable!! More than just behaving, Levi was helping. In that tactless habit certain outgoing children possess, Levi leaned forward and helped Mik unwrap...sheeting the paper down the side the baby couldn't quite reach. Under the wrapping was a stiff paper box, the lid unfolding easily. Lifting a few pieces of tissue paper from the box, Levi waited for Mik to do the same...wondering if the lad had yet seen a peek of what lied within. A small cobalt bottle, glass thick and pure...stoppered with sterling silver. Within it, water swirled...the bottle filled so tightly there were no air bubbles within. Levi had filled it himself from the ocean at the base of the cliffs...though Aki had helped him stopper it permanently. "Ah sea! Foh yuh!"Glancing up, filled with excitement, Levi studied Mik's face. Would he like it? All the things that Levi loved, the tumbling waves and shining treasure...put together into one toy!! "Yah?Raife Mikhael had opened the box carefully with Levi's help, not minding it at all, and let out a soft gasp at the treasure inside. He pressed his fingers against the bottle, examining the curves and feeling the craftsmanship of it, before lifting it very carefully. It was a little heavy for his little hands, but he managed to get it settled into his lap. Thankfully the stopper kept it full as he tilted it sideways to get a better look at the swirling water inside. Instead of lifting it to peer inside, he flopped over on his tummy to press his nose up against it, cooing softly. After he'd sufficiently examined it, he beamed up at Levi and crawled into his lap, curling up like a kitty. His way of saying thanks. Raife smiled. "Thanks. Yeah...Mik and I are big eaters as well." The pie was indeed rather large. A good deal larger than necessary. "I hope you and Levi like it. I can't cook much, but I'm good at what I can." Aki "I'm sure we'll love it! Should I herd them in?" Taking a breath of the rich warm waft from the oven, Aki sighed happily. Mmm, comfort food! Chuckling as Mik piled into his lap, Levi grinned...leaning back against the couch and patting Mik's jacket happily. He didn't offer head scritchies...too many babies seemed to glare at him when he did that. "Yah. Ah foh yuh. Ahna wan-...."Trailing off mid sentence, Levi sniffed...eyes drifting closed, hair sliding back as he tilted his head. Sniff sniff. "Ahki??""Yeeees?" "Ah fooood?""Maaaaaybe." Glancing at Raife with a smile, Aki shrugged. "Guess they don't need herding!! Tugging at one of Mik's feet, wondering if he'd curl up like Nisha did at the gesture, Levi bounced his lap a bit. "Hey! Psht! Foodfoodfood!" Wow. Friends, treasure, AND food. Raife's house was rather entertaining! Raife Mik sniffed the air a bit at Levi's jostling. Oh yes. He knew that smell. He clambered up to standing, leaning on the back of the couch and peering over it at the kitchen. There was a window over the sink through which Raife's and Aki's bustling heads could be seen. Mikhael smiled at his friend, and taking a page from Levi's book, thumped his hand on the back of the couch until he got Raife's attention, his feet dancing delightedly. When she looked over, he opened his mouth really wide and pointed inside. She chuckled a bit, and shook her head. "Oi." She grinned and tilted her head at Aki, answering belatedly. "Well, I could have Cray in to eat, if you'd like. Since I made extra. But you're in charge of cleaning the mess." Aki "I dunno about that, that's why we have kids. We make the older ones clean till they get sick of it, and eventually pawn it off on the younger ones. It's tradition...or something." Clapping Levi on the shoulder as he strolled into the kitchen, Aki laughed. Levi hadn't really been listening...not when he was a bit more focused on other senses. Pausing just short of the pie nose first as Aki patted his shoulder, Levi glanced up suspiciously. Wait. They were talking about him, weren't they?! "Go help Mik in, boy." Suspicion faded as Levi nodded...turning back to do just that. "Coh mah! Food!" Levi scooped him up face to face, waddling back into the kitchen slowly. "Gottum!Raife "An army of Levis couldn't clean up after that boy." She grinned a bit. "It's more of a threat than you know." She cast a look out to the yard and chuckled a bit before turning back to Levi and smiling. "You certainly do. Thank you for being a big help and grabbing him for me." She ruffled his hair. "Grab some wood, buddy." She gestured to the bar attached to the kitchen with six swivel stools set in front of it. At the end was a box of assorted tools of various degrees of danger, all a little bit rusty. The box seemed to have everything to get into anywhere in it, including a large crowbar sticking out. She reached over the sink and moved it out of the possible reach of curious little boys, before hesitantly drawing out a slim pouch, and leaving it there on the counter. She then turned to scoop up portions of pie into bowls. "I never bothered with a dining room table...we never entertain." Mikhael meanwhile seemed perfectly content to be carried by his new friend now that he'd deemed Levi trustworthy, and was tugging and playing with the ends of Levi's scarf, still sniffing at the air, delighted at the pie scent. Aki Aki searched out the most appropriate seating for Mik...bending to help Levi and lift the babe into his seat. Making sure he was safe and tucked in, Aki failed to see Levi stretch slowly forward. "Mik! Are you getting bigger, cutie?" Offering him a finger to grip as babies were wont to do, Aki smiled gently at the tiny lad. Tools were tools, but a pouch was almost as good as a present. It wasn't the package, but oh! The mystery of what was inside!! Before he thought twice, Levi leaned down the counter....a casual movement, a gentle swipe. Raife was a decent sort, surely she wouldn't mind if he just took a quick peek? Raife Mik smiled slowly, as if he knew that indeed he was growing. Instead of gripping her finger, he lowered his head and proceeded to slobber on it a bit. Goddamn that teething! His gums hurt! He already had his front few teeth, but was careful not to bite Aki. For a baby, he was very well aware of people in pain. His hand reached out and grabbed Aki's wrist lightly to steady his new chewtoy. "He certainly is growing. Side to side and up and down. S'okay though, he could use a bit of meat. When I first got him, he was positively gaunt. Cray's only two months older and Mik's taking his hand-me-downs from four months ago." The baby kicked his feet and gurgled. Oh, he certainly knew when he was being discussed. The pouch was nearly flat, with small, equally flat silver tools in them. They looked like tiny steel flat boards, and each of them was very slightly bent from use, and each had a different head except for one that was bent at a ninety degree angle around the end and longer than the others. Aki Levi opened the pouch with nimble fingers, shifting the weight of whatever was within to the mouth. At once, the glint of metal caught his eye...pinching them lightly to keep them from clinking, Levi drew the strange creations from their home. Were they weapons? Parts? Perhaps...magic? Palming them into his lap, Levi lifted his eyes. He needed some more time to look at them, he'd put them back eventually! Maybe. Gaze settling on the perfect cover, Levi scooped his fork and knife from the napkin and slid them inside. Soon, the pouch was on the counter once more...and Levi instinctively distributing the odd relics to different pockets. He'd look at them just as soon as he had time! "Ooh, you got me!" Giggling as Mik nummed the side of her finger, Aki summoned the tiniest bit of her aura...offering whatever mote of soothing she could muster before the moon actually rose. "Well, if you'd like me to save what Levi has outgrown, I'd be happy too...but I doubt Mik'd want it. Levi's...a bit rough on his clothes." Offering her son a sidelong grin, Aki sighed as he proved her right. There he was, tugging on one of his patches! Levi smiled back, blue eyes clear and honest as a summer day. What a sweet boy he was growing up to be! Raife Raife, being the owner of the things in the pouch, which were sneaky in their own nature, had watched, from the corner of her eye, Levi's whole exchange with the pouch, but said nothing. She set his bowl of pot pie in front of him, then Aki's, then a smaller bowl -with carefully picked out smaller pieces of meat in front of Mik, and carried her own around to the bar, plopping down with spoon in hand. "Yeah, he's teething." She admonished, watching Mik, who soon lost interest in Aki's finger, and gained some in the bowl, peering into it, and sticking his dirty fingers in to pick out a piece of crust delicately, offering it to Aki. "...And he always offers first." Raife smiled amusedly. "I didn't teach him that." Aki "How sweet of him!" Taking the piece gingerly, Aki dabbled his spoon at the crust and gravy...getting together a bite that could cool quickly. Offering it to the lad after glancing at Raife to make sure it was alright, Aki waited until he hopefully closed his eyes to accept the bite before setting the slightly muddy crust piece she'd been offered on the far side of her bowl. "Open!" Unaware he'd been spotted, Levi glanced up with a smile as she settled a bowl before him. "Hanku, sweetie!" Gripping his spoon, Levi dug right in...stirring it up and puffing on it in hopes of driving away the hottest of the steam. Aki's eyes went wide at Levi's sentiment. "Well, I did teach him that, I suppose!" Pink elf cheeks and a sheepish smile. "Perhaps I should stop using pet names..." Raife Raife didn't seem offended in the least, rather, she collapsed into a fit of giggles, leaning her head on the counter. She also didn't seem concerned with Aki feeding Mikhael, who's mouth had already lunged on the spoon, devouring the contents and beaming. Eating was one of few things he generally did with gusto. Wiping tears from her eyes from laughing, Raife righted herself and smiled, taking a bite of her pie. And..promptly speaking with her mouth full. No manners. "So, oo 'aid omming abou a new bebe?" Aki "Well, I dunno for certain, actually! It's...an interesting situation." Feeding Mik another warm bite, Aki opened her own mouth absently as she popped the spoon into his. "Have I ever told you Nisha's story? Perhaps you've heard the tale of others like her...she appeared in the same place I had set a curious book, not a few moments earlier. Just like that!" Waving Mik's spoon in an abracadabra gesture, Aki laughed...it was hard to explain. Getting together another bite if Mik seemed interested, Aki tried to pick her words a bit more carefully. "There is a shard, some mystic bit about reflections. It seems that if I hold onto it, someone new will make their way into my life! Does that....make any sense?" Levi had long since tuned her out. Feeding himself scalding bites, Levi munched contentedly...pausing to give Raife a happy nod. His other hand, however, traced the outline of one of the items in his lower jacket pocket. What could they be? Raife Raife shook her head in disbelief. "What is it with Gaia and living things coming out of inanimate objects?" She watched Levi absently, waiting for him to finish his food -and with that little boy appetite, it looked like she wouldn't have long to wait- so that she could take him aside and show him what those tools really did. She'd have to distract Aki....likely the guardian wouldn't approve. But a pirate had to know how to pick locks.....and Raife rarely looked for approval for her actions. God help the children of her household! One of said children decided Aki was feeding him too slowly, and, after stealing the bite from the spoon, was digging back into the bowl with dirty fingers, picking out pieces of chicken and crust and vegetables, and sucking gravy and dirt from his fingers. Aki Settling back with a sigh, Aki fidgeted with her napkin on her lap...wanting so badly to wipe those little hands. Mik, however, didn't seem that bothered. Taking a moment to grab her own fork, Aki took a thankfully temperate bite. "Mmph! Mm gooshuff!" Food this good was never healthy. Yup!" That Levi caught. Hiccuping as his spoon scraped the bowl, Levi realized it was empty. Well then. Face relaxing into a tiny frown, Levi chose to ignore how full his belly actually was. A little more never hurt! Raife Raife surveyed the situation absently, before a metaphorical lightbulb popped over her head. Ah hah! Thank Levi and his little boy appetite for distractions! She watched as Levi grumbled for more, and as her own little boy finished his portion in his smaller bowl. "Well, it looks like we have a still hungry young man, and a sticky fingered baby. I'll feed Levi, if you wouldn't mind, Aki, washing Mik up a bit? Maybe changing his shirt? He's pretty filthy. He seems to be having a time with you, and I like it when he realizes that I'm not the only person in the world that can help him get his daily activities accomplished. His room is pretty self explanitory." Raife kept her giddy grin to herself. Oh she was such a diversion ninja she scared herself! Aki "Awww, I'd be happy to!" Relief washed over Aki. No more dirty hands in baby mouth!! Waiting until he'd finished chewing, Aki scooped him up...getting directions to both bathroom and baby clothes. Bumping her hip against Levi as she strolled by, Aki smiled down at him. "Don't be greedy...and don't eat mine!" Aww, he had already been edging that direction! Nodding reluctantly, Levi watched till Aki had disappeared...crading Mik warmly and carefully as she strolled. Bright blue eyes flicking up to Raife, Levi did his best to summon that innocent smile he'd been working on. "Eh good, hanku! Erm..."Raife Mik knew what came next. He didn't mind being scrubbed up, and directed her towards a close bedroom. Inside everything was in bold primary colors, with two cribs against the wall, a dressing table in the opposite corner next to a chest of drawers, and a rocking chair up next to a lamp. On the floor were various toys, strewn everywhere. It was easy to tell that two children shared this room, because some toys were in far better shape than others. Possibly the most disturbing visage was a headless teddybear in the corner. On the far wall, there was a door to the boys' bathroom. Mikhael clapped and burbled at the sight of his room, and pointed around randomly, as if showing off to Aki. Raife had already moved around the counter and scooped up another half a bowl for Levi, then settled down next to him, keeping the bowl just out of reach. "Let's propose a trade." She grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Aki "Hoyah?" Peering sidelong through the messy sweep of his bangs, his dark lashes lowered. "Goh." Folding his arms, one hand absently found it's way into the inner pocket...fingers questing to make sure the relic was still in place. Raife's smile was a bit of a warning. Aki nodded at the sights, pausing to pick up a toy and place it on the nearest surface. "It's lovely!! Have you ever seen Levi's room? Maybe next time you come over, hmm?" Giving him a bounce, Aki sighed happily at the sight of the bathroom...but made her way first to the dresser. Skipping the top drawer, Aki checked the second down...top drawer was usually unmentionables! All she needed was a baby shirt. "Hmmm...." Raife Raife slouched a bit, leaning on the counter and held out her hand. "My tools for this pot pie. She grinned charmingly. "Besides. There are far too many tools to be of any use to you yet in that pouch. Lemme..." She hopped up from the stool and reached into the tool chest, pulling out another pouch, this one slim as well, and made of worn leather. It looked older. "This here was my first set of lock picks." She held out her hand for her new set, smiling. "Honestly. Once I tell you what these are for, you'll understand how I knew you had them. Can't trick a trickster." Aki Mouth open slightly as he digested all this, Levi scrunched up one eye. Lock picks? Trickster? On one hand, he'd get more pot pie, but on the other... Drawing out exactly half of the pilfered tools, Levi put them on the counter and slid them slowly forward...withdrawing his hand just as smoothly. "Whuteh foh?" He'd give her others...after he'd heard a little more. Plucking a shirt from the drawer, Aki peered at it curiously. Seemed like the right size....but why the holes? Poking her finger through the extra openings in the shirt, Aki glanced down at the baby in her arms...remembering her talk with Raife about his....wings. "Right. Let's go wash up, hmm sweetie?" Offering Mik a reassuring smile, carefully tucked away the pain of seeing evidence of such a thing she knew she was about to feel. She didn't want such a thing to show in her eyes. Bumping open the bathroom door, she gave him a double bounce. "Is this the place?" Raife Raife chuckled. He was bargaining. Pirate boy indeed. He wanted to know what they were for? Well, she'd show him. Hopping back off her stool, she rummaged into the tool box again, this time withdrawing a set of old handcuffs and a large padlock. They were worn and used and good to practice on. The padlock looked almost comically like a cartoon lock. She snapped one of the cuffs on her wrist, and the other on a hanging pot rack above her head. She had to kneel on the stool to get high enough, but once she was securely fastened, she tugged a bit, so Levi could see that she was stuck tight. Finally, she locked the padlock inbetween the chain. Satisfied at her predicament, she snatched the older set of lockpicks off the table, and set to work, seemingly poking and proding the locks with the sticks. It was a bit more complicated than that in reality, but she was experienced enough that it looked simply like tomfoolery. It took only a minute, before the padlock was off, and she dropped it on the table, and set to work on the cuffs, occassionally holding tools in her teeth. Mikhael waved his arms pleasedly at the bath. He wasn't a child that prefered to be dirty, even though he hardly minded it when he was. He wiggled a bit and smiled at the elf. Aki Twisting the handles gingerly, Aki let the little basin fill...testing the lukewarm water as it flowed across her wrist. Colorful toys crowded the little bath, bobbing and dipping in the rising water. Rinsing them off one by one, Aki set a few aside...clearing a Mik sized space in the tub. "Let's get the messy clothes off while the bath fills! We have clean clothes for after." Patting the shirt she'd selected, folded neatly beside the cloth nappies, Aki mimicked a 'hands up' motion for Mik. Imagine that, a child willing to take a bath!! The clink and scrape of Raife's picking was rather hypnotic...Levi's eyes narrowed steadily as he watched. Those little sticks...they could open the lock? "How? Ahshow." Nodding towards the process with his chin, Levi rested his elbow on the counter....moving his free hand slowly towards the remaining pot pie. A deal was a deal!! Raife Mikhael rather liked baths indeed, and as the excitement of eating wore off, he calmed into a quiet peacefulness. He helpfully didn't raise his arms at all though. That wasn't how the process went! He knew Aki would never be able to get his shirt off until she unfastened the wings. He froze a bit, a little uncertain at the thought, before sighing and huffing and turning to Aki with a quiet look that clearly seemed to point out that this was not how it was done. Raife grinned. "All the picks, for pie." She pushed it closer to him, keeping her hand on the edge. "And I'll show you how to work these." She held up the beginner' s set, with a small smile. Aki "Hmm." Aki smiled wryly at the disgruntled boy...giving the jacket an experimental tug. He didn't bathe with it on, did he? Unlikely. Rolling the collar gently to the side, checking for buttons she might have missed, Aki's fingers instead found the taut black strap of the wing harness. Well, Raife had mentioned they weren't real...but how would the baby react their loss? Tapping the clasp gently, Aki smiled warmly down at Mik. "Off for bathtime?" Let him decide... The remaining tools materialized in his other fist even as he lunged for the prize. Chicken pot pie, what an invention!! "Ahshow. Eh moh melk." Waving his fork towards his empty glass as he stabbed forward for a bite, Levi surrendered the tools to his elder. They'd do him little good unless he knew what to do with them....and if he was understanding this right, wow. Quite a skill to have... Raife Raife tossed the assorted locked equipment onto the counter, and the tools disappeared into her pocket as quick as they materialized from Levi's fist. She smiled and pushed the pie closer towards him so he didn't dribble much and, leaving the beginner set in front of him, hopped off her stool to get him some more milk. "Milk it is." Pouring him a glass, she watched Levi quietly, smirking a bit. The boy had much to learn. The underground societies that rebels, thieves and pirates and the like belonged to were tricky places without certain skills. Mik nodded. The straps were complicated. They went through the wing holes and under his shirt, and around him, wrapped tightly, so that they'd stay put. Raife had gotten used to arranging them just so, but how would someone different handle them? He reached under his own shirt, and tugged, as if to say, 'Here. Start here." Aki With an appalling show of appetite, Levi finished off his newest plate....even running the side of the fork across the plate to gather gravy. As the clatter of metal on dishes quieted, he finished the meal with a long pull of milk...setting the mug down with a contented sigh. "Hanku. Ah good."Pushing the dishes down the counter, Levi leaned forward...resting his weight upon his elbows as he studied the woman before him. So...she could teach him this, hmm? He wasn't about to refuse the lesson, but the young pirate couldn't help but wonder... What was in it for her? Aki hesitated a moment longer before nodding happily...gently manipulating the clasp into opening. Unwrapping the arrangement of straps, Aki felt the slight weight shift into her hands. Moving them out and up, she slid the false wings free. They were so little. Oh, Mikhael. Blinking rapidly as she urged them closed, Aki sniffed and set the folded wings aside. Her smile was back in place, bright as ever as she turned back to the lad. " Now off with the rest! Ready?! Arms up!" Raife Mikhael blinked at the lack of reaction to his mangled wing stumps. He hadn't really seen the truth of them himself, but even as a baby, he remembered the pain, and the blood and the terror...it wasn't something one would easily forget. He stretched them instinctively, and they flexed so much quicker than they had before they'd been clipped, and he remembered once again, sitting quietly for a moment before looking up at Aki with serious eyes. Raife grinned. "Good? Bottomless pit satisfied?" She poke-tickled his tummy lightly, running her fingers over the lock she'd set down on the counter. It'd been years since she'd used these skills before... Aki Meeting the child's gaze, Aki took in a slow breath. Mik was such a tiny, poignant figure. Pale skin and dark hair...flexing wings that he no longer possessed. Her smile was genuine. It touched her eyes before her lips. "You....look almost ready for a bath. Come on, cutie!" Folding the tiny baby articles one by one, despite the fact they needed to be washed anyway, Aki dabbled her fingers in the bath and slowed the trickle. Perfect, gently warm...and a few fluffy bubbles to boot! Offering her hands to Mikhael, Aki waited for the babe to lean towards her and the bath. "Ready!!" Levi curled over Raife's hand, chuckling as she poked him. Pulling straight as she retreated, Levi's eyes flicked to the lock. Eyes narrowed, he nodded sharply...fingers tugging at his loosely secured tie. "Yah. Whassit called?"Raife Mik hesitated a second, before reaching out widely to Aki, his toes wiggling a bit in anticipation of the water. Bubbles and bath made everything better! He spotted his favorite water toy, a foam letter Y - he actually preferred it because it was a similar blue to his feathers more than any fondness for letters- and reached out for it too. Raife opened the beginner's set, and let the tools spread out onto the counter. "Lockpicking. It's one of the three basic skills that can get you in almost everywhere. Anytime you see one of these.." She tilted the lock to show him the key hole. "No matter where it is, most of the time, you can get in with these." She pushed the tools at him for him to study. Aki Lifting Mik comfortably by his sides, just under each arm, Aki settled him down into the bath...amazed how light he seemed. His chest was so tiny between her hands!! Warming her hands under the flow, Aki lathered up a soft baby washcloth with gentle smelling soap. "Are these all your toys? Lucky boy!! Which can I play with?" Scuffing the sudsy cloth gently across his shoulders, Aki beamed and kept her eyes open for an answer. Settling back, tools in hand, Levi turned them this way and that as he digested that information. Almost all of it sunk in, except... "Thuree?" What were the other two? Jumping as a burp leapt upward, Levi erped and blew the bangs from his face...grinning absently as he did so. "Pard'n." Selecting the last tool, Levi held it up and turned it slowly...eyes narrowed in thought. Was it broke? Why was it shaped like that? Raife Raife giggled helplessly at the burp and the pardon. Sometimes she wondered if she'd ever grow up. "You're 'scuzed. And yes. Three." She settled back to lean against the counter, a shrewd, calculating look falling over her normally slightly vacant, harried eyes and counted off on her fingers. "You need to know how to lock pick, how to pop your joints out, and how to charm people. Always try the last first. It's...the...most honest way of doing things." She grinned ruefully. "I suppose this is the least honest." Mik understood toys, and smiled a bit up at Aki, offering his favorite up at her. If he liked it, she would too! The boy didn't have a greedy bone in his body. Besides. He was getting a bath. The warm water felt nice and comforting. He sunk into it a little, letting the bases of his stumps submerge in it, practically purring. It was so good at soothing the aches away. Aki Understanding lit his gaze at the last point...His chin jerking upward with interest. Charming...that was what Aki called his smile! Usually in protest as she gave him what he wanted. That was a great solution! He didn't grasp the joint popping, but the lock picking certainly seemed interesting. Anything with a lock on it, hmm? The image of Aki's delicate elven chest appeared slowly in his mind, practically shining through his eyes. Anything with a lock, hmm? "Lessdu it." Nodding with surprising gravity considering his slick proposal, Levi's eyes flicked upwards to meet Raife's gaze. He could do this. No problem. Accepting the toy with a smile, Aki danced it across the water daintily...poking the blue foam into Mik's pale chest as she splashed gently with the toy. "Oooh! I got you!! Your turn!" Handing the Y back to the babe, she waited till he'd gripped it...tugging it upwards, and his arm along with it. "Scrubbies first, though!" Poking him in the baby armpit with a washcloth covered finger, Aki giggled...waiting for him to do the same. She probably didn't need to use sneaky cleaning techniques on him like she had Levi. Mik was practically melting into the water!! [continued]
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2005 5:00 pm
[continued from above post] Raife "Alright, but you can't tell Aki I taught you. She'll hate me." Raife could only imagine the trouble he'd get into. But it was better he learned from her, than from some scallywag under the pier. She, at least, could steer him in a deviant, yet slightly more honorable direction. She grabbed his wrist. "And...never lock pick something that belongs to someone you care about...if they tell you not to." She turned his hand over and put the bent metal piece and one of the flat picks with a diamond at the end in his hand. "We'll start here." The Y went straight into Mikhael's mouth and he giggled silently and squirmed from the tickles. He was just a little ticklish, but she hit him in just the right spot! He spit the Y back out, wrinkling his nose a little at the soapy taste. Aki Levi loosened his wrist, holding the lockpick as he'd seen Raife do it. Eying her doubtfully as she whispered moral advice, Levi only offered a snort in return. She didn't seem to be waiting for an agreement...which was great. Leaning forward, shaking his his hair from his face, Levi peered at the tool in hand. "Hokay. Now?"Wiping a bubble from Mik's chin with her thumb, Aki giggled...washing her hands under the trickle. Changing the flow to cold just just a few seconds, she filled her cupped palm and twisted it to warm again...holding the sip of fresh water carefully for the babe to sip. Some things never changed, including the 'icky soap taste' face!! "Is that better? Lean your head back a little and we can wash your hair!" It was much the same method...carrying handfuls of water slowly from spout to the back of Mik's head as she supported it with her other hand.. He was so easy to get along with!! Not for the first time, Aki wondered who could have possibly wished the boy harm. Raife Mikhael sipped a little water then carefully settled back against the edge of the baby tub, letting his head and hair dangle back carefully, near the spray. He seemed to be adept at bathing techniques through rhythm and his calm acceptance of the water. Trailing his fingers through the water, he looked thoughtful, watching Aki curiously. Raife locked the lock next to them and patiently explained to Levi how to insert the torque wrench -that was the bent metal piece- and the pick and, listening carefully, push each pin inside the lock up until all were in place and the lock was free. She did it slowly, taking her time to show the boy how it was done, and taking time to explain the mechanics behind it. It wasn't just enough to know how to do it, but why it worked. Aki Levi nodded as he watched, eager to try himself. Grabbing the tools as soon as they were offered, Levi set to work and gave it a shot. And another. And another. A faint glitter of sweat had appeared at his temples. This was harder than it looked. Growling as he continued to poke, Levi's eyes closed slowly. He could feel those little 'pins'...but they were just too tricky. "Buddy 'ell!" Flopping back in his seat, nursing the red crease across his hand, Levi sighed. "Ard!" Scrubbing the back of his hand across his eyes, the pirate gazed suspiciously up at Raife. How had she gotten so good at it?! One hand against the babe's back, Aki kept him afloat easily. The water slid around the crown of his head, smoothing dark hair in fluid waves. Meeting his gaze, Aki raised a brow...smoothing baby shampoo against his locks as she smiled. "What's on your mind, little one?" Raife Mik burbled conversationally. He might as well have screamed like a banshee for all the good it did him. The burbles were just that. Burbles. They didn't convey that he'd noticed that Aki was different. Her ears were weird, and she just seemed different than Raife. Not like Trance or Nero either, but closer to Nero. She felt....well, he couldn't put his finger on it. He waved his hands frustratedly. Raife chuckled a bit, and pressed her hand to his. "Slower. Delicately. Take your time. When you're first starting, it can take quite a while to get all those pins. But if you rush, it'll take even longer." She grinned widely at an errant thought. Such attributes would also help him in his pursuit of the ladies when he got a bit older. Aki Raising a brow as the little one began to fuss, Aki smiled...dabbing his face with the wash cloth to take the suds from his forehead. He was so cute, little hands waving, but the last thing she wanted was a distraught baby... Closing her eyes for a moment, her hand still against Mikhael's back, Aki called forth her aura...trying to calm the babe of his worries. Her powers fluttered...the moon hadn't yet shown its face. There was little she could do, but perhaps it was enough to reassure him. "Almost done! Little hands clean? Okay! Now that the hard part is over..." Pulling a few toys from the suds, Aki offered one to the boy...dancing hers across the surface. "Doobie doobie doop doop!!" Play time!! Levi was still slumped back in his chair, staring at Raife doubtfully through his long bangs. "Slow? Hmph." What good was picking a lock slowly?! He'd be caught before he had it open! With a sigh, the young pirate leaned forward once more...tools at the ready. He kept half an eye on Raife as he worked, trying his best to read her silent signals. A pin clicked into place after he adjusted his grip, reacting to the slightest raise of her brow after he'd been going about it from the wrong angle. Well. Progress!! "Ahmost?"Raife Aki accepted the flute with a smile, offering the toy she had been holding out to Mikhael. It was a simple thing, but one learned to coax a melody out of even the roughest instrument when they had a few hundred years to kill. Rinsing the suds from it, Aki brought it to her lips. Levi grinned as he felt the second pin clink into place. It was working!! Something tugged at him distantly, however...he was only half listening to Raife as she murmured advice. Had she said something he'd missed? Glancing up sidelong at her, Levi paused...hands deftly holding the pins in place for one so young. Her eyes were bright, and cheeks just the tiniest bit pink...was she angry? Had he done something wrong? Levi wasn't overly concerned, women were getting mad over nothing all the time. But he was interested in what she was teaching...having her angry wouldn't do at all! Levi tried what usually worked with Aki. Eyes going wide, he smiled just as innocently...sparkling with innocence. "Hanku..."At that moment, a distant melody drifted to the pair. An old reel, rising and falling with sweet tones. Simple, but catchy...apparently Aki and Mik were having a lovely time! Raife Raife's head perked up at the lilt of the flute. A look of surprise turned into a reassured smile, and she turned back to Levi who was beaming like he was trying to sell stripes to a zebra. Uh oh. What did he want now? Even as she told herself in the back of her mind that that was a very sneaky smile, and that she couldn't trust it, she felt herself melting. He was so adorable when he wanted something. "Awww...you're welcome." She ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head. He was a good boy, no matter what he was planning. "Now keep your eye on your work, Cap'n." Mik's eyes widened with delight as the notes flowed from the flute. He leant on the edge of the sink and peered up at Aki with an entirely serious expression, as if assessing each note she played and finding it divine. A small, satisfied smile curled on his lips, and he looked utterly at peace, just like he had while studying Levi's crayon adventure. Aki Well then. Not mad! Dropping his head to his work once more, Levi's hair drifted to hide his gaze. Perhaps a good thing, since his grin was decidedly devilish. "Hokay. Ah dissin, ahn....hey!" He'd been so close! Grumbling as his pick clicked against the tumbler, Levi rocked back in his seat. "Psh. Later." Covering the fact that his hand had cramped with an exaggerated yawn, Levi opened one eye to peer at Raife. "Foh meh?" Motioning vaguely to the tools, Levi raised a brow. He got to practice...right? Trailing off with a dulcet sweep, Aki settled the flute upon the counter and sketched a bit of a curtsy. "Thank you, thank you!" Nuzzling Mik, Aki lifted him gently from the bath water. A fluffy white towel was at the ready, and a dry baby not far behind. "Music fan, hmm?" Raife Raife grinned. "Yeah. You can have the lock and the tools both." She pushed both of them towards him, and smiled. "Well, while we're waiting for Aki, would you like to take a tour of the grounds?" She loved saying that. It made her house sound like a country club. Plus, she was sure there'd be plenty of things that Levi'd like in the back yard. It was practically a little boy's paradise, what with all the things she had to keep the big boys entertained. Mik pouted a bit as the music stopped, as he always did, but it faded quickly and he wiggled into the warmth of the blanket, curling into it like a kitten, his whole body disappearing into it except the mop of black hair on his head and two curious blue eyes. Which was what Trance saw as he came into the babies' room with a screaming Cray in tow. ((not done)) At first it might have seemed that the messy redheaded baby was unhappy with the world, but the beaming smile on both the baby's face and the man carrying him would have said otherwise. Trance pushed his orange and black hair out of his eyes to cast a brilliant blue at Aki, one eyebrow raised slightly. He was shirtless, and both man and baby were filthy with soil from the gardens, His mess of hair was worse than Cray's, obscuring most of his facial features except for the now curious smile. He'd heard guests...but to see the little muse with someone, settled so easily, was new. "H'llo." He smiled politely and warmly, gesturing with a nod of his head. Cray screeched again, and Mikhael pressed his hands lightly over his ears. He was used to it, but he didn't mind expressing his distaste at the cacaphony his roommate was causing. Aki Both tools and lock disappeared into the lad's jacket. Tugging the knot of his tie, loosening it around his neck, Levi pushed to his feet. "Hokay! Godda pond?" Beaming up at Raife with a fox eyed smile, Levi reached for her hand...following her lead. "Or uh steps?" It was worth a shot. Babe cradled high upon her hip, Aki jumped and twisted to smile over one shoulder...startled despite herself. Opening her mouth to introduce herself, Aki gasped as the youngling shrieked...eartips drooping as she hugged Mik a bit tighter. Goodness! "H...hi! I'm Aki...I'm a friend of Raife's." A silly thing to explain, perhaps, but she was a bit off guard. "Are you...?" Raife Raife crouched down next to him, and gently undid his tie for him. It certainly seemed to be bothering him. She tugged it off and tucked it in his pocket, while she talked. "Well, there's a stream in the woods, but it's not well kept. The boys still swim in it though. We do have a pool. Not as cool, I suppose, as a pond, but it has the bonus of not smelling like ick, and it's pretty big. There are plenty of trees for climbing, with hammocks really high up to get to...takes some work, but it's worth it if you like lounging up high. No, no stairs though. No place for them to go...it's pretty flat out here. But we do have a tire swing, a very large trampoline, and a cave." She took his hand, finally, and lead her out through the back glass doors, pushing them open into a wide expanse of trees and land, and indeed, everything she'd said was true. There seemed to be an abundance especially of hammocks and trees, once you got past the expanse of deck the pool was on. Trance chuckled lightly at her expression. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Trance, and this is Cray." Cray opened his wings widely -his were as real as anything- and flapped them enough to start a small gust of wind, while Trance struggled to keep him still. "And...he's happy to see guests." Cray burbled and babbled something incoherent, with a smile at Mik. He seemed immune to Mikhael's reluctant sighs of acceptance and slight cling tighter to Aki. Aki Holding his chin up proudly as Raife unwound his tie, Levi chuckled as she tucked it in his pocket. Pulling it forth once more as they walked, Levi reached to the side...tucking it as stealthily as possible into Raife's back pocket. The length of black fluttered....proudly displaying the jolly roger print. "Heh."Peering past his mentor as she listed off the various attractions, Levi lit up at the mention of water. "Eh pool? Eh, wanna schwim?"Bouncing Mik a bit on her hip, Aki glanced down at the lad...trying to pick up his thoughts on the pair. No hiding, no flinching...excellent! They must be all right, then! "Trance...oh! Trance! I've....heard...things!" Trailing off lamely, Aki blushed the slightest bit...bouncing Mik a bit more obviously to distract her from her bumbling. "Good things!" How reassuring. "How...old is Cray?" Raife "You want to swim? Well, sure we can, if you'd like! You're the guest and all." She chuckled. "I'd ask about your suit, but I suppose pirates probably just dive in in their pants or something." She wouldn't know. She was never a pirate, that was for sure. "There's a cabana with all our suits in it...if you want one, I suppose we could rig something up for you." She steered him towards the pool, a wide, sparkling expanse of crystal clean water. "There's...a....well, I won't ruin the surprise." She smirked a bit, chuckling to herself. She'd been surprised herself when she'd found out about the secret underwater tunnel the boys had built with their own blood and sweat, that went to a grotto in the back of the cave. "I love swimming. Favorite form of exercise." She tiptoed over to the edge and dipped her toe in the water, testing it. Only a few degrees below what would be warm, and nice on a warm summer day such as this. Trance peered at Mikhael, with a slightly concerned look. He wished the two boys would get along better. "He's just over a year, and quite talkative, if not quite as....perceptive as the one you're holding." Mikhael nestled back into the towel, rubbing his wet hair on it, shivering a bit. Aki Peering upwards with just a hint of suspicion, Levi nodded slowly. Maybe she was serious! Giving her hand a final squeeze, Levi darted forward...already struggling out of his sleeveless trench as he ran. "Coh meh! Rei! Schwim!!"Laughing as he kicked out of his boots, Levi continued his trek around the pool...seeking the deepest part. "Eheheh!!"Nodding once at Trance's explanation, Aki beamed at Cray...pushing forth with the same flutter of aura as she offered the babe a finger. She didn't have the slightest qualm about using Elunae's blessing as such...instant baby prozac was a blessing, not a faux pas. "A year, hmm? And...how about you?" Beaming at the shocking haired lad, Aki realized abruptly that might have been a rude question. After all, not one she would want to answer... Raife Raife chuckled. "Oh, you want me to swim?" She smiled. "Naw, I'm too lazy." She settled down to sit on the edge of the pool, rolling up her jeans to her knees to dangle her legs in, watching the boy's excited expression. "The water's nice though, and deep enough for you to dive, if you'd like." Trance grinned wolfishly. "I'm twenty three...." Happily shacking up with a hot angel or not, he couldn't resist teasing a bit. "...and no matter what Raife might have said...I do like girls too..." Cray seemed to share the mischievous spirit, and grabbed Aki's finger in a baby death grip, with a happy -and loud as always- squeal. Aki Slithering out of his shirt, Levi stomped upon the cuffs of his pants...pulling them off a little farther every time he lifted a foot. A roughly chipped pendant bounced against his chest as he struggled, light catching in the perfect blue. "Noh? Pshh. Faidy cat!"Leaping forward, hugging his knees to his chest, Levi splashed down into the water in just his boxers without hesitation. He'd forgotten to remove his headscarf...the tattered cloth bobbed to the surface before the pirate did. "Bah! Pah! Heheheh!""Really?" Shaking Cray's hand gently as he squeezed, Aki beamed up at Trance. "So do I!" Well, that hadn't come out right. Deciding to stop while she was ahead, Aki stepped back...attempting to disengage the baby death grip. The sound of a distant splash reached her suddenly, followed by the muffled but unmistakable sound of pirate glee. Narrowing her eyes in though, drying Mik's hair gently with the plush corner, Aki glanced sidelong at Trance. "You don't have a ...pool, do you?" Raife "Did you just call me a fraidy cat?" Raife peered at Levi in the water incrediously. The nerve of that little whelp! She shook her head and kicked her foot in the water, splashing him with a little torrent of water. Too bad she had a soft spot for insolent little boys. "We do...why?" Trance smiled curiously, reaching out to ruffle Mik's hair. The baby muse preened under the gesture, obviously quite used to the man and quite fond of him. Cray reached out with his other hand to mirror the gesture, but Trance pulled away before he could reach. This didn't seem to bother the baby's mood, as he kept on with the wide-spread grin. Aki "Yup" Sticking his tongue out at Raife, Levi kept his pace treading water. The splash was a minor comeback...surely the woman was worth much better. "Eh shissy, ah? Heh." Shrugging, he paddled backwards...patting the water beside him in invitation. Shrugging, Aki smiled...still bouncing Mik upon one hip. There was no point mentioning her hunch...if he couldn't see the ears, there was no need to point them out. Besides, it was fun to flirt with nonfeasible options!! "Just curious! I think I'll go get some sun...are you two busy?" The question hung playfully between them, her eyes bright with amusement. Raife Trance grinned, his eyes twinkling with merriment -not that they were visible- and he chuckled a bit. "Alas, I would, but I have a half-dressed boyfriend waiting for me to finish washing this one up and join him back in the garden. It's a very nice day though, good for the pool. I'd definitely recommend it." Cray started squirming at the word 'wash' and his eyes widened comically. It seemed he understood. Raife chuckled and stood up. "Okay, brat. You're going to get it now." She stalked over to the cabana and disappeared inside it, thinking of the best way to get the boy back for his retort. As she tugged on her swimsuit, she remembered the secret passage, and the cave. She could sneak into the pool and attack like a ninja, before he knew better! Perfect. She slipped out the back of the cabana, not in sight of the pool, so Levi wouldn't see. Aki "I understand! Off with you, enjoy yourself...and tell him hi for me!" Winking, Aki hefted the light muse...still juggling him on one hip. "It was lovely meeting you, Trance. Cray!" Nodding in a friendly manner, Aki walked out with the pair...making her way towards the door to the deck. "In the mood to dabble your feet, sweetie?" Leaning forward to kiss Mik atop his crown, Aki held him a bit closer. He was so quiet...it was hard to glean a response from motions alone. Eyes going wide as Raife disappeared, Levi shook his head slowly...one hand rising to slick his hair back. Where was she going?! Shrugging, the young pirate took a breath...diving to the bottom of the pool. Well, her loss!! Touching the bottom briefly, Levi kicked upwards once more...thoughts drifting to storms and surf. It had been so long... Perhaps Raife would enjoy a swim in the ocean! Aki had been promising him a swim for a while... Wiping the water from his eyes, Levi spluttered and sucked in a breath...treading water gracefully. Much cleaner than the pond, but how that chlorine stung!! Raife Mikhael snuggled into her, finding warmth. He reached up when she kissed his head and lightly tugged curiously on a stray few locks of hair. He burbled and reached for her mouth, pressing his fingers against it, remembering her putting the flute there and wondering if that's why he couldn't play. He chirped, to reassure himself he could make noises, and blew a little baby spitbubble with a silent giggle. Raife dashed a bit down to the cave, not far from the pool, padding through the damp darkness of it to the grotto in the back, and dove in. The water there was chlorinated too, as they'd blocked off the stream entrance into the cave, not wanting the chlorine to get into the natural stream. Taking a deep breath, she plunged under water, and darted quickly towards the pool. By the time she reached the pool, her lungs were burning with the need for air, but she took her sneak attack opportunity to sneak behind Levi and yank his legs down and dunk him! Aki Glancing down as she strolled, Aki smiled...though her smile was somewhat forced. Was Raife serious? Reaching foward gently, Aki tickled Mik right below his chin...just like she would a kitten. At the same moment, her eyes strayed...glancing up and down the babe's throat. Was he honestly....mute? Tangling his hair into a rough pony tail, Levi raised a dark brow...shrugging once more as he watched the door. Just as exciting as Aki, it seemed...which is to say not at all- Gasping as he was yanked below the surface, Levi snapped his mouth shut just in time...flailing at the hands grasping his sun browned legs. It was the storm! He was drowning! Eyes open despite the sting of chlorine, Levi glared in disbelief. No! It was...RAIFE!! Flailing in good natured revenge, Levi struggled for a hold...absently hooking her shoulder strap. As long as it was a hold, that's all he needed!! Raife As they neared the pool, Mik's eyes widened a bit at the sound of the splashing and noise. He didn't seem alarmed, more interested. It sounded like someone was having a giant bath, and he wanted to check it out. He tugged on Aki, and pointed forward, towards the noise, not knowing it was the direction they were already headed. Raife struggled and batted Levi's hands away before swimming up to the top and surfacing with a gasp. She thanked the heavens she'd been wearing a one piece and the boy hadn't tugged the top right off! The last thing she needed was to be in charge of discussing why that wasn't appropriate. She smirked at the boy, pleased at how well her sneak attack had worked. "What am I again now? What was it? A fraidy cat? Who was struggling like a baited fish a second ago?" Aki Obliging within a few steps, Aki had pulled the door open...stepping out onto the deck quietly. Despite the tale Raife had told her, he seemed rather well adjusted. Perhaps, in time...? Stepping out onto the deck, Aki waved just as Levi popped to the surface. So! She was the only one without a bath!! Bursting to the surface, Levi bobbed upwards panting...laughing between gasps. So! Not all chicks were sissies after all! Speaking of, Levi turned to wave to Aki. Ah, there was Mik! "Eh! Ah schwim?!"Shaking her head, Aki hefted the babe Levi was addressing...still walking forward. "Levi, we have to go before too long...you know that. Finish your game, sweetie!!" Raife Mikhael reached out to Levi in the pool, unafraid of the water. It was one of few fears he didn't have, and besides! Levi and Raife were there! How bad could it be? He tugged at Aki and pointed to the pool. In true little boy fashion, he didn't seem to care that he'd just had a bath, and been dressed, and was all clean. Raife caught Levi in a headlock, grinning and distracting the pirate, thinking Mik might start a fuss if Levi started calling more for him to get in the pool and he couldn't get in. "Oi, you think a bebe's going to save you?" Aki Gasping and kicking as Raife put him in a hold, Levi waved Mik away...grinning despite his predicament. "Run! Ah beet 'er!! " It was useless to try to wrench her arm away, Raife was pretty strong! Instead, Levi tried the tactic Aki used to use on him...dropping his hands and reaching around behind his back to prod at his attackers ribs gently. "Tiko tiko!!"Aki tugged Mik's cuffs up as she walked, making sure the babe had bare feet and hands to dabble in the shallows. Settling down on the top step, sliding her down bare feet into the water, Aki set Mik down on his bottom right in front of her. "Just your feet, kay sweetie? Levi will come over to play with you soon! If...he doesn't drown first." Winking down at Mik, her hands still on the boy's waist, Aki slapped the water with her soles. It certainly looked like fun! Raife Raife squirmed, but obviously wasn't as ticklish as Aki, as she held tight, lifting him up out of the water and tossing him towards the edge of the pool near Aki and Mik, but careful not to toss him too close to the edge. The last thing she needed was a pirate with a concussion. Mik peered in the water at all the splashing and commotion and leeaaanned forward as far as he could with his butt firmly planted on the edge of the pool. The tips of his fingers and his feet wiggled in the water, his hair curling up a bit at the ends as it finished its drying cycle even as he was splashed with tiny droplets of water. He looked up at Aki with a big smile. He loved watching his friends play and have fun! Aki Sucking in a breath as he dropped back into the pool, Levi scrambled away...one hand breaking the surface to snag his headscarf from where it still floated. Emerging with a splash as the water became too shallow, the pirate turned to grin at Raife over one shoulder as he waded towards the edge. "Jussu wait!""Grab a towel and get dry, Levi! Be a gentleman and get one for Raife as well?" Nodding towards where she'd seen the towels earlier, Aki raised a brow at the dripping boy as he slogged up the shallow inner steps of the pool. Shrugging noncommittally, Levi paused to reach down for Mik...running a wet thumb in a playful snub over the baby's nose. "Wanna commeh pond? Schwim moh!"Raife Raife popped her head out of the changing room. "What, pool water's not good enough for you?" She grinned and shook her head. "Go right ahead. There's a fridge with sodas in it outside though if you'd rather that." She changed into fresh clothes, yanking her wet hair back into a ponytail to keep it out of her face, and to stop it from tangling any more than it already was, and grabbed another towel before leaving the cabana to join Aki. Mik clung to Levi, not seeming to care about getting wet at all. Levi didn't quite smell like Levi though, with all the chlorine. It was weird. He was used to the smell of sea that usually accompanied the boy. Sniffing a bit, he burbled to convey this fact, though it was arguably useless. Aki Plopping the lad back down on the ground, Levi snagged two towels....tucking one under his arm and drying his hair fiercely with the other. Peering at Mik sidelong as he scrubbed, narrowed blue eyes barely visible behind his dancing bangs, Levi tried to separate the burbles into words. "Huh? Uh 'ungry bebeh?" Flipping his hair back as he stood straight once more, Levi settled his towel across his shoulders. His clean toes, still wet from the pool, sneaked out to poke the lad in the side as Levi balanced on one foot. "Yeah?"Laughing despite herself, Aki rolled her eyes at the pool water jest and waved off the soda. "Nope, elves and caffeine don't mix. Can I get you anything though?" Pouring a glass, Aki took a long drink...filling it up once more before turning to keep an eye on the boys Raife Mik giggled -it sounded more like a heavy wheezing except for the huge smile on his face- and scrunched at the poking, helplessly ticklish. He continued to burble, fairly aware Levi didn't understand him, but unaware of any other way of communication. He did, however, manage a Levi impersonation, tying a nearby towel around his head like Levi's bandana- a skill he'd started to develop to illustrate to Raife who he wanted to see at any given time. Raife shook her head. "Naw, I'm alright." She turned to look over at the two boys. "That boy's going to be trouble." She wasn't sure who she was talking about, Mik or Levi, and trouble for who, for that matter? ...maybe she should tell Aki about the letter... Aki Aki nodded slowly, sipping a bit more daintily now that she'd had her fill. It never occurred to her that Raife could be talking about Mik! "Yup, that he will. It's so odd...they grow up so fast..." Her words trailed off as she shrugged. It wasn't just a cliche saying. Levi had just celebrated his birthday. His first birthday. He looked a bit older than twelve months. "I wonder...what makes them different." Being different was the last thing from Levi's mind. At the moment, he was working on perfecting his little clone. Chuckling as he adjusted Mik's makeshift headscarf, Levi tugged it deliberately crooked...almost obscuring one of the lad's wide eyes. "Dah! Yeeeeah!" Offering his hand to Mik, Levi pointed to the nearest window...eager to show the boy his reflection. They could be pirates together!! Tugging his own wrap on with his other hand, Levi grinned at Mik. He was way more fun than Nisha!! All she ever wanted to do was sleep. Raife Raife nodded, already distracted by the mere thought of the letter. Different? Oh yes. Her little boy was definitely that. Her mouth set into a little frown, and she sighed, leaning against the wall. "How...old would you say Levi is anyway?" Mik had files with him, but, being as the pirate boy hadn't -atleast as far as she knew- been from some sort of laboratory, she guessed that his age was a bit more tenative. Mik grinned really widely at his reflection, and toppled over with laughter. With the same blue eyes and black hair combination, he did look a bit like Levi. Still different though...he pressed his fingers against the window. There were those wings...and...he was a bit pale...-oh, but his friend Alex was pale!- but...something felt different. Unnerved, he stretched his arms back up towards his friend, wanting reassurance. Aki Without a second thought, Levi scooped Mik back up...toddling towards the cabana. "Eh. Gibbit tur mum!" Pushing the extra towel into Mik's arms, Levi peered around the corner for Raife...looking both ways. "About a year, I'd say. Sinclaire gave me the date...he was fresh off the factory floor when she got him. Still shiny and new! So around that, I'd say. Oh, incoming. Hope you're dressed!" Taking another sip of her water, Aki smiled as Levi peered her direction. "Why don't you let Mik be for a bit, and go get dressed?" Levi shrugged as best he could while holding the babe. Why? He was wearing shorts! Or boxers...whatever! Raife Raife grabbed the towel, fully dressed, and scrubbed it over her hair, catching the dripping from the ends. "Thanks, Levi." She seemed unconcerned about Mik staying with Levi while he dressed. "You can go change in the boys' room if you change Mik again too." She chuckled and turned to Aki with an apologetic look. "Sorry about him getting wet again. When Levi and Mik change, I'll treat you to both to pizza. Mik loves the cheese. He picks it off the pizza and leaves the rest." Mik stayed firmly rooted in Levi's arms, still burbling and trying to communicate. Every time he knew an actual word, he would try to either pantomime it, or occassionally say it, but it usually came out in a whisp of breath that may have, if you listened very carefully, sounded like the word. The pantomime for Raife had been a pair of glasses, and when he was talking about Levi himself, he pointed at the makeshift scarf....it was still all jumbled up. Aki Grabbing his clothes, Levi bounced off...following Mik's gesture down the hall. Mik burbled and sighed like Nisha did when she was asleep...which was a nice treat. She was usually shrieking when she was awake!! Settling his friend down with a huff, Levi stretched. For a light baby, he sure seemed heavy after a while! "Hokay. Eh crows?" Looking around for the clothes, Levi hopped into his own pants...dancing as he tugged them upwards. The shirt followed after...sleeveless jacket still wadded upon the floor. Twisting as Levi galloped past her, still carrying Mik, Aki smiled. "Going out sounds great. Sundae's afterwards if you're in the mood! There is a great new shop that opened down town!" It was always a treat to skip a night of cooking! Besides, Elle was in for the night, watching the little ones...she didn't have to rush home! It was an odd feeling. After caring for so many, with only Wasa to give her a hand, having a live in nanny was a dream come true. Reminding herself to invite Raife out later that week and leave Mik with Elle, Aki turned to follow the boys. "Almost ready?" Raife Mik was pulling open a drawer when Aki came in, his fingers buried in his own clothes, mostly shades of blue and white, but with some sturdier play clothes in darker, more stain resistant colors. His fingers dug in until he found a shirt that matched Levi's striped shirt, and made a eureka! noise, gesturing wildly. Raife followed after Aki, peering in and chuckling at Mik's hands buried in the drawer. He was already fond of picking out his own clothes, even though he was still docile if she picked them out for him. Aki There were plenty of hands to help tug Mik into his new dry shirt. A few minutes later, both boys were dressed...dark locks of curling wet hair still dripping down the sides of Levi's face. "Yuh wok?" Offering Mikael his hand, Levi grinned encouragingly. Levi would be there to hold him up!! Glancing to Raife curiously, Aki nodded at the pair. Her question was clear. Was it possible? Was Mik already walking? Raife Mikhael carefully climbed his way to the ground, his feet hitting the floor, as he settled into a standing position, gripping Levi's hand tightly. He could walk with help, but not hands free. He gripped both hands on Levi's one, and sort of crab-walked forward, sideways, watching his feet and the floor uncertainly. Raife gestured for Aki's benefit, as Mikhael stumbled forward. She smiled and offered an incentive to the two boys. "Oi, you guys up for some pizza?" She emphasized the word so that Mikhael caught it. His little feet danced and he clapped, letting go of Levi's hand, but falling over in exchange. Aki A few seconds later, Levi was at the door. Aki sighed, shaking her head...sometimes he forgot that babies weren't as durable as young pirates, no matter how much they looked like them!! Scooping the babe back up, cuddling him as though she'd missed him in the brief moments he'd been in Levi's care, Aki followed her boy down the hall. "I think that's a yes." Levi nodded again, just to reinforce Aki's assessment. "Thanks for the invitation, Raife! Where is my...ah!" Scooping her purse up from the end table, Aki motioned with her chin to Levi. He caught the hint. "Yup! Hanku!!" Grinning at the woman, still shifting his weight from foot to foot, Levi did the pizza dance restlessly. Raife Raife chuckled and scooped Levi up as he'd done Mik, holding him upside down, jackets and everything dangling. "Well, Pizza's no good unless you have your friends around!" She grinned, looking over at Aki and Mik. "You have everything?" Mik snuggled into Aki's arms, just as content not to walk, especially since pizza was coming." He wiggled his fingers and reached for her ears, grabbing at them, and burbling more, as if to say, "hey, listen. We're having pizza!" Aki Aki nodded, giving the all clear. Holding the door open for Raife and Upside Down Levi, She rattled the handle to make sure it would lock behind them. "We're ready! Little ones, check! Purses, check! After you, darlings!" Levi grunted as he squirmed...choking out a few strangled laughs. Fighting to bring his hands to his face, Levi made the 'Raife's glasses' motion....hanging his tongue out for Mik's amusement. "Baah!!"Raife Mik giggled and buried his head in Aki's shoulder. The scandal! Levi was making fun of Raife! Raife smiled and escorted the upside down boy out, scooping him up and over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Onward towards pizza we go!" She pointed, like a mighty explorer, grinning.
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Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 11:45 pm
Elle M N O P
Levi stirred his dinner slowly...gazing with dark and suspicious eyes at Aki over the rim of his bowl. His headscarf was in the laundry, instead he wore his hair back in a simple shaggy ponytail. Scooping up a steaming potato, he blew on it gingerly...azure gaze never leaving Aki's face. She was up to something.
Nisha, however, was oblivious. Graham crackers covered the tray of her highchair, smashed and crumbled in her tiny fists. Licking the crumbs from one tiny palm, a fine string of drool dipping to the plastic, she smacked happily. "Abababa!!" Soggy graham crackers were excellent!
Desperate was occupied glancing from Levi to Aki, ears furled in confusion. The silence was heavy...Nisha was the only one immune to it. Brush of a tail swishing as he waited, Desperate finally stomped to break the tension. Dishes rattled and leapt in the cupboards, the clatter jerking Aki to attention.
"DESPERATE! What?!" He had his food! Five slices of water melon and an entire bowl of oats, milk, and honey rested on the low table by his feet!!
Swinging his trunk upwards, Desperate pointed comically towards Levi. The pirate's eyes still hadn't left Aki's face.
"Yoh."
"Yes?"
"Whus dat?" Motioning rudely with his soup spoon, Levi gestured toward the untouched place setting at the head of the table. A plate sat unused beside Aki, complete with its own bowl, silverware, and mug.
Raising a brow, Aki settled back with a smile. "It's dishes."
Levi's glare grew a touch darker. "Foh...hu?"
"For me. If I may?"
Elle strolled into the kitchen, bare feet silent on the stone floor. The young pirate twisted in his seat, one arm over the back as he stared towards the unfamiliar voice. Unfamiliar voice....and unfamiliar body. What a body it was. Levi shifted about in his seat...mouth hanging absurdly open as he stared in abject fascination.
"Buddy 'ell."
Aki's palm met her forehead with a significant smack. Flopping onto the tray of her highchair in a fit of giggles, Nisha scattered her graham crackers every which way. Her little hand bobbed against her forehead in imitation of her embarrassed guardian. Aki was so funny!!
With a gesture almost as classic as Levi's expression, Elle reached out as she passed and shut his mouth with a crook of her finger. Ruffling his hair in a way entirely too sisterly for Levi's liking, Elle took her seat.
"Levi, this is Elle. Be polite. Elle, these are my children....Levi, Nisha, and Desperate." Motioning to the elephant with a shrug and a smile, Aki nonetheless introduced the Daemon as family. Nisha burbled in approval, one flapping hand reaching towards the young pachyderm. Or towards his oatmeal, one of the two.
Sliding out of his seat, Levi was already on the move. Sweeping Elle's hand from the table before she had the chance to object, he pressed a warm kiss against her knuckles. His other hand arched out in a flourish, just as he'd seen in the picture book of tales.
Hand dropping to the pile of sodden cookies, Desperate forgotten, Nisha watched with wide and pale eyes. What a strange silence. Something bad happened, she reasoned. Was some one going to get time out?
Aki was almost out of her seat, but Elle raised her other hand in time. Motioning the elf to sit, Elle inclined her head to Levi and withdrew her hand gracefully. "Well met. I expect such a gentleman will behave himself during tomorrows lessons?"
Levi was nearly back in his seat by the time that sank in. "Lesson?" What an ominous word.
It was Aki, not Elle, who responded. "Lessons. Elle is going to be your...governess?" There had to be a better word! Frowning for a moment, Aki finally gave up with a sigh. "She has stories and projects for you to work on. For both of you!"
Turning to include Nisha in her smile, Aki tried to make home schooling sound just as bright and cheery as possible. Neither child appeared to buy it.
Levi's sidelong suspicion was ruined by his drifting gaze. "Pugget?"
"Projects. Yes! We'll make some things, others we'll take apart!" Elle smiled, tuning into the surge of interest that rose from Levi's distracted mind. Ah, so he was the adventurous type!
Nisha was still a bit aloof. She stared at Elle as though the woman suggested something vile, little face scrunched up in obvious disdain. Her expression lightened as Aki tickled her under the chin. She didn't have any clue what a lesson was, but Elle's tone caught her attention. It was a mommy tone! But Aki already filled that role...
Throwing graham cracker seemed like a good compromise. Shrieking with laughter as Elle picked the soggy cookie chunks from her hair, Nisha rocked back in her high chair. Desperate didn't seem so amused. The Daemon darted forward, picking at the mess as best he could with his trunk tip. Even Aki was on her feet, sighing as she leaned forward with a napkin.
"I'm so sorry, Elle..."
"A baby is a baby is a baby. Some things never change. Thank you, both of you, but it's fine!" Reassuring the pair with a wave of her hand, Elle simply shook the rest of the crumbs from her burnished hair. She'd be messier before the night was through!
Well, that wasn't much of a reaction. Nisha settled for eating the crackers rather than hurling them, sucking her soggy crumb covered fingers clean. Levi, however, hadn't been distracted from the issue at hand.
"Ahmorrow?"
"Tomorrow. Yes." The gentle correction went unnoticed by the lad. "Meet me for breakfast, we'll start then!"
A few things had begun to filter through for Levi. Tomorrow...that meant Elle would be back! Stories and projects didn't sound too bad. Besides, Elle had the sweetest smell to her...something between sage and apple. Not a bad change, after Desperate's company!
Keeping one eye on the kids, Aki leaned in to offer Elle the bread basket. "Still think you're up to this? I really appreciate the help."
Elle nodded, her smile genuine. Little upturned faces dwelled in a silent memory within her, the image all but faded by the smell of the warm bread and the pinch of her rumbling stomach. Hopefully, that too would fade.
She was needed here.
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Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:36 pm
An evening out!Aki Leaning fully out the window, one arm waving, Aki blew kisses to the little 'uns. She wasn't too worried, Elle was great, and Levi and Mik could keep each other company! Nisha was already asleep in Aki's bed, her favorite pastime. "I'll miss you! Be good!" Cliche', but true. Levi raised a single hand in bored farewell, turning to give Mik a sidelong brow raise. No Aki? No Raife? No problem. Waving as the compact convertible pushed forward over the gravel, Elle called out in rich amusement. "Get a hotel or a cab if you have to! No need to hurry, enjoy yourselves!!" Aki had confided that they'd be having a few drinks. After all, a night off was almost unheard of! Raife Raife was driving casually, her hand stuck out the window to wave as she glanced briefly out the mirror to look out fondly at her baby that she'd entrusted to some girl and a pirate. Aki said they'd be alright, and well, at least she trusted Aki, so, there they were. Driving..to some bar. Mik's folder rested ominously on her lap along with a growing pile of letters, and tucked on the seat next to her was a mini dvd player. She'd recorded what had been on the tape onto dvd so she could show Aki if she wanted to see. She had to show someone. It was driving her insane. She had the boys to talk to at home, but she hated to ruin their nestling bliss, and somehow, it just didn't seem right to dredge up something with them that they all knew about. She didn't want them to look at Mikhael with sad eyes. Someone needed to be happy for him. "Mmmh, so, where's this place we're going to?" Raife didn't get out much. Aki "It's right below my old place, by the labs. Lurid Dive? It's better than it sounds, don't worry." At least, so Arsenic had told her. Smoothing her skirt over her hips, Aki settled back into her seat and took one last peek in the side mirror. Levi was already dashing off, trying to scoop Mik up in his arms so they could go play. Elle watched patiently, turning to wave once more as soon as she jumped into focus. "Think they'll be okay with out us? I don't get out much..." Mirroring Raife's sentiment unknowingly, Aki sighed and smiled. "A pirate and an elephant? Poor Elle. Lucky for her Mik is an angel..." As the car trundled out of sight, Elle turned back to the boys. "Stay close, please. If you need anything, I'll be here!" Basket at her feet, Elle was gathering herbs at the fringe of the garden. Nisha would be asleep for sometime yet, after the tea she'd had for her teething ache. She had only the boys to watch over...and how hard could that be? Raife "Angel. Right. Well, as long as Levi doesn't go anywhere, I'm sure he'll be fine." She pursed her lips at the thought of what would happen if Elle tried to pick Mikhael up, and chuckled a bit, weakly. He'd taken to kicking, and the results hadn't been friendly. Why, just yesterday, she'd had to break up a fight between the two muse babies in the house, a scuffle with kicks and crying, all because Cray had sat on Mikhael's lap. She turned the corner onto a busy street, slowly distancing the two women from the house. Raife squinted up at a street sign, murmuring directions in her head. Mikhael clung to his friend and eyed the young woman suspiciously. What was Raife doing, leaving him and Levi with a stranger? How dangerous! He burbled his concerns to the young pirate. Aki A few minutes later, the house was out of sight...and the streets were once again paved. "Left at the light!" Aki's eyes strayed once again to the clutter upon Raife's lap. She was a bit quiet...perhaps now wasn't the right time to push. Slipping out of her shoes, Aki folded her legs beneath her and smiled. "You remember the way? I can just keep side seat driving if you'd like..." Levi held Mik close, unintentionally a bit tight as always. Turning towards Elle as she cautioned them, Levi favored her with a dazzling smile. "Hokay!!" He bounced Mik a bit, hefting him upwards...hoping the boy would smile as well. It was nice when Elle was happy! Trundling towards the roses twining up the corner of the Villa, Levi set Mik down gently on the soft grass. "Hey, 'ere." Plucking an long bladed iris leaf from the vibrant cluster, Levi leaned forward to tuck it behind Mik's ear. It poked back at a cocky angle, like a bold pheasants feather. Selecting another for himself, Levi crammed it behind his ear and grinned. All suited up. Time to go. Raife Raife nodded. "I think I know the area now that I'm in it." She turned and drove the rest of the way to the bar, parking near the door. The place seemed subtly lively from the outside, with just enough business to keep the parking lot respectibly full, but not enough to make it hard to find parking. She gathered up the accessories from her lap into a neat pile, then got out of the car, nodding quietly at Aki. There was much to talk about. Mik pushed himself up to standing, abandoning his large jacket on the ground. It made it thoroughly too difficult to walk, he kept tripping over it, and walking was hard enough as it is! He'd just started going solo recently, in fact, and he was still trying to get his sea legs, so-to-speak. He took a few tenative steps forward, then wobbled, then a few more, then beamed at Levi. Aki Slamming the door, Aki hurried to catch up with Raife...hitching her purse over one shoulder as she walked. Her eyes kept drifting to the other woman's face. Was it that serious? Aki was beginning to feel bad for making light on the drive out. If her friend had this much on her mind, she'd need to be a bit more perceptive. Pushing open the door, Aki nodded inward as the music and light spilled forth. "They have private booths, curtains and all. Take your pick." Within, bodies twined to esoteric rhythms, piercings glittering as patrons murmured and laughed. Velvet and leather, the type of crowd that wouldn't look twice at an elf in a miniskirt. Aki took a breath of the heavy air and smiled. Arsenic hadn't let her down. Mouth falling open, Levi watched Mik with wide eyes...gaze narrowing in vulpine satisfaction as Mik beamed up at him. "Hoyah? Heh! 'Amere!" Levi held up his hand in earnest appreciation, waiting for a high five. Mik was a baby no longer!! Mik was...mobile!!! Despite this realization, Levi's other arm curved outward... unconsciously ready to move if Mik should fall. Brothers weren't for hurting, after all. Raife Raife arched her eyebrow a bit at the scene of the club, a bit startled. It'd been a while since she'd been to a club, and there hadn't been so much...grinding...had there? She shook her head to clear it, clutching the folders tighter -as if someone would want to steal those!- and wound her way through tables to the back, moving quietly, with the ease of someone used to making her way through crowds unnoticed, and slid into a booth. "Well then." She sighed, fingering the edge of the folder, and waited for Aki to get situated. Mik craned his body up, and slapped his hand against Levi's haphazardly, having been taught the rituals of male bonding from Trance. He didn't exactly know what it meant, but that it was a happy thing. His stretched out body wobbled, caught off guard by the change in center of gravity, and he grasped Levi's oustretched arm to keep himself upright. Aki Aki waited until Raife was comfortable, and settled in herself. By the time she'd wiggled out of her purse, a girl had sauntered over to hand them a pair of pricelists...menu was too gracious a term. Taking hers with a nod, Aki waited for the chick to stroll away once more. Leaning forward, hands once again gripping the strap of her bag, Aki glanced from the pile to Raife. The specials were forgotten upon the table. "Is everything okay, Raife?" Levi chuckled as Mik grappled with his sleeve, using his other am to straighten the lad back to solid footing. "Noh bah!" Nodding happily, Levi snuck a glance at Elle. She was still pulling grass, or whatever. Peering down again at Mik, Levi motioned with a tilt of his head further around the Villa. They'd stay in sight, for now...but Elle wouldn't mind if they went just a little farther, right? Offering his hand to Mik, Levi took a little step...content to move at his friend's pace. Maybe Raife wanted to take Nisha for a while, and let Mik stay! Raife Mik took Levi's hand -a rather lovely help for unsteady feet, and followed Levi further away from Elle. Hey, he was all for getting away from strangers. The more space between them the better! He continued to burble to his friend. Occassionally, he attempted a word. They were unintelligible at best, mute at worst. When sound did come out, it was a raspy babble of air, and unable to distinguish. He, though, seemed to know exactly what he was saying. Raife shook her head. "No. Everything's....well, it's just not right. It hasn't been right since that poor child came into my care." She pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. "I don't know what to do anymore. I have to find a way to protect him from... this.Aki Nodding at Mik's baby noises, Levi crunched his brows in consideration. "Hokay. Look!" Kneeling by the slanted cellar doors, Levi poked the heavy square lock keeping the panels shut. A fat caterpillar scooted across the wood away from the pair, hoping desperately it hadn't been noticed. Worry written across her face, Aki reached forward to lay her hand on the evidence Raife held. "From what?" The young woman with the attitude began her trek to the booth once more...Aki halted her from thirty feet away with an upraised hand. "What happened?!" Raife Too bad for the caterpillar, because Mikhael's watchful eyes had noticed it, and he gingerly picked it off the door, prodding Levi and babbling as it swirmed and curled in his hand fitfully. A big beaming boyish smile spread over his face at the little bug in his hand, and he set it down gently on his hand so it wouldn't be so distraught. He was quite proud of his new find, and not quite ready to let it go, but he didn't like to see it in pain. And it certainly was more interesting than some old shut door! Raife pushed the stack of letters at Aki. "It's everything...the letters...his past....it's horrible, Aki...no one..should have to go through this...especially not a baby..and..I..have a sinking feeling that this is just the tip...the tip of the iceberg." The letters that passed between the two women were all variations of that first jarring letter. Some were threats against her, some against the silent muse child. All were frighteningly vicious from people they'd never even met. Aki Leafing through them slowly, Aki was soon pulling letters from their envelopes and staring wide eyed at the hate within. Raife was right, this was big....much bigger than irritated bigots. "Why...who?!" Her hands were shaking. Suddenly, Aki realized how hard it must have been for Raife to leave Mik behind. Lifting her gaze to Raife's, Aki dropped her voice to a whisper. "He's just a boy. He's just...why?" Levi blinked, leaning forward to stare with fascination at the fuzzy worm on Mik's hand. Poking it casually, he grinned as it curled up into a knot to ward off attack. "Bhug. Hey, ahnna seun eck?" Pointing towards the cliffs, Levi promptly forgot about the caterpillar...his eyes straying once more to Elle. Pinching another bunch of lemongrass off at the hilt, Elle smiled to herself. She could feel the excitement rolling off the boys, as clearly as their laughter burbled between them. Levi, at least...he shined as clear as a summer day. Children were so open, so unguarded...such a love of life was the greatest gift of all. She glanced towards them every so often...unnecessary, really. If they needed help, she would be there. Raife Raife pressed her lips together and opened the folder to its first page. There was a polaroid of Mikhael, along with a laundry list of information about him. She'd seen this far into the folder at least. It was fairly straightforward and factual, yet, still somehow heartwrenching. The Mikhael of the picture was barely older than a newborn, maybe two months old at the most. He was still fully feathered, but tears could be seen streaming down his cheeks already in the picture. It listed his date of birth, his physical features, his species, and information about his lineage. Under the section labeled "parents", both lines read "deceased." Everything was written in Spencer's firm, meticulous script, without a trace of emotion in the words. He went on, at the bottom, to describe the state of the baby when he first arrived. The words "seems distressed, cause unknown" and "overly dependent" leapt off the page. Mik's eyes lifted and followed Levi's gesture towards the cliffs. He didn't know what his friend was saying, but he was sure it had to be something interesting. He'd follow Levi to the end of the Earth if that's the way Levi pointed. Indeed, his baby legs started off in that direction, assured in Levi's direction pointing, even if he hadn't understood. Aki She never reached the end. Shoving all the letters aside, Aki squeezed her eyes shut as the cover of the folder drifted closed. Raising one hand, Aki began speaking before the girl had made it all the way to the table. She ordered the first thing of the menu. "Wild platter. Tokyo Iced Tea...and two on the side." Waiting for Raife to order, Aki's eyes settled once more on the stomach turning stack. Not good. Not good at all. Oh, Mik. Levi trundled along slowly, reaching down to poke the leaf back into place as it began to slide. It occurred to him abruptly...Mik didn't have his jacket! Twisting around to point, Levi raised a brow. "Annit?"Elle paused, one hand cradling the spray of yarrow. Only Levi's heart echoed back to her...the boy beside him was silent. Untrusting. Adding the sprig to her basket, Elle took one more look at the boys before starting to the house. She'd get Mik a few pillows in case he wanted to rest. A snack, perhaps, some comfort food. What a tale he must have... Raife Raife frowned down at the menu, trying to focus her eyes. "Mmh. I..don't drink often....I don't...know...order for me?" She shut the folder violently and pushed it aside, glaring at it, as if it was the source of the evil. "I feel like I've been plunged back into some sort of...sufferage ice age. Just because he's a half blood...the venom..the violence..I don't understand it. Sometimes I expect people to break down my door with pitchforks and torches...and...." She frowned. "Is it always going to be this way for him?" Mik shook his head when Levi pointed at his jacket. He loved the fluffy coat, but he couldn't move with it! He'd have to be carried, and Levi had been so happy when he'd walked, a high-five and everything! He still had feathers tied onto his belt, anyway that he could hold for reassurance. He continued to march forward, determinedly, wobbling every couple of steps. Aki Leaving the order as it stood, Aki nodded to the girl. She couldn't quite meet Raife's eyes as she vented...wondering the same, but knowing even less. "Is...there anyone you can ask for help?" What would the police say? It hardly seemed an option. Once again, Levi was aglow with amusement...grinning as Mik clearly declined. Well, wasn't this something! "Hey! 'Avin fun?" Although he didn't realize he was doing it, Levi nodded a bit encouragingly. That would be something, Mik talking and walking! He still hadn't quite realized that Mik's silence was deeper than it seemed. Elle vanished into the kitchen, her basket drying upon the porch. She worked quickly...some fruit and cookies, beef jerky for the little carnivore. Pouring two glasses of milk, she tucked the milk back into the fridge. In theory, they were still behaving...there was no surge of worry or swell of mischief from Levi. All was quiet, that was telling enough. Raife Raife pursed her lips. "I don't know....the police...it's not like we know where these letters are coming from...." She tapped one on the edge of the table. "I know they're from muses, which makes it even worse. The muse government doesn't deal with humans often...and...I've been told most of them are staying carefully neutral when it comes to the issue of Mik." She frowned. "From the little I've been able to find out about them, his mother was the muse...his father her artist. A famous singer, apparently. And dead. Both of them." Mik sat down with a plop onto the grass, smiling up at Levi, after a moment. All this walking was wearing him out a bit. Those muscles weren't quite developed yet. He picked at the grass and examined his fingers before stuffing them in his mouth. Aki Levi waited for a spell to see if Mik would rise again. The grass eating convinced him it would not be so. Flopping down next to him, Levi tumbled over and came to rest upon his back. "Eh good?" The breeze carried summer dandelion seeds...a bit chill as it brushed the ocean. The clouds above were fat and smeared, white against a too blue sky. There wasn't much she could say. Aki was still digesting. Lips parted, she tried to make sense of it. Another government? Factions? Her stomach clenched in worry. Life had been so quiet for so long....for a few precious years, Aki had forgotten this feeling. "What can I do?" Raife Mikhael leant against his 'big brother' his eyes cast up at the sky. He vaguely remembered a time where he had had wings that could lift him up. He wanted to touch those fat white clouds, and his fingers reached up towards them, while he craned his neck to look at his back. No..those weren't right at all. Those wings wouldn't get him anywhere. Raife shook her head and put her head down on the table as the girl came back with the drinks. She took one of aki's glasses and took a sip. Her face wrinkled a bit. It burned. She wasn't used to it. She coughed a little, and put her head back down. "I don't even know what I should do, Aki....I'm sorry..for burdening you with this." Aki "Well, what can we do? Maybe, if we put our heads together..." That was far from where her head was. She was so confused, still reeling from the idea that such malice had been pushed into Raife's life. "Why...are they so opposed? What is so wrong?!" Taking a glass for herself, Aki pushed the straw to the side...tipping the glass back as she sipped from the rim. She wasn't much in the mood to drink, she wanted to be back with Mik. "We....we could hide you?" She raised her gaze with sudden interest. "My place is more than big enough. What do you say? Let them sniff a dead trail." Levi stretched one hand out as well, chuckling as he wiggled his fingers. Unlike Mik, he was perfectly content on this rock by the sea. The sky was pretty, but out of reach. Not so bad! "Ah duckie." Outlining a trailing cloud with a sweep of his finger, Levi grinned. A ducky...or a bowl of stew!! Almost on cue, Elle made her way quietly across the grass. Setting the plate and mugs upon the grass beside Levi, she smiled at the pair. Levi smiled back, eyes bright. "Here you go. You can feed what's left to the seagulls. Be careful, please." She didn't try to approach Mik, his distrust welled up with a metallic tang as soon as she'd approached. Just a smile was enough. Raife "It's...human...or muse...well, it's just the nature of things, I suppose." She frowned and pressed her nose to her glass, before finishing it up. She was already getting a little pink in the cheeks. It didn't seem that she handled liquor well at all. "I...can't live with you. No." She shook her head. "I'm not bringing that into your house, and I'm not...I'm not going to make more of it than it is. They're just letters. If I don't teach Mikhael to ignore it now...well, he's going to be running for the rest of his life." Mik watched Elle approach with shrewd eyes, cuddling up to his 'big brother' concernedly and burbling whispers of discontent. The uncertain frown on his face told all. Aki Her mouth opened automatically, a thousand reasons on the tip of her tongue. Instead of speaking, however, Aki pushed a straw between her lips and held her tongue. One didn't stroll through centuries of life without learning a little control. Taking a few long sips, she pushed the glass back and nodded slowly. "I...can see where you're coming from. First, about the house...I wouldn't have offered if I didn't know what it entailed. You know that, right?" It hadn't been an empty offer...Raife had been a friend for a long time, and she'd never seen the woman as scattered or wounded as she appeared now before her. Reaching out to take her friend's hand, fingers still cold and clammy from gripping the glass, Aki tried to show love in her face rather than the conflict in her tone. "As far as teaching Mik to ignore it..." She took a breath. Careful words, gentle words. "It's...hard learning to live with that kind of discrimination." Her hair was tucked behind her tapered ears, rare for a public appearance. She knew all too well. "Ignoring it won't make it go away. Whatever is best for him. Anything. Mik is a strong boy, he's proved that much. I'm guessing he's also a smart boy. I think the lessons will present themselves." Aki let Raife's hand go gently, and took another sip...hoping she hadn't offended her companion. Levi sat up, smiling at Elle as she set down the tray. "Hanku! Hokay, cowfull." Reaching out to pull Mik close, Levi settled his head upon the lad's shoulder and gazed alongside him at Elle's retreating back, cheek to cheek with the young halfling. "Ahno 'yike Elle? She sokay...kay?" Giving Mik a squeeze, Levi grinned. What was there not to like? Pulling back slowly, Levi took a deep breath. The day wasn't over yet, and they had lots to do. Should they ride on the rowboat? A decent breeze had cut the heat...ruffling the dark hair of both the lads gently. with a start, Levi realized what they should do. "Oooh, ahna maeka sayah?" It was the perfect idea! If the rowboat had a sail, they could have way more fun!Raife "Maybe it'll..die down.." She offered weakly, though she knew it was just getting worse as more and more of the community found out about his existence. She poked her nose a bit at the now empty glass of liquor, sighing and murmuring. "'should..show you the video." God, she could feel the liquor. What kind of lightweight was she? After only one drink? She grumbled. "What is this...super liquor?" Mik made a small noise of question. "Eh?" Levi said she was okay...well, it didn't matter now, Levi was still talking, and it sounded exciting. He pushed himself up to his feet, toddled unsteadily over to the food, and crouched next to it, almost toppling forward into it, and delicately picked out a small cookie and offered it to Levi. Aki Smiling in relief, Aki raised a hand for the server. Good, Raife wasn't mad. It was hard for her to voice contrary opinion, even if it didn't seem contrary to others. As the girl sauntered over, Aki pushed the 'menus' across the table. "Not in a reading mood. Bring us a sampler of whatever the kitchen is proud of, nothing too exotic. Some water and hot chocolate as well. Add the tab to Arsenic's...I pay it anyways." Waiting for Raife to add whatever additions she might have, Aki sighed quietly as the girl shrugged and wandered into the back. She didn't like to sound snooty, but ordering was the last thing on her mind at the moment. "There is a video?" Opening his mouth obligingly, Levi crunched the cookie right out of Mik's hand...numming on his fingers just like he did to Nisha. Grinning as he pulled back, chewing open mouthed, Levi grabbed a slice of kiwi and offered it to Mik. "Yah, ah sayah!"Taking a breath, Levi waited until Mik had made his choice about the kiwi before hollering. "ELLE! Ahwana SHEET!!"Almost instantly, Elle poked her head out the door with a rather incredulous look. "You want to WHAT?""Sheet. Ah sayah." Pointing to the rowboat, Levi furrowed his brows. What was the problem. Elle chuckled, shaking her head. Tucking her long bangs behind her ear, she nodded and ducked back inside. Her voice echoed distantly out. "You got it, love."Raife "I didn't bring the DVD player so we could watch Bambi." Raife snapped testily. Then sighed. "Oh god..I'm sorry.." She pressed her head back on the table. "Not you...you're trying to help. You don't deserve that. I'm really sorry..." She reached out in apology for Aki's hand, the other hand flipping through her materials for the DVD she'd copied of the tape and the neat little DVD player with attached screen. "I usually..do use this to watch Disney movies. The boys..." She sighed again and handed both of them to Aki. Mikhael giggled, hard enough that noise escaped. Gratingly grinding crumbly giggles that barely sounded like giggles at all, when Levi munched on his fingers. They curled reflexively and he opened his mouth, chomping down on the kiwi and making a funny face. That was a strange tasting fruit! But it was good...he thought. The jury was perhaps still out on that one. He looked up attentively as Levi called for Elle. What was up now? Was he calling that woman back? Aki Aki laughed, a hint of wrinkles forming at the corners of her eyes. Shaking her head, she offered Raife a genuinely unoffended smile. "You know, it should have been obvious, but I don't have a dvd player in my house. Nic was the only technologically inclined one among the bunch, and she...well..." Aki motioned vaguely, shrugging in vague uncertainly. Who knew where Nic was. With Raife's help, she started the footage...drawing the curtains shut a bit more. Raife would be able to see the waitress approach, hopefully, but the screen was for their eyes alone. Leaning forward, Aki waited for it to load. Elle returned with her arms full, smiling to see Levi chewing happily on Mik's fingers. For all his flippant spirit, Levi certainly had a sense of camaraderie around him. He was good with his younger sister as well, the lad had a charm that none could deny. "Here you are! Two sheets, some string, a couple of sticks. Unless I misunderstood, that should be all you need!"She set everything down in a tidy pile, all except the scissors. "Levi...you remember the rules for your knife? The same apply to these. Mik, these are sharp, honey...would you leave these to Levi? Don't touch, please." To reaffirm her message, Elle set them gently on the ground and pushed them to the opposite side of Levi....farthest away from Mik. She had a tiny smile upon her lips as she nodded, almost to say 'is this okay?' Levi nodded automatically, ignoring the scissors and reaching instead for the sheet. Handing one corner to Mik, he began to scoot back to create tension in the cloth. "Hanku, Elle!" Tippoing his head towards the girl as he smiled, eyes still on Mik, Levi indicated that Mik should smile or say thank you as well. After all, a happy girl meant a happy boy! Aside from the weird little lemonade boy, Levi was the only male in the house...so he knew that lesson well. Raife Raife watched the DVD player expectantly, to make sure it worked, then paled when the familiar video started to play. The child on the table, screaming and kicking, and Spencer with the scalpel, pinning down the child's wings with one hand..and...she had to look away. She could still hear the quiet screams of the child even though the player's volume was turned down low, and it turned her stomach. She took another long pull from one of the drinks on the table. Mik looked at Levi, then at Elle. He understood the commands. He'd heard them before. He wasn't any stranger to craft projects. He was never allowed to touch the pointiest of objects. He didn't really care. He liked things that were fluffy. But he wasn't enjoying being told what to do, particularly, by this girl he didn't quite trust. Levi's mere presence seemed to inspire a higher sense of mutiny in him, and he made a bit of a sulky face before turning and pressing his face into the cloth. Aki] Aki watched for several long minutes...eyes growing steadily wider. She knew the story, Raife had told her of the mutilation, but...seeing it...
Turning her head, Aki put one hand over her mouth as the alcohol rose sharply. Breathing through her nose, tears forming in the corners of her eyes, she shook her head sharply in silent defeat. She couldn't watch any more.
Waiting until her bile had settled, Aki lowered her hand and took a deep breath...waiting for Raife to close the screen. Her heart was full of fire and pain, she could only breathe the words she wanted to hiss. "He's got to be stopped. Raife, this is..."
Sadness descended over Elle's features. She'd tried to be as fair and adult as she could be, driving all hint of condescending 'baby' tone from her voice. Apparently, Mik was harder to win than that. Levi didn't think twice...raising one hand, he motioned Elle away like one would a hovering butler. With a shake of her head, she rose.
Once she'd vanished, Levi tapped Mik's farthest shoulder...hoping the lad would fall for the age old trick. No time for being sullen, they had a sail to design![/quote]
[quote="Raife Mik did fall for the trick, his head jerking around startledly, his eyes wide, his mouth parting, about to open into a silent scream. Seeing no one, he stopped after he drew in the breath, and looked around puzzledly. Suddenly his eyes widened more. What if he couldn't see what had poked him? He pushed as close as he could to Levi, huddling, unaware that he was cuddling up to the perpetrator, the sheet fisted tightly in his hands. Raife just kept her head wearily rested on the table. "There're more tapes. I haven't seen them...so I didn't record them over for you. I don't know what they're of. I'm not sure I have the strength to know. I have to raise this child...and...I don't know what to do..." "From what I know..." Raife spoke carefully, "This man...has several..very powerful groups after him, and he's managed to elude them all. What are we supposed to do?" She sharply pushed everything away. "I don't want to think about it." She peered out just as the waitress brought food to the table. "Excuse me...ma'am...can you get me something hard to drink?" Aki Shaking his head, Levi chuckled.....dropping his hand to comfort Mik. Tugging the sheet up, he pulled it over both of them...creating a bright white world for just the two boys. The peak of the tent flattened against Levi's head, pushing his headscarf down over one eye as he grinned. "Ah bettur?"Aki held up two fingers as the waitress nodded and sauntered off. Sighing, she picked a pine nut from the top of a bowl of spinach salad...munching it as her gaze wandered back to the pile of evidence. "I don't know. We'll think of something." Shoving a plate of fancy shishkabobs towards Raife, Aki poked at her salad absently. She wasn't hungry, and didn't know what to say. Made either option a bit daunting. "I think...the first thing you should do...is make sure you and Mik are safe. Move, or get some protection. Something." Raife Mikhael looked around at the whiteness with a blink and owlish eyes, then looked up at Levi, all thoughts of crying promptly gone. He loved blanket forts! They were a common occurance at home. He was quite used to stepping into a world of blankets, and surely he'd be protected inside them! He snuggled up quietly on Levi's lap, running his little hands across the smooth blanket. "Eiy." He made a small word-like noise and smiled slightly. Raife picked up a big one and crammed the end in her mouth. "Ehm 'afer 'if eh 'oys inna 'ouse 'an I 'oulde an'ere else if 'Ik." She mumbled, mouth full of a big bite of steak. She sighed swallowed and scooted closer to Aki in the booth. "Here, this is a little more cheerful. I brought pictures I took of Mik's first steps the other day." Aki Nodding happily, fox eyed once again as Mik relaxed, Levi leaned forward to reach under the sheet. He pulled back the other materials in a tangle...separating out two sticks from the string. Hmm. Handing one to Mik, the young pirate contemplated the materials at hand. How exactly did one make a sail? "Hummmm....""He's walking?!" Leaning towards the pictures, Aki beamed with pride. He was so young and little, it was amazing something so wee could walk!! "He's...amazing." Her eyes lifted to Raife's...jumping a little as the waitress appeared with the drinks. "Thanks." Raife Mik looked up at Levi quizzically, not quite getting the gist of what Levi was quite setting out to do yet. He pulled the blanket off and laid it on the ground, nesting on it, snuggling in a bundle and reaching for a stick, drawing circles on the blanket with it. Maybe this was what he meant to do for craft time? Raife reached for the drink, and took another long pull, ending it with a long series of hacking coughs, her cheeks flushing pink with exertion. "Well...he's..a little behind, actually. Growthwise, he's almost at a year and a half...most babies start walking around a year...but, I suppose, with the trauma, he's doing just fine." She leant on one arm, propping herself up a little. "He tries to talk now too. Has trouble. Seems to hurt him, but he makes some sounds." Aki Unfortunately, he had few answers for the babe. He didn't know how to make a sail! Instead, he tried his best to tie a good corner of the sheet to the top of one of the sticks...wrapping it over and over with twine. Tucking the ends awkwardly, Levi frowned. He couldn't even tie a proper knot!! Taking a peek at Mik's work, Levi's frown disappeared. What was he drawing? Maybe he was pretending that he was stirring! Sheet wrapped stick still in one hand, he pointed towards the garden by the pond. "Ahna sim?"Talking seemed to...hurt? "Want to take him to see a doctor? Or...someone to help with his speech? I'd be happy to cover it." Money couldn't buy happiness, but it was surprising what it did buy. Aki had more than she knew what to do with...helping Mik seemed like a damn good cause. Raife "It's not so much an issue of money...I have plenty of that...it's more getting ahold of Alexi, the muse doctor. We tried a regular doctor...he practically turned the office on end. He's strong and wild when he's upset. After seeing that video...do you blame him? Alexi has a more..sensitive touch, and he's a good friend of Trance's." We'll be going to see him as soon as I can get everything together. Travelling with a small child is difficult. Mik stretched his arms up towards Levi. Wherever the pirate was going, well, he wanted to go along! He wondered if they were going to do something with the blanket and the water where Levi pointed. Aki Turning his back to Mik, Levi crouched...tapping his shoulder in summons. "Hup!" He waited for Mik to wrap his arms around his neck and traced the course of the stream with his eyes. There, around the edge of the pond, the old stone bridge spanned the twining stream. It would be easy to give Mik a piggy back down the hill! "Alexi." Aki listened, brows still knitted with worry. Lifting her drink from the table, the stirred it slowly as she dwelled. "Do you think Alexi can....help? If he can't, what will Mik...?" Trailing off, Aki paused to take a long sip. She didn't need to add to Raife's worries...no doubt, the woman had already pondered 'what if'. Sighing, she pushed the glass back across the table and poked at her food. Raife Mik looked at Levi's back dubiously, for a moment. The boy was a lot smaller than Raife, but...well, he could carry him the other way! He precariously swung up onto the pirate's back, latching on like a baby monkey. It was a testament to how much he trusted the boy. His head dropped and leant against Levi's back, nestling in a bit. Raife crossed her arms on the table and sighed. "Well, it's not like he's dying. I guess we'll just make do. Except for..missing his voice, he's a normal, healthy human boy. We all get along fine without wings." Aki Hitching the lad a bit higher, absently proud he was strong enough to carry his friend, Levi patted with one hand to see if the wings were open. Waiting for Mik to hold on tight, Levi leaned forward....and took off at a gallop across the lawn. "Whooooosh!" Zigging and zagging as though he were banking with the wind, Levi zoomed them both down to the water. Giving one last spin before letting Mik slide to the grass, Levi ambled to a stop. Swaying a bit with fading dizziness, he grinned and motioned to the moss covered bridge. Waterflowers bloomed along the bank, disappearing into the cool shadows. "Wanna?""I...understand." Finally taking a bite, Aki settled her fork down and sighed again. "But...it's....ugh. I guess it's the thought of that monster....still out there. Mik still in danger. I'm glad you're so strong...he needs you." The drinks were beginning to catch up with her...Aki made herself take another bite. Raife Mikhael screeched as Levi took off across the lawn, first in terror, then in little boy delight. His hands gripped even tighter onto Levi's neck, practically cutting off the other boy's air. When the pirate finally stopped, Mikhael tumbled to the grass, burbling and wiggling delightedly, his eyes light with delight. At Levi's question, he pushed himself back up to standing, slowly, painstakingly, and looked over at the bridge. Hmmm...new adventure! He was a bit scared of what might be underneath in those shadows however, and, even as he started to walk towards the bridge, stayed close to Levi. "Mmmh. I'm not particularly strong. Just getting resigned I guess." She laughed a bit, bitterly. "That sounds horrible." Aki Reaching down blindly for Mik's hand, Levi strolled forward....still a bit dizzy. The bridge loomed surprisingly high above them. It had seemed so much smaller from the house. Toes squishing in the waterlogged moss, Levi gazed up at the underside of the stone arch in wonder. "Hey! Kinna cave!"Levi nodded, eyes narrowing in speculation. Caves were good...they usually had skeletons or treasure!! "See any?"Smiling with almost the same bittersweet glance, Aki shook her head. The years had a way of wearing on you. "No. I understand. Things will be fine, I know they will, but..." Her gaze flicked to the door, worry for the boys rising. If it was this hard for her, how hard must it have been for Raife to leave him behind? "I'm glad we found a night to go out, and...thank you for showing me." Raife Raife nodded absently, kicking her feet against the table leg. "Mmh. There are more of these...videos. That I haven't watched. I didn't bring them though because I didn't want you to have to watch something that I didn't know what it was." Mikhael latched a bit tighter to Levi, but he wasn't really as scared as he could have been for a boy his age. He'd practically grown up in a small dark place. And Levi was here. What could go wrong? He mumbled something incomprehensible and, still firmly gripping Levi's hand, started forward, with wide, wobbly steps, full of bravado, towards the cave. Aki Nodding enthusiastically, Levi gripped Mik's hand all the tighter and wandered in as well...ducking reflexively though the bottom of the bridge was far above his head. Light poured in from either side, giving a strange side illumination that the boys had rarely seen. Little frogs shifted at the waters edge, the glow catching upon their wet skin like the shine of a coin. Levi's eyes went wide. "Look! Oooh..." They could catch them and be rich! Letting go of Mik's hand, Levi crept forward....stealing a backwards glance towards his friend. Mik could catch them too! Aki nodded, not eager to see the other films. Finishing her plate in three quick bites, she pushed it to the edge of the curtained table. She'd rather lost her interest in food. "I understand. It's been enough for one day, anyway. What do you say we get out of here, and go for a walk to clear our heads?" They'd both had enough to drink, and enough heartache. Raife "Sure.Sounds good." Raife pushed up from the table, not bothering another sip of her drink, and paused, to catch her balance. "I can't express how much this helped. Thanks." She wobbled a bit up to standing and shifted from one foot to another as if testing them, as she pushed aside the curtain, and bent down to scoop up her accessories. Mik crouched next to Levi, and watched nature's show, his own eyes widening comically. Everything was so shiny and pretty! This place must have been magic. His little fingers reached towards the water, sending the tadpoles scattering away from him. He startled back and then furrowed his brow a bit. Where was it going? Aki It was going right for Levi's hand, apparently! The pirate lunged for a frog, and totally missed...getting a sloppy handful of mud instead as the amphibian hopped into deeper water with a plunk. Opening his fingers, Levi peered at the mass of tadpoles and goo. Thrusting his arm into the trickle of stream that fed the pond, he washed the mud away and presented clean tadpoles to his young friend. "Eh?""Levi?" Elle's voice rang across the yard, calm and curious. She wasn't concerned, though the boys had slipped out of view...she felt no panic or worry when she searched for Levi's mind. Only a surge of satisfaction. Still, it was good to keep tabs. "Where I can see you, please." Elle wasn't the only one curious about the boys. Aki wondered if they could possibly be safe...with no one but a barefoot pacifist watching over them. She trusted Elle, but Elle didn't know about Mik's situation. "Would you two like to stay the night?" Aki left a twenty on the table and grabbed her purse. She paused at the bar, reminding them to put the drinks and meal on Nic's tab. Waving goodnight, she held the door open for Raife. "We can get a cab, I'm sure we'll pass one. What do you say?" Raife "Ooh!!" Mik let out a very delighted noise. So delighted that it was loud and clear, unlike most of the noises the boy made. Levi'd caught the shinies! He stuck eager fingers into Levi's hand, feeling the little tadpoles squirm around his fingers and try to get away in vain. His mouth opened slack in awe and amusement. After a moment, however, when he seemed to be done with his explorations, he grabbed Levi's wrist and gently guided his hand and the tadpoles back into the water. Part of him was very aware that something had been trapped. And he didn't like trapped. Raife smiled a bit, tentatively. "Can we watch B movies with the boys and eat lots of popcorn drenched in butter?" Aki He could hear Elle calling, but didn't seem as though he was in a rush to answer. Levi's brows furrowed as Mik guided his hands back to the water. Was he done playing? Instead of dumping them back in, Levi smiled and wiggled his hands back between Mik's. If he was such a tidy baby, he'd probably enjoy putting them back himself! Letting the entire mess of tadpoles fill Mik's hands, Levi washed the remaining few from his palms in the murky disturbed water. "Goh! Home fer us, home fer 'em."Letting the door swing closed, Aki took Raife's arm...guiding her down the sidewalk as they leaned in a bit for warmth or support. "Sure, I've got a TON of crap to watch. You're on your own with the butter tub though...I like bon bons with my flicks!" The lights had flickered on overhead before they'd arrived, and the street was lit with an uneasy florescent glow. Taking a breath to clear her head, Aki turned about until she found the car. "We'll lock the stuff in the trunk, it'll be fine till morning. Come on!" Raife Mik lowered the tadpoles gently, letting them swim from his hands and letting the mud mess dissipate. He waved to them as they swam away before straightening up and grabbing onto Levi's pantleg. "Mmh." He beamed up at Levi. A job well done! Raife yawned hugely and tucked the equipment and tapes into the trunk. "Alright. Sounds good." She made a bit of a funny face. "I can afford another DVD player if it gets stolen anyway. I'm rich." She giggled unsteadily. "Besides. Who's going to steal from a thief? They're...stupid." Aki Grinning down at Mik in return, Levi nodded. Not a bad adventure at all! Offering his wet hand, he helped keep Mik upright in the mud and wandered back out into the sun. Blinking in the bright light, he squinted at Elle's silhouette in the doorway. It wouldn't be light for much longer, it seemed...the sun was sinking toward the horizon. Grumbling, Levi squinted at her more. He knew what that meant! "Buhtime." He didn't sound thrilled, but at least he'd get settled in with Mik! That wouldn't be so bad! Elle stepped aside, making room for them to toddle in if they chose. Slamming the trunk, Aki giggled at Raife's comments. "It seems like cheating sometimes, doesn't it? Being rich? Too bad you can't really BUY anything important." Sighing at the thoughts of safety and love, Aki picked the best lit direction and started out that way...still arm in arm with Raife last she checked. She knew the car would be fine, she used to rent the apartment right above this night club! "What do you say we enroll the boys in a self defense class together? Martial arts, or something? Kyah!" She lashed at the darkness, hand stiffened for a chop. Raife Mik toddled up to the door with Levi, then, looking distrustfully up at Elle, ran past her so as if to get away from her as soon as possible. He tumbled down over his unsteady legs and landed on his butt with a surprised plop. Okay, so he wasn't quite set up for running yet. He settled on his butt and waited patiently for Levi. Raife giggled. "I could buy a male prostitute if I wanted." She hiccuped a bit. "That could be pretty important. I'm not sure. And it IS cheating. Being rich like me." She giggled a bit more under her breath and leant on Aki's arm, with a hissing whisper. "I stole things. And I'm drunk." Aki Levi offered Elle a saucy wink as he passed, not bothering to watch as she blushed and rolled her eyes. Pausuing to scoop up Mik, Levi toddled towards the bathroom and deposited his friend on the closed toilet lid. "Brush'em? Gott'em?" He leaned forward to squint into Mik's mouth, opening his own in demonstration. Were there teeth to brush? He thought so. Elle had Levi's toothbrush ready for him, sitting upon the edge of the sink. "There is a new toothbrush in the drawer for Mik, Levi! Make it for him if he wants it?" Aki laughed at Raife's admission, shaking her head in amusement and abruptly regretting it as the street started to swing. "That's not so bad. It's ALL stealing, depending on how you look at it. Life's never fair." Pausing to kick a good sized pebble, Aki winced as it plinked off a mail box. "Never!" Poor little Mik! She'd forgotten what they were talking about, filled with worry for the young lad. Raife Mik beamed and opened his mouth wiiiideeely, revealing most of a set of kitten teeth, tiny, yet functional. He had all of them except that last couple! He leant forward and made chomping motions at Levi's face with a beaming smile. He knew teethbrushing! He'd been taught! Sort of. It was mostly playtime yet. The toothbrush and paste would go all over the place before he finished, like some sort of slimefight. Raife beamed. "Yeah, I know. I never win the lottery." Aki Levi disregarded Elle's advice, running his already made toothbrush under the water and popping that into Mik's mouth snapping instead...grinning at his friend's exuberance. It was kid sized, so he didn't think twice. Scrubbing it about gently, like Aki had shown him how to do for Nisha, Levi offered the handle to Mik. He had his own toothbrush to make! Elle watched from the doorway for a moment, out of sight of Mik. It still saddened her to see Mik flinch form her, but she understood the stage he was going through. Someday, he'd accept her! Or so she hoped. Aki nodded, squinting as a car passed them, and tugged on Raife's arm. "Me either! But sometimes I tell people I did. Just because it's easier than explaining about the gems and, you know." Waving one hand vaguely, Aki wondered if Raife did indeed 'know.' As a second set of headlights came up behind them, Aki glanced to the side...surprised to see a cab trundling to a stop. She hadn't been waving at him, just waving in general, but...well, whatever! "Shall we?" Raife Mik tried brushing a little. His strokes were a little crooked, but fairly functional...well, until he started gnawing on the toothbrush with a happy noise. He liked that mintyfresh taste! His eyes darted to glance up at Elle suspiciously, watching her with a curious and slightly accusing observation. Why was she still here? Couldn't she see that he and levi were just fine? He didn't really know what he had against her anymore. He wasn't really scared of her, nor was he a contemptuous child, but something about her...reminded him of Spencer. Raife goggled. "Whoa. We MUST be rich. Cabs stop just for us." She slid into the back seat of the cab. Aki Elle stayed long enough to make sure Levi got the other toothbrush out of the package right...not bothering to mention that Mik was using the wrong one. Giving the boys another smile, despite Mik's glare, she drifted to the bedroom. "Jammies are in here! Raife and Aki will be home in a few hours I bet, after you're both asleep!" Levi popped his toothbrush into his mouth, chewing on it in imitation of Mik. He didn't respond to Elle, letting the info roll in one ear and out the other. Instead, he continued to chew on the toothbrush and ducked quietly under the sink...coming up again once more with a tube of pink lipstick in his hand. He'd stashed it a few weeks ago, and let it sit to see if Aki ever mentioned it. Looked like she hadn't noticed! Standing on his tip toes, Levi drew little waves all along the bottom of the mirror...adding a great big ship on top of them. Still silent and grinning, he motioned to Mik...opening the door of the medicine cabinet and swinging it towards the babe so he could take a peek. It looked like both of their faces were on the ship's outline, in the water! Laughing as she slid in as well, Aki gave vague directions to the Villa. "Drive towards the ocean, but not IN the ocean, and I'm the house at the top of the hill. Gravel hill. You know what street I mean!" Apparently, he did...the cab pulled away from the curb and Aki's stomach lurched with it. "Woo! Who's idea was this again?" Raife Mikhael giggled with a rollicking fully body baby laugh at the pictures on the mirror. And they were pink! He reached out, having to stand up to touch his fingers to the lipstick smears, tracing the lines with pleasure and turning his fingers pink. With a huge yawn, he smiled and chattered incomprehensibly. Aki Grinning fox eyed at Mik, Levi offered him a towel for his fingers and spit into the sink. He let the water run, filling up his little cup, and wrapping one arm around Mik's side so the babe could lean forward and spit without falling. Offering him a sip, Levi waited until Mik was finished and plopped him onto the floor, galloping into the bedroom. "Come mah!"Elle popped into the bathroom long enough to shut off the sink and wipe up the mess that had splattered everywhere. The picture on the mirror, however, brought a smile to her face. She left it, smeary baby prints and all, to show Aki in the morning. "Are we all ready?" Elle was impressed! Both boys were in pajama bottoms, but Levi didn't really know how to untangle the straps of the wings. Instead, he left them and hopped into the hammock...waiting for help in lifting Mik up as well. Elle held out her arms and raised a brow at Mik. "Ready to go up? I'll give you a quick lift, then let you boys get to sleep. Okay?" Aki rocked against Raife as the cab zoomed around a turn, smiling as though she'd just been told a joke, but totally unable to remember what it was. She realized she was a bit sleepy, and tried to wake up a bit before they arrived. After all, they had movies to watch! "Doing okay?" Raife Crap. If the baby'd known how to swear, he would have. He needed those wings off, and he couldn't do it himself, and Levi'd just made a tangled mess. He'd have to rely on the lady. He looked at her pointedly, as if to say "Look. I don't trust you, I don't even want you to see this but I need these off, if you'd please," and turned around, making a clawing motion with his hands to demonstrate what he wanted her to do before she put him in. Raife beamed. "YEAH, I FOUND THREE PENNIES ON THE FLOOR." She pointed them out. They were still on the floor, and her voice was a little too loud for inside a cab. She beamed goodnaturedly and pressed her face to the window. "We there yet?" Aki Elle watched Mik for a moment, picking up his general frustration with no effort on her part. Giving the babe an understanding nod, she sank to her knees and worked gently at untangling the straps. "There, is that better? These are beautiful! I'll hang them right here for you.." She dangled them from the edge of the dresser and lifted Mik just as gently. "And put you in the hammock! Levi, I'm putting the pad underneath in case anyone tumbles out, okay?" Levi nodded, too busy scooting back to make room for Mik to answer. He'd never shared his hammock with anyone before, it was hard with two people in it. They kept tumbling together! Laughing as he got a mouthful of Mik's hair, Levi finally wrestled him to one side and puckered up for a kiss from Elle. He got just what he wanted, and the lights dimmed as she left the room. "Not sleepy...""Try anyway, or tell Mik a story!" Levi grinned. That was an excellent idea! Settling down, curled up with his friend, Levi began to babble about every adventure story he'd ever heard....running them together into one long string of adjectives and broken english. A fine story to end a fine day! Aki giggled again at Raife's observation. For some reason, it was very amusing that she hadn't picked the pennies up. "Almost there, almost there...see the lights? That's Meli's room!" Soon enough, the taxi was crunching into the driveway, and Aki was fluttering far too many bills towards the front seat. Tugging Raife out, or leaning on Raife, one of the two...Aki found herself standing on the driveway and doing one last check of the back seat. All intact, nothing forgotten....except the pennies! Laughing, she waved the cab driver off and turned towards the house. "Well, it's been quite an evening! Looks like the boys are in bed already, isn't that nice? Well, Raife...here we go!" And there they went. <3
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Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:36 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 12:40 pm
More than meets the eye...
Raising up onto his tip toes, Levi chewed his lip absently....staring into the tower room with wide and shining eyes. Melisande was brushing her hair, singing quietly to herself. Her shoulders were bare, painted with the colors of the sunset.
Sighing silently, resting his head to the side against the door frame, Levi looked from the coil of crimson ribbon to the glow of the hidden rune. She was so...pretty! Hair shading his dancing blue eyes, Levi's grin spread wide and wistful. Her hair was the perfect color of gold, which was by far his favori-
"LEVI!"
The young pirate nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around into a crouch at the sharp whisper. Elle was at the base of the stairs, one hand on the sconce...eyes blazing with indignation. Motioning with one firm gesture, she pointed down the stairs and towards the kitchen.
Despair washing over him, Levi opened his mouth to protest...snapping it closed at a warning growl from Elle. Risking one last glance, he nearly froze in his steps as Melisande turned...curves silhouetted perfectly against the brilliant orange sky. Sighing again, he shook his head in regret and slogged down the stairs.
A few moments later, he found himself at the table with Elle...watching her back glumly as she lifted the kettle on the heat. Slumped in his chair, wishing he was still up in the tower watching Melisande brush her hair, Levi finally glanced up as Elle set two steaming tea cups on the table.
"Trouble, eh?"
"Trouble? More like an impromptu lesson. Levi..." Taking a moment to sort her thoughts, Elle cradled the warm cup with both hands...pausing to blow a curl of steam from the surface. "What you were doing is not a respectful thing to do! You-"
"Wha?! I lookit you! Yer lubly!"
Brows furrowing a bit as she was interrupted, Elle's concerned features finally melted into a wry smile. "I know, and I told you I didn't have a problem with that...but I can't speak for Pasha. Levi, you have to understand, she's a child."
Unconcerned, Levi took a sip of his tea...shrugging as he gulped it down and gasped out steam. "Yah? Me too!"
Once again, Elle's brows drew together. Levi was trying to frustrate her, she damn well knew it. His flippant attitude was charming, as long as it was directed elsewhere. "Levi, she's innocent! Do you understand what I mean? It's nice that you admire how pretty she is, but that doesn't mean you're allowed to sneak around and peek at her! It's disrespectful! Wait until she's learned about the world, and then she'll let you know how she feels on her own. The first time she catches you, at least. So, are we clear?"
Finishing his tea in one more pull, setting it down with a clatter, Levi pushed away from the table and shook his head. The braid he'd worked into the side of his hair whapped against his cheek, dark locks shading his eyes at the gesture. "Nope. S'okay though! No worries, eh?"
Elle raised a brow, obviously a little miffed at being blatantly disregarded. Then again, a pirate was a pirate...and logic was rarely the way to get through to one. "Fine. You know, I kind of guessed that would be the answer. I guess if it's NOT okay, you'd know, hmm?"
Pausing, one hand on the kitchen doorway, Levi turned back with both brows lifted in surprise. Nodding happily, he offered Elle a twinkling grin. So, she understood after all! "Yup! I...hey. HEY."
Though his eyes got steadily wider, the room was growing blurry...light fading gently into a warm wash of pure color as Elle's blend took effect. Hands outstretched, Levi staggered back towards Elle...mouth hanging open in shock. "Ah...canna see! Ah BIND!"
Pulling an entirely different tea blend from her cup, Elle set it on the saucer with a small smile and took another sip of her own tea. "You're not blind...if you were blind, all you'd see would be darkness. Guess it's not okay after all, eh?" Using his favorite inflection, Elle rose out of her seat gracefully as Levi wandered closer...the lad bumping into the brown blur of the table.
"Ah wanna see! 'Nuff!"
Finishing her tea, Elle stepped deftly around the bumbling young scallywag and delivered the dishes into the sink. She'd wash them later, this was too good to miss! It wasn't that she enjoyed being cruel, but... "I'm here to teach, Levi...not to condone voyerism. Something tells me this will be a valuable lesson indeed...on many levels! Enjoy. When you've learned said lesson, come find me, and I'll do what I can to get you fixed up."
Strolling past the boy, collecting breakable objects from shelves and counters as she went, Elle padded barefoot out of the kitchen. Levi, meanwhile, grumbled and cursed...bouncing slowly around the kitchen as he searched for the door. "Aww...bloody hell!"
Calling back over one shoulder, Elle put a smile in her voice. "Keep cursing like that with Melisande in the house, and the same thing that happened to your sight will happen to your tongue!"
Suddenly, the kitchen was quiet, punctuated only by a crash as Levi found the fridge. Elle slipped through the door that lead down to the cellar, pulling it firmly shut behind her. It wouldn't do to have the lad trip, after all. A lesson was one thing, bodily harm quite another.
Finally plopping down on the kitchen floor, Levi sighed...pulling his knees up against his chest and stubbornly waiting for the tea to fade. He never heard Melisande approach...how could he? Her ribbon trailed gracefully above the stone floor.
Pausing for a moment behind the lad, she dimpled into a smile...cheeks blushing the faintest pink. She'd heard the argument between Elle and Levi, and although she appreciated the other woman's protection, it wasn't necessary. She'd know Levi was there from the moment he crept up the stairs!
Sinking downward, the glow from her rune moving across the grey stone floor in a spreading pool of luminescence, Melisande wrapped her arms gently around Levi from behind.
For a moment, he stiffened...one hand raising to feel for the face over his shoulder. As his hand touched Meli's soft curls, he relaxed with a smile...snuggling back into her gentle embrace. Ha! If only Elle could see him now!
Petting the hair away from Levi's eyes in a fashion that was either innocent or sisterly, Melisande lowered her mouth to hover beside the pirate's ear. She wasn't mad, not at all...why would people have been granted such lovely forms if they weren't meant to be seen? She loved the admiration the boy so freely offered...it warmed her to the core, and her rune grew a touch brighter.
Quiet and heartfelt, the words began to rise...not a song of her own, but one she remembered from the music box Aki often left on for her at night. Sweet tones caressed through the boy's hair, an offering far sweeter than a forbidden peek.
"Time moves a summer wind~
I can see your face again~
Was it such a tragedy
Being you ... Being me?
Smoke clears, the pictures fades~
but I stay back in yesterday~
All the strangers come and go
All of them will never know..."
Still petting the soft golden curls, Levi stared at the wash of color that surrounded him...purples and oranges, browns and pinks. From below, Elle listened as well...smiling gently as the sweet tones filtered down through the Villa. Perhaps Melisande understood more than she'd given the girl credit for.
At the very least, her compassion spoke highly. She understood very well the wish to hold someone close...and at the thought, a face rose within her mind. This was not her time, however. She was here to guide, to aid...not to indulge, despite the desires that swelled around her. Not yet, anyway. With a nod, Elle shut the vent...leaving the two to their moment. This was a lesson for them all, it seemed.
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